Day 1 in Ho Chi Minh City

Our trip to Vietnam had 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City and 3 days at the beach in Nah Trang.

Justin goes to Ho Chi Minh City about once a quarter for work, and I went with him once last fall.  I was only there for about 36 hours, so I didn't get to see a lot.

This time we had a tour guide and a plan to see quite a few sights in the short time we were in HCM.  We met our tour guide at 9am on our first day, and headed to the Norte Dame Cathedral.

It was built between 1877 and 1883 with materials brought in from France.

 We saw many couples having wedding photos taken here and other places in the city.  Our guide explained that photos are usually taken a few months before the actual wedding since the wedding day is so busy.

 Across the street is another French inspired building, the Central Post Office.

 The girls sent post cards to Grandma Carol and Papa Dave

 Then, it was off to the Independence/Reunification Palace.

 This was the former presidential residence for the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.  It was completed in 1966.

  It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.

  At the lacqureware factory, Whitney was loving these guys!!!!

 You don't really appreciate the time and effort it takes to finish a piece, until you see the artisan breaking eggshells into tiny pieces to fill in the details.

 The Ben Thanh Market was my least favorite HMC sight.  It was 100 s of stalls packed into a building. The aisles to walk through were very narrow and the sellers kept touching all of us.  However, if you want a cheap Tshirt or souvenir it is the place to be.

 Soft shell crabs still moving:

 While waiting for the van to come back we did make a few purchases…..

 ……..DRINKS!!!!!

 …….and a HAT.

 The rooftop pool at the Sofitel was perfect for lunch, a drink and swimming!!!!

 A night river cruise was a unique way to have dinner.

 The girls were entertained by all of the dancing and singing.  They also had the best magical I have ever seen.  I am still trying to figure out how he did everything!

Life is Good when you visit new places.