Ho Chi Minh City

We have been absolutely loving the last 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City, it has been a real treat to have the opportunity to stay with such a friendly and caring family.  The family has been treating us like part of their family.  

 

Random picture! I put this picture cause these girls from Signapore ask her for a photo with her!

We arrived late Wednesday night after a 32 hour day, which I think we only saw darkness for about 5 hours during the whole time, and were greeted at the airport by two of the family members holding a sign " Miss Melissa & Mr. Shaun"  it was wonderful.  I have always wanted to have someone holding a sign like that for me!   

 

Now about the family.  They live in an area where seeing a tourist is as likely as seeing a snow storm, which has been really cool.  We have had the opportunity to really see how the locals of Vietnam live.  Every morning we wake up and go to a local food stand with the family and eat a bowl of Pho ( a beef noodle soup) which is ever so delicious.  The family always try to pay, but we have caught them off guard a fews times and paid the bill.  I just can't believe how hospitable and friendly they are.  From washing ours clothes, giving us one out of the two TVs, buying us all sorts of fruits, driving us around on motorbikes ( which is crazy considering the traffic), taking Missie for a pedicure and everything else, they have truly been amazing to us. We have been trying to teach them Canadian while they have been teaching us Vietnamese, sometimes were not what you would say teaching as, but "trying" as we all have troubles.  We all simply just laugh it off  together.  We just finished having a traditional Vietnamese lunch with Sau and it was amazing!

Missie at a local SPA

 

Having lunch with Sau Hang

A few days ago we went and visited the Mekong Delta, where the great mekong river spills into the ocean.  It was  very interesting and saw how all the local fishermen live their 'river lives' as they know nothing other then life on the sea.  It was quite unique to see them carrying out all their daily functions, even squatting over the edge of the boat and depositing last nights supper!

 

Cruising the Mekong

Sampling some snake wine shots

Ok its not the Mekong, but this is a left had turn while were driving straight.  No organization just turn and hope oncoming traffic stops (serious!)

The following day we spent driving out to the Cu Chi tunnels.  They the network of underground tunnels which the Viet Con dug as another tactic of their guerialla warfare.  The tunnels begin only 40 km south of Siagon and continue for 250 km until the Cambodian boarder.  The Viet Con used the tunnels to formulate surprise attacks against the Americans.  They lived, ate, slept, fixed weapons and could even go see a doctor in the tunnels which had three different levels.  The deepest level going 8 meters underground.  All and all the Cu Chi tunnels and the war museum were extremely interesting as it gave us a greater understanding of the Vietnam War and how intense the fighting was.  You really get a sense of how real the war was and through the first hand experiences these Vietnamese people were faced with.  As we walk through the war museum we could not believe all the pictures and atifacts of the people who were affected by the Napalm chemicals that were used.

Demonstration of the Viet Con entering a tunnel.

Example of the war crimes

We have also have had a chance to see the night markets, city hall and the beautiful churches that were built during the french days in Vietnam.  Siagon is a very impressive city with great history and full of people who are greatly proud of being Vietnamese.  We had a great time in Ho Chi Minh City, really can't believe that were out here and are very very sad to be leaving these incredible family.  They treat us just as a member of their own family and it is really amazing how people can communicate with a simple smile and understand each other even though they speak different languages.

Well we better get going, were heading downtown with Uyen's aunt, and we will update soon from the town of Mui Ne!

Take Care

Shaun