Vietnam – Day 13 – HCMC
I walked to the War Remnants Museum this morning. It was really hot…even in the morning. I think my phone indicated 94 degrees when I checked.
When I arrived I started looking at the American aircraft, tanks, and artillery. I was immediately approached by a man around my age with no arms, a prosthetic leg and one eye. He had stepped on UXO, unexploded ordinance, in 1977. He offered to sell me some books on the Vietnam War and the aftermath. I didn’t have my pack with me and really didn’t want a book. So I offered just to give him a donation. He said no. He wasn’t looking for a handout and wanted me to buy a book. So I bought a Vietnamese phrasebook for Angie so she will know some words when she comes back with me.
Inside the museum there weren’t any relics, only photos compiled by numerous photo journalists. It was all very disturbing. From the effects of the carpet bombing, engagement of civilians, UXOs and destruction to the use of agent orange and the numerous resulting grotesque birth defects.
I couldn’t take any pictures of it as it was the stuff of movie nightmares but worse as it was real. I did photograph some of the visitors to the exhibit. Note their blank expressions and that there were no children visitors to that part of the museum.
From there I got lunch at Ben Thanh Market and did a little shopping. Ben Thanh is the city’s biggest market. Unfortunately except for the food portion it’s a tourist trap. The retailers are really aggressive too. They physically grab your arm to try to tug you into there stores.
After the market I went to the Presidential Palace. Lots of pictures here. This was the “White House” for the South Vietnamese President. It was interesting to see what rooms were important and where they were placed in the seven stories including a basement bunker.
It was a long walk back because I got a bit turned around. HCMC is a big busy city. By the time I got back it was 4:30, my phone was at 11%, I was sweaty and exhausted.
After cleaning up I decided to catch a movie. I always enjoy seeing theaters in foreign countries. I saw a US movie with Vietnamese subtitles Alita Battle Angel. The theater was very nice, very clean and very inexpensive. It was probably as nice or nicer than the theater we typically go to in the US and 1/3 the cost for tickets and 1/5 for concessions.
A short walk back and I was out to dinner at a couple of blocks from the hostel. There were people everywhere with music blasting from all the clubs. All of the competing for the loudest close b award. It is like Mardis Gras all the time, but probably less drinking. Tons of neon and tables all jutting out of the bars and restaurants providing seats for people watching patrons. Between the restaurant are bars and between them are massage/beauty salons. The bars and restaurants employ boys and girls to pull you in. The salons use only pretty girls. It’s funny to watch as I walk down the street and I start to approach, the girls would form an intercept course from the sidewalk. Offering a menu of services first and then as I start to get away reaching for my arm.
Tomorrow I rent a scooter and head for the Cu Chi tunnels.
Erik-
I am loving following you on your trip. Catherine
So glad you are enjoying it. See you soon.
Sent picture of pigs to my pig lover friend! Loved the Presidental Palace! So beautiful!