In 2008,
I travelled to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, exploring the unknown lands. It was fun, and I have my Thai and Vietnamese friends to be thankful for.
I travelled to Bago City (again). Familiar place, familiar faces. I attended my first ever TRY summer camp. The trip was short, but nevertheless, memorable. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, mga kaibigan. Miss na miss kita.
I took up the challenge to be part of the NUSCO's concert committee. Challenging it was, many long hours spent into producing the poster and the programme booklet. Without the help from Helen, it wouldn't be possible. And I'm proud of the final product. :)
I got head over heels with Papa Piolo. Go Papa Piolo! :D
I got a new toy, and am still excited over it. :) I should start reading up books again.
I found another new love: killer sudoku. Hail the Sudoku queen! whee~!
The BHBH1 finally got together again, after almost 4 years. The legacy shall continue.
My primary school classmates finally came together for a gathering, after a long 11 years.
I continued to hone my skills as a 'all-rounded worker'. Work has been going downhill, to be honest. I'm beginning to feel drained, am just holding on to whatever that is keeping me sane.
I didn't get to spend my Christmas in Bago City. I'm sorry to disappoint my friends.
I lost Ah Gong. He has gone to somewhere with no worries. I miss him.
Po-po left. So did Mrs Torres.
One year has passed, just like a snap of the fingers. Achievements, satisfaction, happiness, sadness, disappointments, regrets. This is just part of life. Cherish the beautiful moments, discard the bad feelings, learn from mistakes, and look forward to the future.
2009, is coming fast. VERY SOON, VERY FAST.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Filipino-less Christmas
Christmas is just 3 days away, but I'm forever lamenting, why am I still here, why am I not in Philippines right now???
When I was young, Christmas was just like any other holiday, only slightly different because there were the Christmas lightings to look forward to, and if my parents were in good mood, we got to choose the "toys" we wanted.
As we grow older, as the Christmas lightings along Orchard Road become boring, Christmas was just a day to spend watching Christmas movies on TV at home.
It was until I got to spend my first Christmas in Philippines, then it got a special meaning to it.
The angel made of coconuts and bamboo. The Filipino way.
The Philippines is a Catholic country, and Christmas is a very much celebrated affair there. It is not like any other Christmas, because there's a distinct Filipino culture to it. The Filipino Christmas songs are enough to make it different.
Most of the Filipinos are not rich. You will be amazed at how creative they are, and how festive they can get, despite having limited money and resources to spend on. Yup, no turkeys there.
Simple spagetti and buns for the Christmas parties for children
The very first time I attended a Christmas mass in Bago City, I was just overwhelmed. The whole coliseum was filled with people, and the music were echoing across the whole coliseum. I've never seen so many people gathering for a mass before.
The whole city celebrates Christmas together
But of course, Christmas is the season for giving. For the past few Christmas, I've been going to schools to join in the Christmas parties organised for them, and giving out presents to them. It is very heartening to see the children smile because their Christmas had just got better. :)
And I miss the times when all my dearest friends were with me spreading the joy. We all had so much fun together. Unforgettable memories indeed.
JP with his black "Santa's bag"
Sad to say, I can't be there this Christmas. I'm disappointed, and my friends are disappointed too. It has been a norm, for them to see me around during December, but this year round, it would be an exception. :(
I could only watch more Filipino Christmas programmes (papa Piolo!) to make myself feel as if I'm back there.
I miss you guys!! I really really miss you guys a lot!! I want to go to the Philippines!!
When I was young, Christmas was just like any other holiday, only slightly different because there were the Christmas lightings to look forward to, and if my parents were in good mood, we got to choose the "toys" we wanted.
As we grow older, as the Christmas lightings along Orchard Road become boring, Christmas was just a day to spend watching Christmas movies on TV at home.
It was until I got to spend my first Christmas in Philippines, then it got a special meaning to it.
The angel made of coconuts and bamboo. The Filipino way.
