And thank goodness. Today was so much more enjoyable, just being outside was a pleasure.

After some delicious sidewalk pho, I found the city’s largest mosque nearly deserted. It wasn’t time for prayers so that was nice. Otherwise I would have had to wait outside.

It was interesting to see how integrated the Muslims of the community were. There’s a large apartment complex on the same block, it has a private gate into the mosque.

Time for coffee and a longish walk to another neighborhood. Found a lovely park where lots of people were taking ballroom dance lessons. I watched for a while.

The Catholic Church I visited was neat. The doors were open and everyone was very friendly. It’s the second largest church in the city and a way more welcoming place than the cathedral. Also it’s not convenient for tourists so it probably doesn’t get bombarded by the masses. Great visit.

On the way to the Taoist temple, more coffee, another temple, and a scooter accident. Im pleased to report that everyone rushed to help if they could. In China, accidents are ignored and you’re pretty much on your own.

My last stop on today’s religious tour was at a very popular temple, the Jade Emporer Pagoda. It’s been renamed to the Luck Sea Temple, I don’t know why.

Anyhoo, it’s pretty run down. The staff seem completely overwhelmed. It must get thousands of visitors every day. I enjoyed it thoroughly. It had a great feeling inside, and reminded me of some temples I’ve seen in Hong Kong. Big, busy, and completely legit.

That was all my plans for the day, so lunch happened and then TripAdvisor told me that a museum was nearby. I went.

The Museum of Vietnamese History was nice. The admission was only 15000 dong. That’s about 65 cents. It had some archaeological stuff, and then a section on the political evolution of the country starting with the overthrowing of Chinese rule. Also a temporary exhibit of imperial clothing. Also a section of Cambodian sculpture. So kinda a mixed bag, but about average for Vietnam. Museums arent curated like westerners would expect.

Then 5:00 pm came and it was time to slowly walk home. 

I walked through the Ben Thanh market, but it was just another permanent market with crap made in China.  I don’t know why so many people go there. The stall owners are so pushy, you can’t just look at anything.

Pho for dinner and back home for the internet and sleep.

Goodnight All 

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