Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City...

...coming from Singapore was like a little cultural shock... Here I entered a city that's more like the "real" Asia than Singapore is. Crowded, noisy and dirty on one hand, colourful, tasty, vivid on the other. Overall it seemed to be a little unorganized at the first sight. But in fact it is not like that - here's why:

•  the best organized guys are the xe om drivers (motorcycle taxi) - they are everywhere, at each corner asking you the same questions: "need transport?"  - "No? Ok, want a massage, no problem..." *evil grin* - "No? Ok, want some weed?" After two days I found myself walking through the streets almost talking to myself like a prayer - "no, thanks" - "no, thanks" - "no, thanks" - "no, thanks"..... ;-)
• crossing the streets is much easier than in Indonesia, the motos and cars are like one living body flowing around you as long as you keep on walking slowly - but never even think of running or standing still! This would ruin the whole system! ;-)
• getting in contact with Vietnam's history - every museum is sometimes full of - let's say a little bit weird stuff - the trousers of Blablabla, the wristwatch of blablabla, the shoe of blablabla... everone a true patriot and fighter of the liberation army... I think you've got the point.. ;-)
• again, transport is the matter - there are a lot of companies selling the same tours and bus tickets throughout whole Vietnam, all located almost along the same street what leads to the same brabbling of "No, Thanks".... ;-)
• Exploring the Cho Chi tunnels (also known as Ho Chi Minh tunnels) was an experience of the different sort. Crawling through the - for tourists widened - tunnels was a disturbing feeling. Even more incredible after hearing the stories about the warfare of Northvietnam against the South and the Americans.

Again here are some pictures, the really most important part of this blog.. ;-)

Take care guys!
Rainer