The Philippines is a Catholic country, and Christmas is a very much celebrated affair there. It is not like any other Christmas, because there's a distinct Filipino culture to it. The Filipino Christmas songs are enough to make it different.
Most of the Filipinos are not rich. You will be amazed at how creative they are, and how festive they can get, despite having limited money and resources to spend on. Yup, no turkeys there.
Simple spagetti and buns for the Christmas parties for children
The very first time I attended a Christmas mass in Bago City, I was just overwhelmed. The whole coliseum was filled with people, and the music were echoing across the whole coliseum. I've never seen so many people gathering for a mass before.
The whole city celebrates Christmas together
But of course, Christmas is the season for giving. For the past few Christmas, I've been going to schools to join in the Christmas parties organised for them, and giving out presents to them. It is very heartening to see the children smile because their Christmas had just got better. :)
And I miss the times when all my dearest friends were with me spreading the joy. We all had so much fun together. Unforgettable memories indeed.
JP with his black "Santa's bag"
Sad to say, I can't be there this Christmas. I'm disappointed, and my friends are disappointed too. It has been a norm, for them to see me around during December, but this year round, it would be an exception. :(
I could only watch more Filipino Christmas programmes (papa Piolo!) to make myself feel as if I'm back there.
I miss you guys!! I really really miss you guys a lot!! I want to go to the Philippines!!
Friday, December 19, 2008
Day 3 in Ho Chi Minh City
On the 3rd morning in Ho Chi Minh City, we woke up with painful butts. It was another early morning, because again, we were going to travel to another place 2 hours away from the city.
Then you would ask, did I tour around the city? haha.. well, not exactly. A lot of places or significant buildings were just merely a glimpse away from the motorcycle. I did not even get to go to the Reunification Palace (which I've asterisked in my travel log cum itinerary planner).
That may be a reason valid enough to make me go back to Ho Chi Minh City again.
Anyway, yar, breakfast was slightly more filling, as we had noodles.
Don't they look nice together? =D
I hardly eat such a heavy meal for breakfast, so I couldn't finish the noodles, even though it came in the smallest bowl. I couldn't remember what it was called, but it was nice. A refreshing way to start the day. :)
So again, another 2 hours on the bike, sun-tanning and butt-hurting.
Until we finally reached Vuon Xoai (pronounced as Vuon Suai) Resort Park. With another kiss from the motorcycle's exhaust pipe. Ouch.
No, they are not selling Wacoal there. It just so happened that the company was having their family day there. What's happening to my company's staff welfare??
Highly recommended by Hai, it is a resort park that has all sorts of activities there. They even have a mini-zoo and horse wagon rides.
You can even ride an ostrich. :)
Too bad we didn't have enough time for that.
After deciding what to do, we rented bicycles and cycled around the park, and came to a large patch of grassland.
What were we going to do?
Look at the excited monkey!
Grass ski-ing!
It was fun, minus the pain factor. It was like learning how to roller-skate or ice-skate, and falling down is inevitable. I have forgotten how many times I had fallen down, and landed on my butts and knees. I just remembered that it was super painful after that, and the pain lasted for days.
It was kinda scary too, because once you lift the sticks off the ground, you would just start rolling until you reach the end of the slope, or you fall down, whichever comes first.
On average, I would fall at least once or twice before I could finally get to the end of the slope. Not bad for a beginner. =D
Monkey climbing back up the slope in the transformers' bulky shoes
I think we spent slightly more than an hour there, with half the time trying to catch our breaths when we got to rest.
After that, we decided to make our way back to the city, to have our lunch and to do some shopping. But I guessed all of us were just too exhausted, because we all kept yawning. hahah..
Well, there wasn't anything much to shop for in Vietnam. When it comes to fashion, either they are not of my taste, or the nice ones are expensive. The prices of branded items are around 1.5 times that in Singapore, I might as well have my own shopping spree back here.
