South Vietnam (Part I)

Am back from my Viet trip and am already missing the following…

Ooo…yummy
French bread, banh mi thit (Vietnamese sandwich), pho…I had them for almost everyday. No kidding. So that explains the extra pounds I put on from this trip. Haa…

Between north and south Viet food, I think I prefer the south. More varieties to satisfy me, the food lover. Probably also because the south Vietnam cuisine is more Chinese-influenced. North Viet food tends to be salty while South Viet food tends toward the sweeter end.

Traffic madness
The ever-challenging traffic, with its rule-bending motorists as well as pedestrians and constant horning…it’s crazier than in Hanoi despite its wider roads and slightly more developed infrastructure. Then again, I would say it’s organized chaos. There’s this unwritten rule of pedestrian and motorists having equal rights on the road. Cool – I like!

Mind-reading
Am impressed with most service staff (not referring to those vendors who try to fleece tourists)…they are really attentive and observant. Before I ask for anything, they know I need help and are by my side in an instant.

Not surprisingly, South Viet people tend to be more street-smart than North Viet people.

Bonding with the locals
Very much enjoyed my stay at the hostel or mini-motel (Redsun Hotel). Made friends with the owner and her staff…they also gave me a chance to experience the chaotic traffic. Of cos, me being the pillion rider sans helmet…not my first time but still, it’s fun :)

It’s sauna everyday
Without fail, I always come back to my hostel perspiring and feeling sticky. But not complaining cos it made me realise how much I appreciate showering at the end of the day.

It’s fleecing time!!
Forget about the fruits – although Viet grow dragon fruits, longan, jack fruit, mangosteen, durian…as long as you are a tourist, you can’t run away from being ripped off by the vendors.

Met 2 Singaporean gals and they told us they paid 10-odd sing dollars for 6 seeds of durian + some jackfruit. Poponta and I checked with the local – they only have to pay S$1.50 for a whole durian. I know it’s common for tourists to be ripped off by locals, but for that vast difference??! If one die die must get the fruits, befriend the locals and speak their language.

On the whole, HCMH reminds me of Singapore in its 60/70’s era...the streets, roadside stalls, the market. Many things I enjoyed and appreciated when I was there… shall upload the pictures soon and share them with you.