Travel Forum / Destinations / Asia / February 2006

Vietnam

We have landed in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)..I have scoured the hotel
perimeter and secured it against all Viet Cong.  Actually the people here
are incredibly friendly and courteous, then again I've told them I am
from Romania.  It is remarkable that a country we bombed so mercilessly
in the name of peace (sound familiar?) should feel so kindly toward
Americans. We are off to the open  market where such culinary delights as
hot dog  (not hotdog), bat and snake are available .   It is said that he
who consumes snake and it's blood will achieve lasting virility and power
over his enemies.  I believe that were this  Romanian  to consume a reptile
the only thing gained would be great speed  to the nearest bathroom.  I have
purchased a bottle of cobra, anyone who would like to come over and try a
bite is welcome.  The market is crammed  with little people pulling,
pushing, prodding, pinching- insisting that  you buy their crap, the word
"no" does not seem to be a part of their lexicon.  They are nothing if not
persistent.  The same person asked me if I wanted to buy a poorly carved
figure 34 times, as if on the 35th I  would suddenly realize it's value was
the same as the holy grail. There is also a fruit native to this part of the
world called the durian.  It's odor is so strong that many places post signs
declaring them to be durian free zones....it ranks just below putrefied
skunk on the olfactory  scale....photos to follow.  I  would imagine that
those who eat durians  consider  farts to be a breath of fresh air.
    Today we rented a swift boat and navigated the Mekong River...we
engaged the enemy and bought some coasters.  The monetary unit is the
dong, a dollar equals a bushel full (15000).  While I am able to amortize
any amount over any period of time, the price of a cup of coffee is
beyond me..The dollar is widely accepted so my dong days will soon be
over.    We leave Vietnam tomorrow, back to Bangkok.  On all of God's green
earth, it's possible that I like S.E.Asia best.  I tower over these
people, but more importantly my condom size is magnum.....priorities
RM    HoChiMinh  2/12/06