Saigon Square, that looks like a mini-Chatuchak in Bangkok
Food wise, nothing in particular that I miss. I still miss more of Filipino food (Bongbong's! Chicken inasal!). Huiyan, however, went on a spree buying Vietnamese coffee and instant noodles.
The highlight of the day came when we were dining in a Japanese restaurant in Zen Plaza. It was supposed to be a nice treat for our two friends who had been bringing us around Ho Chi Minh City, but it turned out to be an unpleasant experience. Imagine, I had to call for the restaurant's manager to complain how unhappy we all were, and how bad the services were provided. Our two dear friends were just amazed at how we lashed out on the manager. haha..
Old grandma, the caretaker of the hotel
Back to the hotel, we waited for a massage session nearby. Also another once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enough said.
Caught on camera!
After the massage session, Hai, Huiyan and I went back to the hotel, and Hai wanted to have a discussion so as to work on his project on improving the school's system. I'm terribly sorry, that I fell asleep while discussing, although I said I could stay awake the whole night. haha.. getting old.
The next day, we left early for breakfast (bread-and-egg again) and then to the airport. It was indeed a very short trip (considering that my recent trips range from 5 days to a month), but every journey has its own adventure, and I must say that this trip is rewarding, in terms of experience rather than materially.
If given another opportunity, I would like to explore Vietnam again. But for now, my next destination will still be the Philippines! Mabuhay!
Then you would ask, did I tour around the city? haha.. well, not exactly. A lot of places or significant buildings were just merely a glimpse away from the motorcycle. I did not even get to go to the Reunification Palace (which I've asterisked in my travel log cum itinerary planner).
That may be a reason valid enough to make me go back to Ho Chi Minh City again.
Anyway, yar, breakfast was slightly more filling, as we had noodles.
Don't they look nice together? =D
I hardly eat such a heavy meal for breakfast, so I couldn't finish the noodles, even though it came in the smallest bowl. I couldn't remember what it was called, but it was nice. A refreshing way to start the day. :)
So again, another 2 hours on the bike, sun-tanning and butt-hurting.
Until we finally reached Vuon Xoai (pronounced as Vuon Suai) Resort Park. With another kiss from the motorcycle's exhaust pipe. Ouch.
No, they are not selling Wacoal there. It just so happened that the company was having their family day there. What's happening to my company's staff welfare??
Highly recommended by Hai, it is a resort park that has all sorts of activities there. They even have a mini-zoo and horse wagon rides.
You can even ride an ostrich. :)
Too bad we didn't have enough time for that.
After deciding what to do, we rented bicycles and cycled around the park, and came to a large patch of grassland.
What were we going to do?
Look at the excited monkey!
Grass ski-ing!
It was fun, minus the pain factor. It was like learning how to roller-skate or ice-skate, and falling down is inevitable. I have forgotten how many times I had fallen down, and landed on my butts and knees. I just remembered that it was super painful after that, and the pain lasted for days.
It was kinda scary too, because once you lift the sticks off the ground, you would just start rolling until you reach the end of the slope, or you fall down, whichever comes first.
On average, I would fall at least once or twice before I could finally get to the end of the slope. Not bad for a beginner. =D
Monkey climbing back up the slope in the transformers' bulky shoes
I think we spent slightly more than an hour there, with half the time trying to catch our breaths when we got to rest.
After that, we decided to make our way back to the city, to have our lunch and to do some shopping. But I guessed all of us were just too exhausted, because we all kept yawning. hahah..
Well, there wasn't anything much to shop for in Vietnam. When it comes to fashion, either they are not of my taste, or the nice ones are expensive. The prices of branded items are around 1.5 times that in Singapore, I might as well have my own shopping spree back here.
Saigon Square, that looks like a mini-Chatuchak in Bangkok
Food wise, nothing in particular that I miss. I still miss more of Filipino food (Bongbong's! Chicken inasal!). Huiyan, however, went on a spree buying Vietnamese coffee and instant noodles.
