Just last year 2019, there was a call to go back to Cambodia. It seemed like it was confirming that a 10-month vacation is over. Well, I wanted to argue for some personal reasons, yet seasons change which I believe I do not have the capacity to "manipulate" no matter how I wanted it to be.
I knew deep down in my heart that I couldn't say no for whatever was already planned. Every time that I have to leave a place whether a workplace or a location, there is always an irresistible sense in me that I am hardly able to ignore. From my past experiences, I noticed that the more I lord over time and push my time table, I was in total burden. As a result, at that time, I needed to put down my guards and simply agreed with the changes that were at hand.
So, I flew back to Cambodia in June. Every station from home to the City Phenom Penh had gone smoothly. I could say, "Now, what's next?" It is with the attitude of a bit of hesitation of the followed path. ^^
Here I go to Cambodia! This is the Independence Monument here.
As I stood in front of it, I felt "independence" what a relief from taking things on my own hands.
After a week or two, it was my sister's school vacation and after her trip to Malaysia and Thailand she still put forward a trip to Vietnam which I actually needed for my visa extension too. Well, I did not plan it (I felt that I needed to adjust a lot from living in the Philippines to Cambodia, so I tend to take things slowly.), but then I must be there. ( I was like, "Can I just have a break?" my homebody moment wanted to just take over.)
After all the hesitations and unwillingness to go with the plan, I chose to again SIMPLY go and be surprised to whatever is in store ahead.
Welcome to HO CHI MINH Vietnam.
Camdodia and Vietnam border ^^
The good thing about staying in Cambodia is that you can go to a few countries nearby by land transportation which is the best choice if you want to spend more time on the bus and if you desire to save your money for shopping or a food trip instead of airfare. (Which was our choice. ^^)
This is Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office
Notre Dame Cathedral
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 1880s by French colonists, is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam. Located in Paris Square, the name Notre Dame was given after the installation of the statue ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ in 1959. (Credited to http://www.vietnam-guide.com/ho-chi-minh-city/notre-dame-cathedral.htm)
SAIGON OPERA HOUSE
Saigon Opera House was built in 1898 by the French architect – Eugene Ferret, following the “flamboyant” style of the French Third Republic. It was set to be two meters higher than the street surface with two-door layers, in order to prevent traffic noise. The Opera House was built in 1898 and carried out 3,200,000 square meters in total areas.
The theater was set to be two meters higher than the street surface with two-door layers in order to prevent traffic noise.
The oval auditorium with 468 seats offers a good view from every seat. It is also echo-free and therefore preserves all the sound inside the theatre. The major renovation, which cost USD 1.7 million at the time, took 2 years from 1996 to 1998 to finish. (https://www.luneproduction.com/saigon-opera-house)
Have a cup of tea before the show.
If only the audience were allowed to take a video of the presentations, for sure I would take a video for you to watch. And you would certainly pin it to your itinerary when you happen to be Vietnam. An- hour performance was indeed impressive. The majority of the viewers were foreigners who couldn't help but speak out their accolades.
War Remnants Museum
This is one of the heartbreaking museums I have visited. History is always a mirror of the present society. Well, if you want to know more about it go there to be in a way put your feet in the shoes of the victims, witnesses, and people involved.
These are the persevered aircraft of the American used in Vietnam.
Of course, the art gallery just near the museum must be on the itinerary. As they said, "A picture paints a thousand words" which the paintings do agree.
Lastly the Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay Market, constructed by the French in the 1880s, is located in the centre of Vietnam’s largest Chinatown district. Unlike Ben Thanh Market in District 1, this market mainly serves the local population with its extensive range of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood from regions across Vietnam.
(credited to http://www.vietnam-guide.com/ho-chi-minh-city/top10/top10-ho-chi-minh-attractions.htm)
Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Happy Pancakes) This tastes so good! ^^
Well, this is the first unexpected trip in 2019. There's another two. ^^
Thanks for reading! ^^