Saigon


Another flight - this time back to Saigon for the last few days of our holiday. We stayed at Xuan Loc Hotel again and now we had an idea of the areas nearby. A walk down to the river showed us many buildings and of course crossed many roads - which was at times very challenging! We came across some children having fun and a gentleman making spectacle lens in the street. No need for fancy shops here!

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The local people here just love their exercise and what better time than very early in the morning. An early walk to Cong Vien Van Hoa Park was a great experience. People of all ages were running, jogging, doing Tai Chi, dancing, swords, fan and every other kind of exercise one could think of. The grounds were just full of beautiful trees, most labelled with their names and types and scattered among them were many statues. Park benches were everywhere as well as lovely fountains. What a wonderful, peaceful place to relax. meditate or get fit.

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Not too far away was The War Remnants Museum. A place of sadness but very much respect to the outcomes of war. Many planes and relics were outside the main buildings and after exploring these we entered the main hall to look at the many exhibits. The photographs of wartime are very much part of history but the impact of the effect war has on a country is very poignant. One can't visit a place like this and not come away wondering why! More shopping at Ben Thanh Market and by this time our feet were very tired and worn so it was time to go back to the hotel and prepare for our journey home. A great holiday - albeit busy and hot but very exciting and interesting. Another destination that will warrant a return visit in the future.

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Vietnam 2008