Today was our last day in Hoi An sadly. We cycled to old town again for breckfast wandered about, went to a beautiful french like cafe and did a spot of shopping. The clothes in this town were amazing, different from anywhere else I have been bar at home. Shops had beautiful summer dressed and maxi dresses. I really wanted to buy lots but held myself back because I still am not sure how long I will be traveling for and how much money I need.
I got myself one beautiful green maxi dress for 11 euro which is a great Bargain.
After shopping a went for a cycle on my own for a bit just enjoying the sun and relaxed atmosphere. At three we headed to the airport for a flight to The city of Ho Chi Minh (more commonly known as Siagon).
I would have happily spent more time in Hoi An but I opted to stay with the group. Along with Andy and Laura, the two English girls from the buffalo trip, Becky and Katy decided to join us.
Our flight was only an hour long. I was a bit nervous about arriving in Ho Chi Minh because I have heard a number of negative things about the place. When I spoke about how overwhelming I found Honai to fellow backpackers their usual response was wait until you get to Ho Chi Minh!!! I was told to expect crazy hectic streets and roads full of lunatic motorbike drivers. Along with this crime is a massive problem in this city with people often having their handbags snatched right off their shoulders often being dragged to the ground in the confrontation.
As the plane landed myself and Laura stared out the window in awe at the amount of traffic roads. There were a number of very long straight main roads which were covered in lights from countless bikes driving in all directions. My nerves were a bit strained at this point.
After leaving the airport the five of us got a taxi into the city center. The journey was very different from the one I had into Honai from the airport two weeks earlier. In a group I didn't have to be scared about my safety I could relax and enjoy all the commotion on the streets around me. I have to say Ho Chi Minh is not like what I expected. While Honai is full of tiny shops opening onto streets Ho Chi Minh had a feel of a much larger city to it such. On a few occasions i found myself comparing it to New York City even at times to Times Square. The buildings were huge with lots of sky scrapers and gigantic shops selling all the designer brands. But walking about you could never forget you are in Vietnam, still you could buy street food, find market places very easily and of course the roads. Crossing the street was more traumatizing than it was in Hanoi. You had to look In front, behind and all around you to avoid being hit by motorcyclist. It is ridicules ! We got to our hotel and after a very disappointing dinner (portion sizes fit for five year olds) we crashed, watching tv and unwinding for an early start the following day.