Sorry about the absence -we were on a boat trip down the Mekong river for two day without internet, didn't get around to this blog following last one too tired and I fell down on the job. Also having to wait an eternity for downloads of photos so may have to reduce number of pictures.
The only American fast food chain in Vietnam-You guessed it KFC no McDonalds, Wendy's or Burger King. We think it has something to do with a certain physical resemblance?
We traveled out of Saigon to the Cu Chi tunnels-these were used during the war by the vietcong to harass the american's who had a major army base only a few miles away. The tunnel system was over 200 kilometers long, they were able to overcome all types of efforts to get them out- dogs (used the same soap the GIs used at the tunnel entrances; poison gas-made U shaped tunnels separated by water -gas could not pass through. As you can see the tunnels were made for the average Vietnamese physique not mine or american GIs.
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| Rubber trees-area was deforested during war |
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| Punji sticks |
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| Check the stains on my knees -had to crawl |
We went back to Saigon and stopped at a Cao Dai temple-religion founded in the 1920s believe in monotheism- recognizeds certain saints: Jesus, Moses, Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo-who are messengers sent to teach others the righteous path. The religion developed a following of 3-4million the CIA even met with the founder to try to influence him to the "righteous path". Beautiful temple anyway
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| Funeral wagon |
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Saw the presidential palace-Its where the South Vietnamese surrendered to the north in 1975. Built in the 1960s after the original palace was destroyed by an assasination of Diem (then president). The need for power is increasing exponentially in all cities but more so in Saigon. Electric system having a difficult time keeping up.
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| Presidential palace |
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| Receiving room |
One of the many events occurring in Saigon around New Year's is the flower and plant competition. There are all varieties of plants, flowers, bansais.
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| Orchids |
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| Bansai forest |
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| Fruit sculpture |
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| Flower Dragon |
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