Coming back to a place is not one of my favourite things to do, but I think Vietnam is different, especially Ho Chi Minh. It is a total fusion of cultures, but not just 2 Asian cultures. European & Asian. French. Meaning bakeries, baguettes, pastries & streets with boulevards. I do love Ho Chi Minh City. Way more modern than Hanoi, this city pretty much offers everything.
I was lucky enough to spend 2 days with friends before they flew home. Betty & Kath are great to travel with and though we didn't get much time together it was still good to see them. Just like Spain, we spent an afternoon doing the Betty Birt Walking Tour.
Then, it was Annabel & I. We did things I had done before (Reunification Palace & War Remnants museum) and then sent her off to see the things I had seen (Chu Chi tunnels) & I had some down time.
You can't help but think about the war here. The war we have been taught to call the Vietnamese War, but here it is called the American War. The death and atrocities that were suffered were horrendous, and not that long ago either. But the Vietnamese want to move on. It makes you open your eyes though.
The food in Vietnam is amazing, and gave me a nice break from Thai food! It is lighter here – not as much fried food. More noodles and vegetables. And Pho. Oh I love Pho! The traditional Vietnamese noodle soup dish. We enjoyed a lot of good food in the city including BBQ. We walked into the restaurant and had no idea what we were doing, but it was fun! As per back in Brisbane, I delegated the cooking to the Chef while I ensured the conversation and wine flowed freely.
It is different seeing a country the second time around. You look at things that are less obvious. Pay more attention to the detail. The people. The bikes. The layout of the city. And of course now I am comparing it to Thailand.
