This morning we spent our time exploring. It is Sunday Morning, and the city's dynamic has changed from a busy metropolis to a relaxed family destination, with the cities expansive parks spilling over with Vietnamese families. In Tao Dan Park we were treated to the sounds and sites of children singing in the parks, teenagers teaching each other the latest dance moves, mothers and fathers helping their children scramble across play equipment. The smiles were a mile wide.
Part of our 3 hour walk this morning was the great 'Hunt for Banh Mi'. For the uninitiated Banh Mi is a Vietnamese Pork Roll. Peter Money had told us that he knew where the best Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh city was, and he would take us there. By hour 2, and passing the same roundabout for the fourth time, it was decided we would ask the locals. Through the awkward broken Vietnamese and hand gestures that were meant to depict holding a pork roll and eating it, we got no closer to the prize. In fact we now think that perhaps the hand gestures Peter Money was making may have been why one of the men we asked replied in broken english with 'yes! I know many, you want?'...but he wasn't talking about Pork Rolls.
After a lovely lunch at a local restaurant near the Ben Thanh markets, we parted ways for the rest of the day. Sco and I headed to the stunning rooftop pool of our hotel to soak our weary feet and watch the world go by. The views from the rooftop are spectacular and the Saigon River provided the backdrop for our afternoon gazing as we watched people fishing from the banks of the river, junkets meandering along, grain boats and container barges going back and forth from the docks.
After a relaxing afternoon poolside, and a hotel Mani/Pedi (a little spoilt, I know!) we headed for dinner at the Barbecue Garden Restaurant. Here you cook your own food on BBQ grill in the middle of your table. We chose a platter of fresh fish and seafood marinated in herbs and chilies, served with local Saigon Special beer. Delightful!
We spent the rest of our evening at the Rex hotel rooftop bar, where the views of the city were electric. This city really comes alive at night, awash with vibrant colours across buildings and rooftops providing the backdrop to the sounds of local bands playing across the city.
What a great day in Ho Chi Minh City!