The highlight of the day came when we were dining in a Japanese restaurant in Zen Plaza. It was supposed to be a nice treat for our two friends who had been bringing us around Ho Chi Minh City, but it turned out to be an unpleasant experience. Imagine, I had to call for the restaurant's manager to complain how unhappy we all were, and how bad the services were provided. Our two dear friends were just amazed at how we lashed out on the manager. haha..
Old grandma, the caretaker of the hotel
Back to the hotel, we waited for a massage session nearby. Also another once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enough said.
Caught on camera!
After the massage session, Hai, Huiyan and I went back to the hotel, and Hai wanted to have a discussion so as to work on his project on improving the school's system. I'm terribly sorry, that I fell asleep while discussing, although I said I could stay awake the whole night. haha.. getting old.
The next day, we left early for breakfast (bread-and-egg again) and then to the airport. It was indeed a very short trip (considering that my recent trips range from 5 days to a month), but every journey has its own adventure, and I must say that this trip is rewarding, in terms of experience rather than materially.
If given another opportunity, I would like to explore Vietnam again. But for now, my next destination will still be the Philippines! Mabuhay!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City
Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City was slightly more adventurous. We woke up at 6am (7am in Singapore) to get ready for our adventure out to the Cu Chi tunnels. Waking up at 6am makes no difference from waking up to get ready for work, although I usually wake up later than that. haha..
The budget hotel we stayed in
It was a pleasant and quiet morning, and the weather was rather good. The old caretaker in the hotel greeted us, although I couldn't understand a single word.
A small lane with budget hotels on both sides
Seeing ladies outside the hotel with baskets of fruits for sale reminded me of Philippines. :)
We walked out to the main road to have our breakfast - the popular bread and egg meal. Vietnam was once under the French colonial rule, hence explains the choice of baguettes for breakfast.
Small stools and tables for big kids
World peace?
Yes, the bread and egg
It was rather interesting to have breakfast on the roadside, because you will see many interesting things that you won't be able to see when you are enclosed within four walls. That's what travelling should be, to experience the differences in cultures. :)
After breakfast, we went back to the General Post Office to send some postcards back to Singapore. And of course, to take some day shots of the building as well. Talking about the postcard, I have received it yesterday! :D
The General Post Office
And since the Notre Dame Cathedral is just right beside the Post Office, of course we had to take some photos as well. Somehow the sky looks very blue, a very pleasing sight. :)
Beautiful, isn't it? :)
Then we ventured on a 2-hour ride to the Cu Chi tunnels. Along the way, we had a lot of experiences with 'han sup' guys and flying helmets. And again, I miss riding the bike back in Bago City, and I don't have the problem of flying helmets (because you don't need to wear a helmet there). :)
Giao, my driver cum tour-guide
I decided to be a dare devil, by taking out my toy and start shooting while the bike went on high speed. Risky, but I like that kind of feeling. woohoo~!
When we reached the Cu Chi tunnels' site, I got a souvenir from Vietnam. A kiss from the motorcycle's exhaust pipe, which slowly puffed up into a huge blister. Painful~
The Cu Chi (pronounced as Ku Chi) tunnels' site has been turned into a war memorial park, which is divided into two parts, one being the representation of the rural village back in those days, and the other being the actual site of the underground tunnels.
We first toured the village area, that welcomed us with various bamboo traps, bomb craters and firing range.
The tour guide in the army uniform back during war days brought us around the place. We were like exploring a museum, just that everything were outdoors. Everything was a representation of the lifestyles the Vietnamese led in the past.
The Vietnamese rice paper
We even got to try making the rice paper used to wrap the Vietnamese rolls.
My rice paper got a hole!
Hai wanted to join the Vietnamese army
And milling the rice is no easy task. I swear.
The Cu Chi tunnels remain site was something that will amaze you, by its immense network of connecting underground tunnels. These tunnels were dug by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam war, and were used as hiding spots as well as living quarters during the war.
Before venturing into the tunnels, we were being shown a black-white film introducing the tunnels and the lives of the Vietnamese during the war. We were not so interested into the film, but more of the weird music that was being played.
