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 

Well it took just one day in Da Lat for me to lose my acclimatization to the humidity lol.

Got up early for a movie. Finally saw the new Star Wars movie. AWESOME.

I had a plan and it all fell apart as soon as the weather hit 89. So I just walked and rested as needed between stops. Luckily, everything is so close together in District 1, you can just drift around.

Had my first Starbucks in 2 months and man, it was bitter tasting. Is it always like that?

I’ve got a great business idea. Come to Vietnam and go into the concrete business. There is so.much.construction going on. There’s so much work here for engineers and contractors.

Thats pretty much it. Had a nice day looking at stuff. I’m out of clean clothes so tomorrow I’ll have to take it easy until my stuff comes back from the laundry.

Peace out

But so worth it. The bus ride flew by thanks to my Kindle. I can’t believe I rode for 7 hours and no carsickness! Wheeee!

Anyway I am ridiculously excited about being in Ho Chi Minh city. So much to do! Within one mile there are dozens of things to see.

I hope a week will be enough. Ive been told that 2 days in HCM is too long. We’ll see!

Exclamation points!!

Anyway, the bus company gave me a shuttle ride to within 2 blocks of my hostel so that was a relief. Arriving at night is stressful if you’re not interested in a taxi.😁 so that saved me a little money.

Dinner was super and the hostel good enough for me, a hot shower made every little thing better.

Goodnight All

What a strange day. In some ways, like any other Sunday. In some ways, wow. 

Asians have taken some of the Christmas traditions to heart. Just like our tradition of playing loud music outside, like caroling. But at dawn, for a straight hour. And not Christmas music. Lol.

Anyway, sightseeing was good today. Everything was open, and busy.

I had a great breakfast and walk to Bao Dai’s summer palace. Admission was cheap and the grounds pretty. The “palace” is from the early 40’s. This last king/emperor loved golf and hunting.

Another long (too long) walk to the Truc Lam Monastery. This is a good one. Actual monks live and work here. The grounds are immaculate. Really nice place. They have their own nursery to provide plantings,  even.

After this, a coffee break and taxi to the third stop. The Linh Phuoc temple and pagoda are completely, ridiculously covered in decorated tile. It’s a very popular sight, but it felt heartless. No monks or nuns to be seen, but dozens of shops and restaurants. Complete commercialization has been achieved.😢

After that I was hungry. 

A good lunch and rest later, I found yet another temple and pagoda,  Lihn Son. So peaceful and private, after 4 PM is the magic hour here. Roommate Emma and I had a nice time looking around.

Christmas dinner was Indian food and it was great. We had a nice meal with two other hostel guests.

On to Saigon tomorrow. I’m excited to finally see this large, chaotic, filthy, thrilling city.

Miss you all very much

❤