Saigon Part 1

Arrived in Saigon and traffic isnt as bad/crazy as Hanoi.

Checked into out hotel room, nice but windowless (booking specifically said it had a window) showered, after the train ride and went for a big walk.
Walked past the reunification palace and went to the war remnants museum. the war remnants museum was intense and emotional with some graphic imagery and displays. I wouldnt say it was 100% balanced - nor does it have to be (are any movies) - but still very much worth going. After lunch we went to the Ho Chi Minh museum.

Sunday night in Saigon was amazing - I think everyone one goes out on their motor bikes and this combined with the Xmas decorations that were still up made for a great spectacle. Pre-dinner drinks at an Aussie pub called the blue Gecko followed by dinner at a German pub 2 doors up from our hotel (sometimes you have enough spring rolls and just feel like a 'western meal' for dinner).

The next day we walked to the Jade Pagoda which had heaps of turtles. I thought turtles were sacred or lucky but we saw the maitenance guy clearing out the dead ones from the big pool - he threw the dead ones about 3 metres out of the pool onto concrete - Perhaps they are only sacred when they are alive. After that we walked to the botanical gradens, it has a crappy zoo that pretty much lets tourists throw food and annoy animals as much as they like. We didnt stay there very long.

Dinner at a place that employed street kids (i forget the name) was great - and we were lucky as they were turning away other 'westerners' - followed by rooftop drinks on the roof of the Rex Hotel.

Tomorrow we have booked a 1 night trip to the Mekong Delta.