Last couple of days in Saigon before we move on to Hoi An.  Went to the world famous Bitexco tower for an overview look at the city core.  It is supposed to be designed like the lotus flower, the national flower of Vietnam and a much loved symbol, revered and respected by all.  Except to me it looks like a CD rack with a tambourine jammed in it by a drunken musician.  May Ho Chi Minh forgive my irreverence. 




Ben Tranh market from on high.





Followed that up by a trip to the botanical garden and zoo.  It was Sunday and a holiday.  Every person not out riding a motorbike trying to terrify tourists was headed  there as well. We tried to enjoy the luscious greenery in the heart of the city but the idea of fighting off the crowds and elbowing our way to the plants seemed a little counterproductive.  Not exactly a relaxing time, especially in the heat and humidity,  37c and 90% humidity. 


Acres of beautiful bonsai trees

They insert kids into these giant balls and set them loose in the pond

Crowds at botanical gardens


 


The people are hilarious though.  Learning some Vietnamese has proven to be a revelation.  No tourist it seems has ever bothered to learn the language.  When I speak it they look at me like you would if a dog suddenly started speaking English.  They gape with jaw dropping stunned disbelief, then start to smile and laugh then are determined to start a conversation.  Most insist my accent is perfect and ask how long we've lived in Vietnam.  I tell them we've been here only a week and they refuse to believe it.  Yesterday the hotel manager insisted I had come as a soldier years ago to make "bang, bang" as she put it, and that I had come back to see the new Vietnam.  I tried to disabuse her of her theory but she would have none of it. 

Even with Dianne present the women want a picture with me as if this was their new white boyfriend and sitting in outdoor cafes female vendors come up and want to stroke my beard, at the zoo people insisted I hold their babies while they took pictures. I've never been so popular.  Dianne thinks its hilarious and is still chuckling over the baby incident.
my new girlfriend


Well, enough for now, we're off to Hoi An in the morning, see you there.

Comments

  1. Jake2 May 2017 at 12:14

    They think you are Mel Gibson or someone. Keep up the great photos and Dianne keep those ladies away it will go to his head. Remember horizontal videos.

    ReplyDelete

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