Wow! Our second day in Vietnam, our first full day in Ho Chi Minh City. Our day started at 7:00am with a buffet breakfast in the hotel. We left the hotel at 8:30 to visit China Town, where we witnessed a crowded wholesale market. After a good 30 minutes we detoured from the market to a Buddhist temple. Upon entering the temple, the strong smell of incense hit us. The temple’s decorations were amazing. Overall, China Town showed us a different side to Vietnam’s people and business structure.
Next we headed to the War Remnants Museum. Right as we entered we were welcomed by numerous planes and vehicles which were used in the American/Vietnam war. It showed us in great detail what Vietnam went through during the war. The museum was very confronting and educational. At 11:00 we held our own small service for the ANZAC soldiers. Madi J, Tia, Thomas M. and Cohan all read out a stanza of two poems, followed by a minute of silence.The service was moving, particularly as we were at a war museum. Lest we forget.
Today was also the first time we had to purchase our own meals in Vietnam. We all chose to embrace Vietnam by buying traditional Vietnamese food.
Our final activity of the day was the ‘Great Race’ around Ho Chi Minh City. During the Great Race, we were able to experience the true senses of Vietnam. The humidity really started to affect us especially whilst trying to get to and from different city locations. Crossing the road was definitely a hard obstacle to overcome. When we got the opportunity to ride a rickshaw, our eyes were opened to the Vietnamese style of travelling – motorcycling – as there are around 4 million motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City alone. Well done to Team Pineapples, Maddi G, Gina, Lachie and Chris, who won the race.
Madi J & Tia
