My legs are killing me! That's what happens when you walk 100meters under the Cu Chi Tunnel in crouch position! Now we're paying for it the very next day. Despite that little reminder, yesterday's Vietnamese immersion was ... interesting.  I say this because in every story, there are always two sides. It sure was an earful of hearing the Vietnamese side of the American-Vietnam war. it was brutal.  But the effects of war in this country remains evident in everyday life. The stories reminded me of our own Philippine history when our ancestors were fighting colonial Spain and the succeeding conquerors.  It was like David vs Goliath. It was the same story in Vietnam.  But Cu Chi was the evidence of Vietnamese innovation, patience and bravery.  I cannot imagine living a life that time underground!  Moreso, being able to be so crafty.  But I guess that's part of war.  Cu Chi is one place no one should miss when in Vietnam.

going to the Cu Chi :)

Another interesting thing we did yesterday was observe the Cao Dai - a religion originated in Vietnam with influences from the Catholicism, Islam and Buddhism. It was one colorful ceremony.  And a look at a religion that is originally Vietnamese.



Now, a couple of hours before leaving at 1am.. We made the rounds of the museums in HCM (Ho Chi Minh). The Opera House, the War Remnants and the Revolutionary Museum.  And I got to sneak some last minute shopping at Saigon Square too.

the Basilica De Notre Dame, all of the materials used to make this were all shipped in from France

The Opera 

What I won't miss in Vietnam - the HEAT.  Now I understand what the phrase "the heat is on in Saigon" meant - it was the humid heat that makes for really wet clothes and alot of hydration.  You gottta feel it to experience it.

As I write this:  I am saying goodbye to an amazing experience and the nice friends we met.
Thank you to: An Di, Quyen, and Thanh of the Halo Hotel, Mr. Ky of Tuan Travels and Eve from Taiwan:)



Watch out for the Vietnam articles coming out November :)

This is WGysabs, signing out! :)

11:55pm, Vietnam Time

Just came back from the Night Market. Made a dent in my savings.. but smiling from ear to ear. 
Yes, I am one happy shopper!  If it weren't for the wet pavement, then it would've been a more pleasurable experience. 

Got to sleep early for Cu Chi Tunnel and The Cao Dai Temple Ritual.  Excited :)


much love,
WGysabs

Hi guys!!

As i sit in our room tonight, waiting for the rain to stop so we can shop at Ben Thanh night market, I would like to report that Vietnam is charming with a bit of danger.

On our first day, we strolled aroumd leisurely around HCM (Ho Chi Minh) and checked out the many art galleries and the main capital. Though it was quite a feat to walk around during a hot sweaty day, it sure was a great experience crossing the streets with hundreds of scooters buzzing by without a care in the world. However, we did find a great technique when crossing. JUST CROSS and the many hoardes seem to avoid you. yes, its crazy but it works!

Ben Thanh Market reminds me of Divisoria. Stalls lined up side by side, with variety of wares to choose from. The only difference? You set the price when haggling- which is quite a different approach than most. But the wares are cheap and nice. After doing our haggling, we treated ourselves to Truong Nguyen Iced Coffee which, I must say- is the perfect thing to do on a hot day.

We were just in time for the peddlers to set up for he night market though it was a short-lived shopping experience due to sudden rain.. but the good thing, our hotel was just in front of the night market and so we didn't get soaked!

As i finish writing this, the rain has dissipated and yes, we are going out to try our luck at the night market. wish us luck!

much love,
WGysabs

Dear Readers,

Will be Saigon Bound after a few hours because of a last minute decision to push through with a booking that wasn't rebooked due to Cebu Pacific's ridiculous rebooking policy.. which is kind of wearing off little by little as I finish this letter to you guys. hehehe (the adrenaline is kickin' in).

I still have a lot of articles to write which shall be a little delayed due to changes in my schedule and would probably be posted sometime in December when I am free to do as I please :)  I am sorry for the delay, but responsibilities call. 

But don't worry, it won't be that long.

Much Love,
WGYsabs

get your Butterbeers ready :)

SOON :)

Also, 

watch out for separate articles on:

the 7-Day Southern Caribbean Medley Series

Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba

Coming soon :)

Much love,

Travel With the Wander Girls