Last day in HCMC, a tourist one as well as an exciting bike day. First the tourism.
Standard fare of the museums, historical monuments and war memorials. As Vietnam has been the object of being occupied for 1500 years much of their tourism is centered about their wars and victories. The war with America being only the last in a very very long series.
Was interesting to hear Japenese and French spoken (by tour guides) with a Vietnamese accent.
One advantage of touring museums wth a tour guide who has a degree in Tourism – Korea has a similar degree – is that both history and culture are accessible via my usual probing.
The pagoda we visited, picture of one corner included, was incense and smoke, from Joss sticks, filled. Very East Asian Buddest. Matayana not Vipasana..
Lunch was a Pho 24 a new chain of high end Pho shops. The guide, Tong, said it was better than the Pho his mother made. I thought it was excellent and had perfect Cha Gio; ordered for the table. Picture included.
Last photo is one after the bike was assembled and we got on our way riding in Saigon. If walking is as thrill filled as I mentioned yesterday, and it certainly is, then biking is an adrenaline rush if there ever is one. Loved it as was sorry to stop riding.
Early evening massage and then off to dinner.
Probably the best Viet dinner I have ever had. Haute cuisine At La Taverne. Two soups, 4 seafood dishes and fruit. Incredible soft shell crabs and a rice fabric that I have not seen before.
A walk back via the market capped the evening.
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