The Heat Is On In Saigon!!

Ten Unforgettable Things About Ho Chi Minh

1. Their new and progressive airport, reflective of their new and progressive city (iwan na talaga ang Pilipinas...)and their ubiquitous MOTORCYCLES..

2. Our sweet and gracious host, Liza....Love her, love her!!

3. Bhen Thanh Market where you can get the most beautiful embroidered everything... bags, scarves, shirts, shoe bags, wallets. These designs are so intricately made...

4. Vietnamese coffee... iced, three in one, brewed, condensed, they are really, to die for...

5. Vietnamese food... Pho 2000 where this restaurant was visited by former President Bill Clinton and they make the best seafood noodle soup...

6. Quan An Ngon, an old but charming place that has different stations a la hawkers. Their wrap and roll vegetables with the rice paper rolls are not only healthier but delicious as well!!

7. Saigon Square, like our very own Greenhills that sells export overruns of all brands (MNG, Adidas, The North Face, to name a few) Even I found shirts my size!

8. The Notre Dame Cathedral built in the 18th century. Its exterior is timeless, and in 2005, the statue of the Virgin Mary reportedly shed tears...

9. The Post Office and the Opera House, both splendid even at night, with lights comparable to Shanghai...

10. The Remnants of War Museum... where I shed tears of sorrow, too. After seeing the Vietnam War from their perspective, (I grew up watching Nam Tour of Duty and a little of China Beach), it goes to show that NOBODY WINS in every war. Everybody LOSES... The Agent Orange is the most painful reminder of this.. and I hope our world will not have to see something like this again....

Well, to my husbands dismay, we were not able to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. But this is enough reason for us to come back someday...:)