Wotae: 05.09.2019
Getting around by bus is going pretty well now. You just have to watch the locals to learn. Buses don't just stop, you have to wave them down. And thanks to Google Maps, I know exactly when to get off and I let the driver know. So, a new attempt to visit the palace. But it only opens at 1:00 PM, so for now I'll explore the city. Went to the hairdresser, not much to cut for me, and got a little head massage. It was a bit more expensive than expected. Note to self, always negotiate the price beforehand. For lunch, I found a street vendor where many locals were eating. It was delicious (pork with rice), but a bit uncomfortable on the low plastic stools.
The palace is quite big and spacious. You can take a look inside. I had an audio guide in German, but with all the Vietnamese, French, and American generals and politicians who lived there and came and went, it's easy to lose track.
Returned to the hostel a bit earlier as I was supposed to give an English lesson. But the student didn't show up, so more free time for me. Had dinner with the others in the hostel, Tina cooked. We had bamboo with duck, fried duck liver, and duck stomach. Couldn't stomach the stomach, but the liver was good. The Vietnamese found it amusing that I didn't eat the flabby boiled skin. There was also boiled pork skin with eggs. Eggs were okay, but definitely not the skin. Later, I taught the others how to play Mau Mau and we played a board game.
As for prices, 1 Euro is 25000 Dong. Bus costs 6000 Dong, a meal is 25000 Dong, and a Becks beer (0.5L) is 20000 Dong. It's quite affordable here. They only have banknotes and you always have a bundle with you, which can be annoying.