A model of the underground tunnels
The tour guide then led us into various tunnels. All the tunnels have different uses, some being the living quarters, military conference rooms, health bunkers and many others.
The entrance of one of the tunnels
Crawling through the tunnels was tiring. Seriously exhausting. The tunnels are rather narrow and low, it's impossible to walk through them standing up straight. The tunnels are not well-lit too, so it can get completely dark at some parts of the tunnels.
At some points we had to waddle like a duck in order to get through. At one point inside the tunnels, the tour guide asked if we wanted to get out, or to continue crawling for another 50 metres or so. We chose to give up. We were so much relieved when we could get out of the tunnels.
We even got to try eating tapioca in one of the tunnels. Though I don't think it was nice. oops.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience indeed.
Giao, Huiyan, Hai
I was so exhausted that I only drank my coke for lunch. I just needed my coke.
Beside the Cu Chi tunnels' site, there's the Ben Douc Temple that was built in memory of the war matyrs who died during the war.
The interior of the temple was quite grand, with a huge statue of Ho Chi Minh and many huge structures of gold storks standing on gold turtles. Names of the war matyrs are on the walls, and go a few metres high. A pity that no photography was allowed within the temple.
It was time to travel back to the city. Another 2 hours on the bike. Ouch.
Before I got back to the hotel, it started raining. Giao had to stop the bike somewhere so that both of us could put on the poncho for 'couples'. My toy cannot afford to get wet!
This clearly indicates the main mode of transport in Vietnam
We had dinner with many of Huiyan's friends from the cultural forum she attended months ago. It was a get-together for them, while I just enjoyed wrapping my own Vietnamese rolls, and adding lots of fried onions and shallots to it. :)
Huiyan and her friends
After dinner, it was a karaoke session. I was wondering initially, why would they invite us to a karaoke session, when I suppose the songs should be in Vietnamese. Then I was told that they have Mandarin songs in there as well.
Only to find out the songs are all from the 80's and 90's. -_-""
But I guess Huiyan was the happiest person that night. Not only she got to meet up with her Vietnamese friends, she got a present from them. A personalised tee with messages on it.
At the end of the karaoke session, I did another daring decision, by requesting to roam around the city myself. I asked Hai to just drop me off somewhere near the hotel, and I would walk around myself.
I'm glad I did. :)
Wanna buy fruits?
Not only because I got to see many interesting things, it was also because that was the only time throughout my whole trip that I got to do some shopping for souvenirs. haha..
Thirsty? Take your pick!
Stories of Day 3 in Ho Chi Minh City shall continue in the next post.
The budget hotel we stayed in
It was a pleasant and quiet morning, and the weather was rather good. The old caretaker in the hotel greeted us, although I couldn't understand a single word.
A small lane with budget hotels on both sides
Seeing ladies outside the hotel with baskets of fruits for sale reminded me of Philippines. :)
We walked out to the main road to have our breakfast - the popular bread and egg meal. Vietnam was once under the French colonial rule, hence explains the choice of baguettes for breakfast.
Small stools and tables for big kids
World peace?
Yes, the bread and egg
It was rather interesting to have breakfast on the roadside, because you will see many interesting things that you won't be able to see when you are enclosed within four walls. That's what travelling should be, to experience the differences in cultures. :)
After breakfast, we went back to the General Post Office to send some postcards back to Singapore. And of course, to take some day shots of the building as well. Talking about the postcard, I have received it yesterday! :D
The General Post Office
And since the Notre Dame Cathedral is just right beside the Post Office, of course we had to take some photos as well. Somehow the sky looks very blue, a very pleasing sight. :)
Beautiful, isn't it? :)
Then we ventured on a 2-hour ride to the Cu Chi tunnels. Along the way, we had a lot of experiences with 'han sup' guys and flying helmets. And again, I miss riding the bike back in Bago City, and I don't have the problem of flying helmets (because you don't need to wear a helmet there). :)
Giao, my driver cum tour-guide
I decided to be a dare devil, by taking out my toy and start shooting while the bike went on high speed. Risky, but I like that kind of feeling. woohoo~!
