My Vietnam History Lesson

Over the last few days, I've been doing city tours. It should come as no surprise to anyone that Vietnam has a lot of history, and they take pride in showing it to anyone that wishes to see. On Wednesday, I did what could be described as the Monuments and Pagodas Tour. I think I saw every temple and pagoda in the city (I am sure there are more, but...). As luck would have it, it was "Buddhist Day" or something like that this day. On the 1st and 15th of every month (in the Lunar Calendar), it is Buddhist Day, and the faithful flock to the temples to pray. It was a busy time, but great for photos. I visited what must be the only pink cathedral in the world, too.

I also visited some of the Vietnam War monuments here in HCMC. I purposely avoided the ones that are known to show the photos of chemical warfare waged by the US. I am aware it happened, but not too sure I want to see it. I toured the building known as the Reunification Palace. It was originally built as the home and workplace for the President of South Vietnam during the war, and then served as the site of the official handover of power during the Fall of Saigon in 1975. There are tanks on the front lawn, and a helicopter on the roof of the building to provide some historical context. In the basement of the palace, there are holdovers from the war, including radio rooms, presidential bunkers and provisions rooms. It was pretty interesting.

Also interesting, was the Notre Dame cathedral and the General Post office. Generally post offices would not get me too excited, but this one was designed by Eiffel himself. It was amazing, both on the outside and the inside. It was full of traditional French architecture and style. Today, I visited the Opera House. It was a beautiful sight. In the midst of a country that looks like it is still under construction, and all the workers went home, the Opera House is spectacular.

This weekend, I am going to a seaside resort called Mui Ne. It is well known for it's sand dunes, and nice beaches. I will come back to HCMC on Sunday, for a few days, and then head to Cambodia for a week.