Slum Dong Millionaires

Hoi An is the cultural center of Vietnam.  A world heritage site it features old world architecture and riverside settings, an incredible mixture of Japanese, Chinese, European and Vietnamese influences all blended into a delightful legacy of old world grace and history.  Tottering Japanese merchant houses, Chinese temples, ancient tea warehouse and French colonial buildings have been preserved and converted to stylish restaurants, wine bars, 200 tailor shops, markets and artisan studios to make an incredibly alive and welcoming city.  It is so relaxed the cultural and social differences really did not occur to me but the rooster living outside our hotel window was a wakeup call. old wooden boats act much like gondolas and ply their way along the many rivers and canals centuries old covered Japanese bridge is still in use today vistas in the old town old wooden buildings like this tea warehouse dot the old city small samp...

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.  Ac...

The title is appropriate for several reasons.  First of all the Vietnamese currency is called the Dong and at 24000 to the US dollar we have finally become millionaires.  Something we always aspired to be but could never summon the dedication to produce.  We liked adventure too much and every time  we accumulated a little filthy lucre we would get the travel bug and haul our children off on another excursion. Now into retirement we can live the good life as long as we stick to travelling on the cheap.  Might sound like hardship to some but we much prefer a hostel or back alley hotel to a Hyatt, Hilton, or Marriott where you dress for dinner and make such a big effort to avoid any eye contact with your neighbors. Not for us! So we are safely ensconced in the Eden Garden Hotel in Saigon HCMC Vietnam.  At breakfast we started a conversation with a young couple from Poland, we were soon joined by an Italian who is married to a Vietnamese woman...