Vietnam Chapter
Ho Chi Minh or as some like to say ’Saigon’ is what could be best described as the essence of South East Asia. It’s a busy, dynamic city of 8,000,000.00 people and growing. The economy is on the rise with lots of overseas investors trying for a slice of Vietnam’s growining commerce and tourism.
Getting around is quite a task for the newby but you soon get used to it and eventually find your way around relatively easily and at quite a low cost. It’s the usual story though… two prices are on offer, one for the tourist and the other for the locals. Barter, barter and barter to about 30%-40% off what is being asked. This includes shopping generally at the markets and on some transportation.
Crossing the roads: At your own risk. As I traveled throught the city, I eventually had to cross a road or two… oh oh. The traffic travels in all directions and at any time (despite road markings, signs, crossing points etc). It’s hectic. Yet, if you walk across these roads, the vehicles all seem to diverge around you (no aggression). Drivers and riders use their horns as a polite system of warning you that they are near. It’s amazing but it seems to work. No road rage.
Vietnamese driving may seem lawless but they are the most polite drivers with a code of their own and an undersdanding of how it works. So, you’ll see the whole family ride their motor-scooters without a second thought.
You should be reminded though, you can escape the city for a trip long the many river systems in the Delta regions which snake quietly between the many islands.
These two images were taken from within the REUNIFICATION PALACE in Ho Chi Minh. This place is of special significance marking the conclusion of Vietnam’s war and the commencement of a period leading to peace and reunification across the nation.
Cluster Dots from 2008 -2009
Feed Burner
Brain Models and Geometry
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