It was hard to tell when we've actually crossed into Vietnam, because streetscape didn't change much…until we reached Saigon, pulsating with life well into the night. Around 10pm everyone seemed to be out lounging at sidewalk restaurants and doing last minute shopping to the latest beats spilling out from abundant karaoke bars, bright neon signs everywhere. Packed to the brim and beaten after countless hours on the bus, we only had to cross the street from where we were dropped off to reach our hotel - swanky suite with a balcony where we decided to stay for one night, switching to a more budget version for the following two. Over the next couple of days we walked the city until we could no longer feel our feet, sniffed out new fruit to try at the market, ate buckets of delicious pho with meat and bouquets of herbs, navigated mad rivers of motorbike traffic and got lost in a neighborhood without an ounce of tourist paraphernalia - just steps away from the main tourist strip. Just like everywhere in Asia, people and their daily errands are the most colorful sight, the main challenge becomes walking about unnoticed with a camera and staying respectful when taking their photos… not so easy to do when all you want to do is stare and absorb the surroundings. Vietnamese, in our experience so far, are not too fond of having their pictures taken, even when asked. Unable to part with the camera, we revered to some undercover tactics…sometimes they worked… sometimes we got a frown...mostly smiles though.
Is there anything that will not fit on a motorbike? Not a chance.
Everything from a live rooster, oversize desk, and a ladder to piles of carpets, baskets, and kitchen sinks rides triumphantly as part of a balance contest.
Jade Emperor Pagoda, filled with heroes and phantasmal deities. Light flooded through clouds of burning incense as Cantonese devotees poured in for daily prayer.
In time for well deserved break [so hard are the travelers' days;) ], we shared a huge bowl of pho bo.
Go!! Mad motorbike traffic...
...pours through every city vein and artery.
Doll sandwich.
I rushed like a madwoman to catch this one while the motorbike got moving...must have been a good sight.
Bike helmets in every theme imaginable. They're required by law, but what an accessory!
Sometimes you just freeze and hold your breath watching it...
Ho Chi Minh is ever present on billboards, money bills, even the city name itself.
Saigon is fast paced on so many levels, but it's often the quite moments stopping you halfway...
Dragon fruit by a spoonful - with texture resembling kiwi fruit, tasting like a milder version of it. New favorite.
Genialna fotka z ta laska modlaca sie i slow mo .... super!!!
ReplyDeleteChyba moje ulubione do tej pory.