Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok

11/16/09

Hi everyone!
We have awhile in a cab so thought we'd write another update for those interested.
Rich wanted me to mention that I left out in last email that we also went to Macau - kinda like an Asian Las Vegas (though vegas is better). Even had some of the same hotels- wynn, mgm, etc. Was neat to see though. Some different games they play there.

Went to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon, though still apparently frequently referred to as that). We had an organized tour there. Saw some history, some culture... And more mopeds than u would think are possible to squeeze on the streets. Saw a water puppet show. Saw a Buddhist service going on at one of the temples, which was interesting.

Today we have been in bangkok.  Amazing amazing city. We both agree one of our favorite cities we have ever been to - likely THE favorite.  Highly recommend Bangkok and all of Asia for everyone whenever u hopefully get the chance.  Bangkok has a fabulous mix of history, culture, modernity, amazing buildings, tons of shopping, prob the best food on the planet (in my opinion :) ), and more.  Its got these fabulously ornate wats (or temples) - our pictures (and any pictures) won't do them justice. We both separately thought it reminded us of some sort of asian buddhist disneyland. Every time u turn a corner in these little wat and palace villages there is another tower, statue, buddha, or building more amazing than the last.

It was quite hot and humid while exploring the wats and palace.  Then we took a river boat tour in a little long canoe thing. Interesting to see some of the houses and markets floating on the water. While floating along we heard a huge clap of thunder, should have been a foreboding sign. Still cruising along, awhille later all of a sudden it started POURING. Sheets of rain. Luckily our boat driver had umbrelllas but that didn't stop us from getting soaked.  Got some funny videos ;) it was quite the adventure to say the least.  Though once we got off the boat, awhile later it did stop raining as suddenly as it started - and was back to clear and hot the rest of the day.

Rich got some custom shirts made (great prices for that kinda thing). For those wondering there was in fact another rat sighting. Rich thought I was crazy for darting in the other direction and not stopping to take a picture (silly me) - though Rich did get the camera from me and may have managed to take a picture-which you may be treated to at a later time.  And yes Thai rats just as gross as Vietnam rats, which are just as gross as US rats.

Bangkok also has some super nice swanky modern areas. All pretty and clean and all lit up.  Great transportation system (sky train- above ground subway) Tons of night markets. And we took a stop to the very "vibrant" red light district. Pretty crazy.  Quite the night life here too.

Well that's a quick rundown of some highlights. Of course more details and pictures later for those who want.
We're overnight in Bangkok area but have some ideas for some other places to try and visit tomorrow. Will update more when we can!