Vietnam, here I come! First stop HCMC

Another interesting bus experience to get here but I made it. I'm getting used to getting on one bus, getting off, getting put on another then walking to a border, then getting another bus! So funny and all part of the travelling experience. First time it happened, I panicked, now it's part of the journey.

Ho Chi Minh CITY (HCMC) is a massive crazy city, same population as London but the majority of people here ride motorbikes, SE Asia loves Motorcycles but I've never seen as many as I have in HCMC. Bike taxis are a big thing (Sorry Mum!) and walking doesn't seem that popular! Adds to the fun for me. I generally walked everywhere to see sights, to see people and to see life in HCMC.

The sadness of the War Remenants Museum. A museum dedicated to the wars in Vietnam including some hard hitting photography. Once again, it's unbelievable how cruel humans can be. I'm embarrassed at my ignorance on the wars and the lives lost in Vietnam and the ongoing affects of chemical warfare. Our history lessons were definitely sparse as far as SE history is concerned, shame on you Angley School!

Had a surprise hug from my new friend, Carla (bus companion in Cambodia) whilst entering the museum.

I visited Indepence palace which is an outstanding example of 60s architecture combined with a 60s/70s interior.

My favourite morning was a scooter tour with Phuc, a student who works as a tour guide to earn money and practice English, we visited local districts (away from district 1, tourist town!) and learnt more about life in Siagon (all locals call HCMC the old name of Siagon). My favourite was the oldest apartment building which was a US army barracks and is now apartments, originally they were given to locals using a lottery system, now they are very expensive and rent is almost the same as one person's monthly wage!

Meet the lovely Josh (Huffy) for a beer or four in Bui Vien Walking Street. For those of you that don't know, Josh is one of the camping chums from IOW festival! Loud, fun and full of laughter, it great to see him and catch up. He left me to go on a hostel bar crawl and I stayed listening to awful cover bands and met a wonderful Vietnamese lady who decided to befriend me! All these little experiences add up to wonderful memories.

Visited Chi Chi tunnels, it was good to see and understand how hardworking and clever the soldiers were in that area with creating the tunnel network and devising innovated ways to make traps and to hide from their enemies.

My first few days in Vietnam have been full on, navigating the city, going on motorbikes, trying to cross the road but I've found everyone who I've met and interacted with, friendly, kind and interesting. Even the grab drivers who ask if I want a lift (Remember, walking is not a popular way to travel), I say no, I mime that I'm walking, thank them and then they just start having a chat, no bothering me to have a lift, just a little chat and a wave goodbye with a smile.

Thank you for the lovely welcome, Vietnam.Read more