When we reached the Cu Chi tunnels' site, I got a souvenir from Vietnam. A kiss from the motorcycle's exhaust pipe, which slowly puffed up into a huge blister. Painful~
The Cu Chi (pronounced as Ku Chi) tunnels' site has been turned into a war memorial park, which is divided into two parts, one being the representation of the rural village back in those days, and the other being the actual site of the underground tunnels.
We first toured the village area, that welcomed us with various bamboo traps, bomb craters and firing range.
The tour guide in the army uniform back during war days brought us around the place. We were like exploring a museum, just that everything were outdoors. Everything was a representation of the lifestyles the Vietnamese led in the past.
The Vietnamese rice paper
We even got to try making the rice paper used to wrap the Vietnamese rolls.
My rice paper got a hole!
Hai wanted to join the Vietnamese army
And milling the rice is no easy task. I swear.
The Cu Chi tunnels remain site was something that will amaze you, by its immense network of connecting underground tunnels. These tunnels were dug by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam war, and were used as hiding spots as well as living quarters during the war.
Before venturing into the tunnels, we were being shown a black-white film introducing the tunnels and the lives of the Vietnamese during the war. We were not so interested into the film, but more of the weird music that was being played.
A model of the underground tunnels
The tour guide then led us into various tunnels. All the tunnels have different uses, some being the living quarters, military conference rooms, health bunkers and many others.
The entrance of one of the tunnels
Crawling through the tunnels was tiring. Seriously exhausting. The tunnels are rather narrow and low, it's impossible to walk through them standing up straight. The tunnels are not well-lit too, so it can get completely dark at some parts of the tunnels.
At some points we had to waddle like a duck in order to get through. At one point inside the tunnels, the tour guide asked if we wanted to get out, or to continue crawling for another 50 metres or so. We chose to give up. We were so much relieved when we could get out of the tunnels.
We even got to try eating tapioca in one of the tunnels. Though I don't think it was nice. oops.
It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience indeed.
Giao, Huiyan, Hai
I was so exhausted that I only drank my coke for lunch. I just needed my coke.
Beside the Cu Chi tunnels' site, there's the Ben Douc Temple that was built in memory of the war matyrs who died during the war.
The interior of the temple was quite grand, with a huge statue of Ho Chi Minh and many huge structures of gold storks standing on gold turtles. Names of the war matyrs are on the walls, and go a few metres high. A pity that no photography was allowed within the temple.
It was time to travel back to the city. Another 2 hours on the bike. Ouch.
Before I got back to the hotel, it started raining. Giao had to stop the bike somewhere so that both of us could put on the poncho for 'couples'. My toy cannot afford to get wet!
This clearly indicates the main mode of transport in Vietnam
We had dinner with many of Huiyan's friends from the cultural forum she attended months ago. It was a get-together for them, while I just enjoyed wrapping my own Vietnamese rolls, and adding lots of fried onions and shallots to it. :)
Huiyan and her friends
After dinner, it was a karaoke session. I was wondering initially, why would they invite us to a karaoke session, when I suppose the songs should be in Vietnamese. Then I was told that they have Mandarin songs in there as well.
Only to find out the songs are all from the 80's and 90's. -_-""
But I guess Huiyan was the happiest person that night. Not only she got to meet up with her Vietnamese friends, she got a present from them. A personalised tee with messages on it.
At the end of the karaoke session, I did another daring decision, by requesting to roam around the city myself. I asked Hai to just drop me off somewhere near the hotel, and I would walk around myself.
I'm glad I did. :)
Wanna buy fruits?
Not only because I got to see many interesting things, it was also because that was the only time throughout my whole trip that I got to do some shopping for souvenirs. haha..
Thirsty? Take your pick!
