Sai Gon
Independence Palace Visit… The tank which in April 1975 drove through the gate, ending the war in Viet Nam. The palace (a very nicely designed building); lots of state-rooms, meeting rooms. On top a terrace with Huey, (taken from the dance floor of the top floor) – notice also the red spots where the bombs hit) and a view towards the front park and fountain. A lovely visit!
Sai Gon by night a true wonder… The Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eifel), and the Hotel Sai Gon across the opera..
..where we saw a great show (the OA show)
Checking out of our volunteer residence- a snapshot on where we lived…
Last day at Vinh Son school. Fantastic time: Photos: introduction to the performance, a village dance, a Têt-dance and a picture with all the teachers and the ‘directice’ (in the middle white).
More teaching moments…
A rare moment. Both parents captured up front in the class room. Mom in a moment of encouragement, while evidently another student is not quite sure of herself yet on the answers,….
The apartment hotel is a great place. The 11th floor ensures we have light and a nice view over Sai Gon. Sitting at the pool in the afternoon is also not too rough.
In the evening we went to the uniquely Vietnamese Water Puppet show. One of those ‘gotta do it once in life’ experiences. It is magnificently technical what they are able to do!
The dinner place was chosen by Alicia. This is the outside. It is not clear yet if this is still a leftover from Chinese new year or not!
Ok I could not help myself. Needed to take the shot. Your mission, (should you accept it)….spot the bicycle!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!
How to outdo dinner with a red carpet on the beach in Dubai, the RiesenRad in Vienna…. The answer: Blackout in Saigon! This is a restaurant 100% in the dark. Blind waiters and hostesses. Intense!
Three pictures: Starter, Main Course, Dessert.
No really that is all we saw. A once in a life time experience, slightly frightening, claustrophobic to be honest, but what a meal! Leendert will have to blog about the food specifically.
We did get a drink a the end ‘outside’, and Heidi a Happy B-day cake
One of our classes in Sai Gon: a lovely small little school.
On the way to the Orphanage pagoda, and arrival at the site
It is not the cheeriest place you’ve ever been. Some harrowing scenes, but the help is appreciated and Leendert works along hard (not as easy as one might think!)
The 2 bedroom apartment was as great location, and luxurious. The Volunteering single room takes some getting used to!
A trip to Cu Chi Tunnels – down the Mekong River.
early morning,…
Now you see me,…
…and gone!
These are the big tunnels..
What’s for lunch?
Rubber (latex) is stringy!
At Anh’s – a peek into a Vietnamese home-party for New Year. Wow!
shoes at the front door, just like at (our) home, amazing food, drink and singing. A true treat to have been offered the hospitality!
Saigon Hotel New Year Dragon Dance
Saigon on New Years Eve
On the way out of Hoi An: Marble Mountain
bitten by a dragon…
Biking 2 miles gets you to nice rice paddies!
Vietnamese cooking demonstration / participation
Photography lessons paying off:
(from Alicia)
(from Heidi)
Impressions of Hoi An – Market moments…. The hats, fruits and faces. If only I could take a picture of the smells!
A nice bike tour in the fields – water buffalo, workers, mopets,… wonderful impressions of this picturesque region.
First day out and about in town:
