Tunnels and Guns

Last week I returned to Vietnam but this time I was headed to Ho Chi Minh City. Knowing there are often scandals at the airport by taxi drivers I opted to have the hotel driver pick me up. I found my name held by the driver, waited for another couple to show up and we made our way into the city. Arriving at the hotel I then made my way up the 6 flights of stairs to my room where I dropped off my bag, grabbed by tour book and started exploring the neighborhood. I loved the french colonial influence reflected in the architecture mixed with the the Asian flavor of the residents. It made such a beautiful combination. Markets, vendors, shops, parks, french pastries...I explored it all!

The next day I decided to make my way to a large market whose ... is "if we don't have it, you don't need it"! So, armed with my map and my handy compass, off I went. As I walked into the market I was immediately overtaken by women wanting to sell me cothes. They grabbed me by the arm and I had to pry their finger off of me to be able to move on. That experience made me have second thoughts about shopping adventure but quickly I was able to slip down another isle, away from the overzealous sales women. The market was full of clothing, housewares, food, souvenirs and such but I was on a particular mission. Before leaving for Vietnam a coworker and dear friend called and asked me to pick up Weasel coffee. Let me explain what that means. There is actually a coffee bean that when harvested is given to weasels who choose and eat only the best beans. The bean passes through their digestive system and are passed all the way through to the other side. Yes, they are pooped out! Then they are washed and packaged and then people actually buy it and brew it and drink it! DISGUSTING!!! Apparently it makes a darn good cup of coffee but as I'm not a coffee drinker, I'll never know...and i'm ok with that! So, that was my mission, to find the weasel coffee. After accomplishing the missing I enjoyed wandering through the rest of the market and then enjoyed a most delicious sandwich before leaving.

One of the activities I wanted to enjoy was a cyclo ride around the city to see some of the important sights. This means the rider sits in a seat in the front of bicycle and the cyclist sits higher than is usual on a bicycle and peddles you around for as many hours as you hire them for. It's a great way to see the city but agreeing on a price is painful. I found a cyclo driver outside the market and we were finally able to agree on a price. I made it as clear as i could that the price I was offering was for 2 hours and NOT per hour. The driver spoke very little English but there was a boy interpreting for us. The driver apprehensively accepted my price and then biked me through a small portion of the city stopping for me to see some of the sights. We stopped at a Chinese pagoda, passed by the War Museum, went on to the Reunification Palace and then he declared that my time was finished. I knew that we were only a few minutes ride from our starting point and insisted that he take me back to my hotel as our time was not yet complete. He did and we pulled on to the street of the hotel just a few minutes later. I opened my wallet and pulled out the money that was agreed on and the driver began his "show". He insisted that I pay him more demonstrating that he needed food to eat. I knew that the price was not only fair but generous. The driver stomped off without accepting my money. I knew this was all part of the show and so after offering my money several times I turned and walked away. Just as I expected he came running after me and finally accepted my money and threw out a few curse words to put the icing on the cake. It was really too bad that he ended it this way but I knew that cyclo drivers are known to pull such kinds of stunts. Unfortunately, it also meant that I didn't get a photo taken...sad.

After the ride I decided to console myself with a yummy french pastry. I took it to the park to enjoy and was soon joined by a stranger who asked if he could sit on the bench with me. My red flags went off but I couldn't keep him from sitting there. I focused on my pastry and ignored him. He tried to make conversation. Any time someone asks you if this is your first time to their country it usually means they are taking your temperature and planning a scam. I told him it wasn't (truth). Then he asked if I was alone and I told him I have friends in the city (truth). In fact, it reminded me that I needed to check my phone for an SMS from a long lost friend who was now living in the area and who I hoped to meet up with after meeting him 10 years ago. I pulled out my phone and ignored the stranger who finally left me alone and walked off. Success! That night I met up with my long lost friend, met his sweet wife and his adorable little boy. It was a great evening and I was grateful to have friends.

The next day after work I headed out to the Cu Chi Tunnels. These are tunnels the Vietnamese used to fight against both the French and the Americans. After going through a tour and learning a lot we were given a chance to actually crawl into the tunnels. I was surprised at how small they there! The tunnels were just barely broader than I was and not nearly as tall as me. I had to crouch down into nearly a duck walk to get through. I had a great admiration for the strategy and use of the tunnels. It was not for claustrophobics!

After the tunnels I went back to the area of the tour where you could shoot a variety of guns. I've never shot a gun before and thought I'd take the opportunity. I choose a classic, the AK-47. I purchased 10 bullets and was walked out to the shooting range, given ear protection, the gun was loaded, they showed me how to hold it and I tried desperately to hit the target...unsuccessfully. I was amazed at the heat that came off the gun as well as the blasts of air. It was a strange experience. I'm glad I did it.

The rest of the trip was fairly uneventful with the exception of terrific shopping at cute boutiques and a delicious tapas style meal. It was a great trip! My decision remains...I love Vietnam!