Stories of Day 3 in Ho Chi Minh City shall continue in the next post.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Day 1 in Ho Chi Minh City
A new adventure, a new experience. I have never thought of exploring Vietnam, but it was just a spur of the moment, and I just went to buy the air tickets. haha..
No! It's a bird! No! It's a blue plane!
It is only 2 hours away from Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City just somehow looks like any other city (like Bangkok and Manila), only with the difference in the langauge.
No, I wasn't roaming alone. Huiyan came with me, and she had her Vietnamese friends as our tour guides. :D
Was quite amazed at the traffic there in Ho Chi Minh City. Bangkok and Manila are full of cars. Ho Chi Minh City is full of motorcycles. Even the lanes for the motorcycles are wider than those for the cars.
The motorcycle culture
By the time we got settled down at the hotel and ready to go explore the city, it was already evening time, and the day in Vietnam ends early.
We stopped by the Notre Dame Cathedral to take some photos, and bought some hand-made cards by the roadside. The sellers ended up being chased away by the local police, while I got amused by the happening. haha..
The Notre Dame Cathedral
The General Post Office is just beside the cathedral. We went in, and our 'tour guide' Kim Hai began his story-telling (which I can't remember the content).
The General Post Office
Inside the General Post Office
The General Post Office is unexpectedly big. The decor is of French colonial style, it has a different kind of grandeur. Hard to imagine that this building has been around for more than 100 years.
After that, it was time for dinner. Hai and Giao brought us to a restaurant where they serve delicacies from both North and South Vietnam.
The Vietnamese rolls are a must-try, and there are other cuisines that are worth trying. Sadly I can't remember the names of the cuisines. haha..
The day ended with a trip to the Panorama Cafe at Saigon Trade Centre. A slight disappointment though, because we looked like jailbirds within all the metal grilles. The drinks were a total disaster, and they all tasted like cough mixtures. urghh..
Looking out from the 33rd storey, at Panorama Cafe
By the time we got back to the hotel, we were already dead tired. And there was a time difference, we ended up sleeping later than usual. No more extended sleeping hours. haha..
Stories of Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City shall continue the next post. :)
No! It's a bird! No! It's a blue plane!
It is only 2 hours away from Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City just somehow looks like any other city (like Bangkok and Manila), only with the difference in the langauge.
No, I wasn't roaming alone. Huiyan came with me, and she had her Vietnamese friends as our tour guides. :D
Was quite amazed at the traffic there in Ho Chi Minh City. Bangkok and Manila are full of cars. Ho Chi Minh City is full of motorcycles. Even the lanes for the motorcycles are wider than those for the cars.
The motorcycle culture
By the time we got settled down at the hotel and ready to go explore the city, it was already evening time, and the day in Vietnam ends early.
We stopped by the Notre Dame Cathedral to take some photos, and bought some hand-made cards by the roadside. The sellers ended up being chased away by the local police, while I got amused by the happening. haha..
The Notre Dame Cathedral
The General Post Office is just beside the cathedral. We went in, and our 'tour guide' Kim Hai began his story-telling (which I can't remember the content).
The General Post Office
Inside the General Post Office
The General Post Office is unexpectedly big. The decor is of French colonial style, it has a different kind of grandeur. Hard to imagine that this building has been around for more than 100 years.
After that, it was time for dinner. Hai and Giao brought us to a restaurant where they serve delicacies from both North and South Vietnam.
The Vietnamese rolls are a must-try, and there are other cuisines that are worth trying. Sadly I can't remember the names of the cuisines. haha..
The day ended with a trip to the Panorama Cafe at Saigon Trade Centre. A slight disappointment though, because we looked like jailbirds within all the metal grilles. The drinks were a total disaster, and they all tasted like cough mixtures. urghh..
Looking out from the 33rd storey, at Panorama Cafe
By the time we got back to the hotel, we were already dead tired. And there was a time difference, we ended up sleeping later than usual. No more extended sleeping hours. haha..
Stories of Day 2 in Ho Chi Minh City shall continue the next post. :)
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