So almost four months on, my Vietnam adventure ends where it began, down in Saigon. Worked out well to travel down after the Quy Nhon race, and managed to get a relatively cheap (~€250) to Brisbane. What I didn’t realise at the time, was that the lack of in-flight entertainment must have contributed to the cheap ticket. So I basically raw dogged the 8 hour journey.
Tourist Things
I thought I would finally visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, but with the weather and effort I gave it a miss. A little bit spent in terms of tours and tourist things – prefer the ad hoc and random approach of just seeing things, getting a pic, and being on my way.
This time around, I did explore further afield than Bui Vien Street at least. On a long run I took in a couple of the sights and landmarks that I missed on my original visit. Unfortunately the facade of the cathedral is being done up, so I really should have checked it out in February!
Spent more time in and around the markets too, and even got a tailored waistcoat done up – having regretted not getting anything in Hoi An – so I aim to wear that at my cousin’s wedding when I touch down in Ireland!
Meeting People
Speaking of cousins, I got in touch with a cousin from Dublin who is living over here teaching. We hadn’t met before but it was great to get a few pints and chats in.
While in that pub I bumped into a lad I’d met in Hanoi as well – small world!
I couldn’t leave without checking out Bui Vien a bit, and had some nice times with fellow travellers there, and with some locals too. Always interesting having a chat and learning about different countries over a few drinks.
Overdid it on the last night so had a bit of a scramble getting to the airport. Making it there just an hour before departure, but the travel Gods were with me in this instance, as I made it through the security and immigration fine (on very little sleep) and then boarded a plane for the final frontier!
DavAI SummAIriser
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