Blog # 10 - Viet Nam - Saigon

                                             Blog # 10 - Viet Nam (Saigon)

It seems countries we are visiting require more information before leaving the ship

This bus driver prefers driving in his bare feet. At least his shoes are nicely shined.

Motorcycles and scooters are an inexpensive way to travel. This is the "family scooter" - two adults and two small children. The children and Jerry were waving back and forth to each other.

Since our last trip to Viet Nam there appears to be more modernization, building growth, etc.

                This building could be in any large metropolitan city

Of course, all of the fast food and coffee chains are also here

        It's amazing to see so many two-wheelers and no accidents

                        Scooters are also used to carry freight

Other changes during the last ten years: there are more political-oriented posters

                           We visited the national museum 

           Not knowing what to expected, the time was worthwhile. 

                                Plenty of interesting pieces

                        Definite evidence of pre-historic man

                                           Mummified king

Plenty of Buddhist-type pieces -- made from metal, clay and even wood

                Religious pieces ranged from simple to intricate

                            Clothes worn by a wealthy person

           Wealthy family used this table to eat as well as a bed

As part of the new year's celebration -  balloons and another items were sold

    Typical street scene: Locals sitting on small chairs and eating

The traditional conical hat is still being used by different segments of society

Presidential palace: We've been here before - always interesting to re-vsit

                       Table used for government meetings

Photo op time

                                  She knows how to pose

                           Pretty Ao Dai (Traditional) Dresses

                                  "Take my photo, please..."

                Pretty floral decorations throughout the city

                        We visited (again) a lacquer factory

                                        Always interesting

                        Many steps to make a finished product

                Broken pieces of egg shells are used in the process

                        It takes many hours to finish one item

                                          Cleaning process

Gorgeous work

                         The place also sold beautiful scarfs

   Getting ready for a great dinner at one of the specialty restaurants

                                    Typical desserts