Ho Chi Minh Day 3

Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
We decided that Tulips was too primitive and that we would move to a more upmarket section of town if such exists. We chose the Indochine which is near the famous Caravelle and the Grand. I was pondering all the scooters and motor bikes whizzing around and I thought I would find out how much they cost so I walked out the front door and after one gruff "No!" I was pointed to a well dressed guy standing in front of a moto shop. I should add that Ly Trong is lined with them. I questioned him but was met with a blank stare and as a crowd had gathered I asked them. Much chattering but no answers. My search for the price will continue. I was told much later that you can buy a motorbike and a license that lasts a lifetime for about $2000. A small fortune in Vietnamese terms.

 At breakfast, Pho again, I said goodbye to Barbara my sisters friend who was going on a trip to the Mekong . Barbara is a nurse and the last time she was here was with the orphan airlift at the end of the war. When she took off in a Hercules the VC were firing rockets at her. The plane before her was shot down and hundreds of children were killed in it.
Jes and Tim also left us to fly to Hanoi. We will meet up again in Hoi An.
Filling in time before we checked out we went to Saigon zoo and Botanical gardens. The zoo reminded me of Melbourne zoo about 30 years ago with the small concrete cages and bored animals. However the gardens are wonderful especially the bonsai garden. In the grounds of the zoo is a museum of Viet history which has some wonderful artifacts, one being a mummified corpse 700 years old. When I was standing looking and pondering a guard came in and stood looking at it. He turned to me and said "Hair", and yes it did have hair. Long black hair.

We collected our stuff from Tulips and checked in at Indochine and went walking looking for lunch. We found it at the aptly named Bier Garden. The best meal we have had since we have been here. See photo's.
Walked back home and stopped for a pedicure manicure and massage, my feet are tip top now. Marley gave me the hint by telling me "Your nails need harvesting".
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