February 4 Vinh Long to Saigon

A mercifully short day after an almost unbearably long night last night.  Right after breakfast (omelet, French baguettes, cheese, fruit, coffee) we were back in the boat and off to see the floating market.  Actually there wasn't a great deal to see because the boats were all higher than ours so we couldn't see their wares.  Most of it was fruit and vegetables from what I could gather.  Then a couple of stops to see how they make rice cakes, rice paper, puffed rice and cocoanut candy.  Following those visits it was back in the bus for the three hour ride to Saigon.  There was nothing planned for this afternoon so I took advantage of it to read a bit and have a nap for an hour.

Tonight we had a briefing for the remainder of the tour.  Our numbers dwindled to five but then mushroomed to fifteen with the addition of ten more Australians.  We're being overrun with Aussies.  LOL  I even ended up talking to another pair while I was waiting in the lobby for my room to be ready.

There wasn't room in the place where we were supposed to have the briefing so we went directly to the restaurant and did it there.  I am thinking seriously about changing my reservations and instead of spending so much time in Hanoi going to Halong Bay which is said to be quite beautiful.  That is an extension of this tour anyway so there is not much to arrange if the guide (Vu) can make the necessary reservations.  That could prove to be tricky because it is the Lunar New Year and many things are closed because most people are on holidays.

Lunch today was a small can of Pringles potato chips.  Dinner was crab, mushroom and shrimp soup (quite good but too small a serving compared to other places).  The deep fried catfish (no batter) I had for the main course was by far the best fish I have had on the whole trip so far.  with two bottles of Saigon beer the bill was about $7.00.

This hotel is a three star so doesn't have the same amenities as some of the others have had but it does have high speed internet in the room so I will gladly forego the other things.

Saigon is huge and SO BUSY.  Scooters and motorcycles are everywhere and going at warp speed.  From the little bit I've seen so far it is very cosmopolitan with all of the  things you would expect in a big city.  Crime is high here apparently and one of the most prevalent is what they refer to as "motorcycle cowboys" who drive by your cyclo or motorcycle, snatch your camera or bag and speed off into the traffic.  Pickpockets are also prevalent we are told.

Tonight I plan to get to bed, and hopefully to sleep, early.....