You say Ho Chi Min City, I say Siagon

Well I had a great time in the beach resort town of Mue Ni. Although there was not much surfing to be done, I did enjoy watching the few hundred kite boarders that were out in the Ocean. I wonder how they avoided bumping into each other... After two nights in Mue Ni I motored down, or rather was motored in a fancy a/c bus to Ho Chi Minh City. Now I must admit that I took the "tourist" bus and not public transport, but us tourists were definitely in the minority! Apparently the locals have also discovered the fancy amenities on the tourist bus and decided that they like it too. So after a good dose of blasting Vietnamese music and cold a/c I got into HCMC.

The question on my mind was (and probably yours too if I am as good of a mind reader as I like to think I am): "is it Ho Chi Minh City and not Saigon now?" Well here is your answer kiddos: it is both! Apparently among the older generation (pre 'american war' peeps) and the hip yuppies the city is called Saigon. If you are in the younger generation and not hip - you call the city Ho Chi Minh City.

I did the quicky tour of Saigon and hit up the major sites in 2 days. I managed to pack in a tour of the Mekong Delta, a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels, the War Museum, Post Office, Cathedral, and market.

The funny thing about booking city tours is that you have a lot of people from all over the globe with ya on the bus. Levels of English knowledge vary considerably. I must say, I have respect for the French guy (who just happened to forget to put on deodorant and managed to not use any soap when taking a shower) sitting next to me on the bus. He had NO clue what was going on during the Cu Chi tunnels tour.

But then again, it ain't that hard to figure out. The Cu Chi tunnels are the tunnels that the V.C. used to hide/sleep/live in/attack from during the war. Granted Westerners are a bit bigger than your average Vietnamese. But, wow - these tunnels are tiny!

Just to continue with the depressing war theme of the day next I hit up the War Museum. I must say they did a good job of thoroughly depressing me, and expounding on the tragedy of war. War ain't like they show in Hollywood, absolutely no sexiness there.

I also managed to see the main Post Office. Not much excitement in putting stamps on envelops, but the building is pretty cool. It looks like an old french train station! I almost thought I had walked into Musée d'Orsay, but the lack of art gave it away.

I also made a day trip down to the Mekong Delta. Highlights of the trip included Rice Paper making demonstration (and opportunity to buy!), Coconut candy making demonstration (and opportunity to buy!), natural honey tasting sight from the bee hive (and opportunity to buy!), and row boat ride down the small estuaries (paddlers not for sale).

This morning I hoped on another bus for Phenom Phen. Honestly, not my favorite of cities. Honestly, I am not such a city person but I enjoyed Saigon. Phenom Phen... well there is just a weired feel here. I might have to book it out of here and head to Siam Reap sooner rather then later. Whats there to do in Siam Reap?? Go to Angkor Wat!