Thursday, December 8, 2016

Day 24: Fri 09 Dec - HCM City

25 degC, 86% humidity

Walk: 10km; total: 93km

We had a BIG sleep-in today - only got out of bed at 7am!! A leisurely breakfast followed and then we consulted the map for other places to see (the other boys had gone on a guided tour of the Cu Chi tunnels). Wendy needed to visit a pharmacy so we located the nearest on the map and then decided on the Jade Emperor Pagoda which was approx 3km away. Pharmacy was easy to find and Wendy was able to get what she wanted and we were off to the Pagoda. Along the way we came across the American Consulate but were unable to compare the building to the iconic picture of the end of the Vietnam War due to the very high walls and very low buildings. Apparently they bulldozed that building and rebuilt. We did notice though, that all the buildings that we could see in the compound had sloping roofs!  The Pagoda was quite understated but had plenty of character. There was some sort of film scene being filmed and we had to duck in to take photos in between the takes. We didn't recognize any of the actors. We took a slow wander back to the hotel and on the way found a Bohemian Crystal shop that just happened to sell glass elephants. For those who don't know, Wendy collects glass elephants, so she bought one. We hope it survives the journey home (it did).

On the way to get water to take back to the hotel we came across a market inside a building and bought a few souvenirs. We found the Circle K and bought water, four beers for tonight, and some lunch. Back to the hotel to eat lunch and relax. We both had a little snooze and then Wendy did some work on the blog whilst Greg went for another wander. 

Pre-dinner drinks were taken in our suite, again, whilst we exchanged photos with Bill who is leaving us tomorrow. It has been fun having him around to break up the predominantly Australian group. Dinner was Pho at a small restaurant just down the road. It cost us just under AUD14 for two bowls of Pho, two beers, and some spring rolls. 

During pre-dinner drinks, the sky opened up and it rained like there was no tomorrow. Thankfully, by the time we were ready for dinner, it had slowed down a bit; there was however a large amount of water on the streets and we all walked into the restaurant dripping like taps. It didn't take us long to dry out and the food was delicious and very filling. After dinner we said good bye to Bill and then Greg and Bob went for a wander, whilst Mark and Wendy went back to their rooms. Wendy then realized they needed water, so ventured out on her own. Mission accomplished she retired to the room, and Greg returned not long after.

Another late'ish night.

Uncle Ho in Ho Chi Minh City

A very fat nd happy Buddha

Rex Hotel at night

Saigon Opera House

A very large model of a sailing ship

Turtles at the Pagoda

The Jade Emperor

Newest addition to the glass elephant family at Hippo Farm



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  Wendy is very pleased she did the tour, however, will not be rushing back to do any more cycling in that part of the world, anytime soon. ...