by Cathie McIntyre
Last week I returned from a fabulous two-week trip to Vietnam. Another teacher and I chaperoned 14 teenagers, and we trekked, kayaked, and cycled, exploring the length of the country. We had home stays in the mountains, took an overnight sleeper train from Hanoi to Danang, and traveled by bus and plane in order to see so much.
I definitely want to go back again and cannot believe I waited so many years to return to a country I love so much!
Here are photos from April 4th and 5th.
From the outdoor cafe of the Hotel Continental, now a restored 4-star hotel. Looking at the Opera and Caravelle Hotel.
Me in front of the main post office, now mostly a tourist destination.
City hall with statue of Ho Chi Minh
Here I am eating pho at the restaurant Pho 2000.
Cheers,
Cathie McIntyre
Cathie,
Many thanks for the update on your trip and the great photos. I love the express on the face of the girl sitting next to you in the 4th picture (bottom) – it looks like she is thinking, “Do I really want to eat this … what is it?!” – LOL – 🙂
Glad you had a wonderful trip and thank you for sharing with the rest of us Saigon Kids.
Bob
Oh..oh..oh..I so much want to go back to Saigon for a visit, but sort of out of the question right now…Maybe when I’m older…lol.
Lucky you, Cathy. Hope you had a good time and the trip brought back good, old memories. Take care and all the best.
Am enjoying the warm Florida weather right now, until next week and then back to cold Germany.
Ken – Send pictures of your *adventures* in Florida. I’m sure everyone would love to see them. By the way, there are several Saigon Kids living in Florida (in case you might have thoughts of inviting them all to a *mini-reunion dinner* before you head back to Germany – could be fun! – 🙂 – just a passing thought that rambled through my mind – LOL ). Enjoy your time with your sister and the WARM weather!
Bob
Bob, Not exactly an adventure…..I am past the time for adventures..Just taking the time to spending time with my son and his new family and my sister and her family. My son has a lady friend and her daughter making up his family now after years of living alone. And we have two new husbands and three grandchildren in my sister’s family since I was home last (2008) for my mom’s funeral. The little ones are so much fun and their antics really make me laugh.
Did manage to see the shuttle atop the 747 flying north towards D.C. yesterday morning but it was too far away for any good photographs. Getting my fill of barbeque, grits and other good southern cooking. Will probably have to have my pants let out when I get home, but that’s OK. I spend most of my time sitting on the shaded terrace and enjoying this wonderful weather while my wife has to cope with chilly northern German temps. Have tried to contact a few people, but seems most people are either traveling, or set up their telephones to force callers to identify themselves to avoid spam calls. Can’t blame them but I had asking folks to call me back. Oh well, must be my “European” genes kicking in.
Hope to be home safe and sound on the 26th.
Ken – Ahhh, to bad … another missed opportunity for a mini reunion. Dang! Enjoy your time with the family, there is nothing more important then family! I’m glad you are able to spend time with them, as I’m sure they are and you are … 🙂
Rock Onnn …
Bob
Cathie – love the pictures and am jealous of your trip! So happy you had a good time there…many memories, huh? Hugs, Maile
Hi Maile —
It’s good to hear from you. Yes, the trip was wonderful. When I retire, I may go back to Vietnam for a few months to do more exploration. After 50 years a lot has changed! And then there is the entire north of the country to discover.
Hugs back,
Cathie
Cathie,
So enjoyed your pictures and your recount of the adventures. It is so wonderful to return ‘home’ to Vietnam and glad you enjoyed.
Hi Sarah —
Yes, I finally was able to return and see how different the country is now, although there were a few familiar places in Saigon. I know you’ve been back several times and probably have witnessed the transformation.
The Cercle Sportif sure seems a bit shabby now! I loved going there and it was a bit sad to see the state it is in now.
Cathie
thanks, Cathie for the pics of Saigon. surprised to see no hustle/bustle. was it really that quiet?
Hi Vicki,
Yes indeed there was a lot of hustle/bustle! There are so many motorbikes on the road that they made my head spin as I warily crossed the street! And the market was amazingly crowded . . . and full of tourists even at this time of year.
Cathie