UNRAVELING HO CHI MINH CITY

Unraveling really? for only about days? I gotta be kidding. Well, I got this sort of feeling where satisfaction disagrees with the amount of accomplishments you've done. This trip almost had me blown right after a company had herself refrained from coming at the last minute due to work-related matters that deprived her from going. Actually, the on-the-spot-getting-permission cause the problem. Is this something rigged? Seriously? Is this really happening to me? My temperature's rising. Yes, I'm disappointed but not much of an angry. I would like to think I come into being of mastering the acceptance of frustrating predicaments and get over it. The world never stops, let's keep going. This caught me off-guard this time. I was not even having a familiarity of a single peripheral of the city to begin with plus I have to fly solo. Where's the fun now?

It was her being the walking navigator as what had we plan as she was been there a couple of times before. That's why I didn't bother digging in research for the routes of spots in my roster which I certainly couldn't miss doing (as if I travel a lot). After all, I cannot blame this much to her, it was an upset for her too and that rolling tears on her cheeks won't lie. Hope it was more of her missing me than missing the flight. lol.

Work is work. It is our bread and butter, this thought resonates in my mind fading my temper to a gaseous state. Without the monetary benefits from our work, we surely cannot travel the world. In my case, travel Asia. lol. Dreaming never stops, we'll never know how this madness, I mean, passion will take us. As long as you have the heart of a traveler (still awkward to say), you will seize every opportunity and go intentionally to places to explore. I wish I was Hayden (not the scandal superstar of the Phils.) but from the movie - Jumper, anywhere is possible just skip the Samuel-Jackson-hunting part. Imagine how much money you can save from visas and fares? and the bank vaults you can sneak in when you get bored? D'you feel me?

through the years, I hold on to the knowledge that Ho Chi Minh City is the capital of Vietnam. I was wrong, it was just Vietnam's largest city and instead it was Hanoi. Most locals especially the senior citizens still call the city by it's former name - Saigon.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Officially the Basilica of Our Lady of immaculate Concepcion

Perspectives.

Wedding pictorial just outside the cathedral.  These are some of the fine women who get out at a broad daylight. Promise, they are not prawns!

"Maglalako"

Reunification Palace. It was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during Vietnam war. 

the city downtown.

Pagoda Temples

The artsy gate of the temple

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

The obligatory signature pose. yes, its the Johnny Bravo's style. I can't afford to lose what I started even if it means putting my HIGH reputation at stake... haha

Bitexco Financial Tower is the tallest building in the city with 68th floors towering a  262.5 m height. It looks similar to that of Tony Starks building in Ironman the movie.

The American Embassy in the city is not already in operations

Motorcycles everywhere. I think each members of the household here owns one. I like the idea that they put digital clock on traffic lights, it will not make you bored getting stucked in the traffic because everybody knows how much time they are waiting for.

Cyclos a tricycle taxi similar to rickshaws. Rates start around US$1 for a short trip (about 10 minutes). You can also rent one for a city tour. Before getting on, make sure you agree on the fare.

Other side of the city.

Drift shot. Leaves are playing with moving effects.

Municipal Theatre

Statue of Ho Chi Minh, the pre eminent North Vietnamese Leader.

Saigon River

Restaurant River Boats

After 3 long hours of roaming the city. I decided to stuff our stomachs with local delicacy which uncle made the choices.  He even offer me a cigar to puff in and I was game with it even if I don't smoke even occasionally. That's called "pakisama" thing. Don't know about that in english.

A country which is known from its fine and variety of coffees doesn't have the biggest coffee franchise in the world - Starbucks. Sad news for Starbucks mug collector.

Hoang Hai Long 2 Hotel located near Benh Thanh Market at District 1

before resigning the hard fought day, I set some timed shots and sported some few game faces and poses because my shoes and shades are new...lol.

still part of the few shots...haha...

A very lightweight slipper which is obviously a copycat of Nike. Looks like Adibas of Adidas copycat already has a counterpart.

Everytime I get tired I always had a nostalgic longing for the 90-minute Foot and Body Massage I tried. It was just  my tongue and my privates that are the only parts that did not enjoy the relaxing indulgence of digging elbows.

The easiest way to be a millionaire is to have your bucks changed in Dong. The official currency of Vietnam is Dong (US$1 equals about 17,000 Dong) as of this writing.

My Morning Delights, I was having my breakfast as early as 6.30am since I have a 9am flight to catch.

Indeed Ho Chi Minh City lived up to Vietnam's recent tourism slogan - "Vietnam-Timeless Charm"