10th October
A 6 hour bus journey with our travel pal Rowan to the city of Saigon, or as it is now known Ho Chi Minh city. We used up what was left of the day by exploring the capital, what a city, I think I'm in love! Morgane and I had heard so many horror stories about people being mugged and robbed here that we thought we would constantly be on edge, but with our bumbags on we felt safe and secure. We visited the day and night market where we were pulled and grabbed to different stalls and I was interviewed for Ho Chi Minh TV on what is was like shopping in the market...haha, I'm famous! We then headed to the sky tower for 360 degree views of the city on the 49th floor of the building, stunning views.
11th October
We started our day by heading to a place called Bookworm for breakfast. I can not explain the pure look of glee on Morganes face when a plate of toast and marmite was put in front of her, she had been waiting 8 weeks for this! We then embarked on our whirlwind visit of Saigon. The city is like New York with a French feel to it. We spent time walking the streets and ended up at the Fine Art Gallery....I knew I shouldn't have given Morgane the map. Our next stop was the Palace which we spend half hour trying to find the entrance to, only to be told that it was closed due to a state funeral the next day, just our luck. We ended our day of culture with the War Museum, we saved the best till last. The museum was the most emotive and thought provoking place we have every been to, full of photographs of the war and stories from people who experienced it. We were both extremely emotional walking through the many rooms of the building, a truly incredible museum. It is a real credit to the Vietnamese people who have dealt with the war which was only 30ish years ago and remain so friendly to all visitors into their country. They continue with their lives as if it had never happened, however the victims of Agent Orange that line the streets begging are a constant reminder for not only them but the tourists too. Vietnam has been an amazing place that we have both enjoyed immensely. Due to our visa running our tomorrow we have to leave the country, the month has flown by. Onwards now to Cambodia.