Cracked pepper sir?

image: robynejay

Simple pleasures

Today we escaped from the midday heat, and awaited the re-opening of the History Museum, by having lunch in a little cafe in the Botanic Gardens. We dined on grilled beef, a cold can of beer followed by a cornetto icecream for the grand total of 90,000 VND or around $7 for two of us.

Around us locals were engaged in the latest soapie episode. We couldn't understand a word but the accompanying music was universal and the C class acting entertaining.




Beside us a swag of sparrows fluffed around on the dusty ground, digging holes to wallow in, no doubt escaping the heat like us and ridding their feathers of mites.


Simple pleasures. Long memories.

Hustle & Bustle of Ho Chi Minh

image by sridgway

Spent our first day exploring the frenetic streets of Hi Chi Minh city. I have never seen so many scooters in my life! I guess what struck me most was just how industrious the people are, there is some one selling something on every street corner. Great city, a feeling of energy and vitality everywhere. Went to the Ben Thanh markets, very full on, huge array of magnificent foods and clothes on sale, although I found it hard as I am too polite and stop speak to each hawkers who spook me .. bad idea.
Off to explore some more ...

When pesto isn't pesto

There's something pretty scary about heading overseas using Jetstar. My experiences haven't been great with many delays and cancellations. But it's cheap and went totally smoothly... we even arrived early!

My 'snack pack' for the flight - olives, pesto, cheese and salami - would have been even better however if the pesto had made it through security. A container of shop sealed pesto is a threat - be warned - but it's not liquid I said! You are now only allowed 100ml per conyainer in hand luggage so perhaps we could have eaten some there and then?

We arrived in Ho Chi Minh City at 7:30pm and got to the hotel without drama only to find that our pre-arranged hotel was full (a common problem i gather) so were quickly escorted around the block to another for night one.