With the 'TRAIN' to Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) :-)

Last night we had reserved train tickets from Mui Ne (Phan Thiet) to Saigon. Yes, we just don't give up, it must work out with a longer train journey at some point :-()! The train will take 4.5 hours and it should depart at 13:10.

This morning we had a nice breakfast at our resort. We sat outside, with a fantastic view of the sea. We could watch the fishing boats all the time and were a little sad that we had to leave this oasis :-()...grins!

Well then, a taxi took us to the train station and you won't believe what was on the platform!!!!!! A train, yes exactly - OUR TRAIN -, I asked the lady at the ticket counter twice if THAT really was our train to Saigon. She laughed and said each time 'YEEEEESSSSS, YEEEEEESSSSS your TRAAAAAIIIIIIN'...! So we actually got on our slightly longer train journey through Vietnam. Unfortunately, there were bars installed in front of the windows, so I couldn't take any photos on the way. It was impressive again. For a while, there were numerous huge dragon fruit plantations. Every now and then, the train passed through small villages, the tracks almost ran through the locals' containers. Little children played in front of the tracks. Take one step out of the container door and the tracks were right there. It looked scary, but also very poor :-(! As we approached Saigon, the tracks were secured by an old steel fence. But here too, they ran directly past the shacks...creepy!

We arrived in Ho Chi Minh on time and got a taxi to the hotel. Hmmmmmm, I can only say Rush Hour!!!! The traffic is even worse than in Hanoi, which says something. It took the driver over 30 minutes for the 2.3 km to the hotel :-(!

After checking in, we immediately grabbed the city map and set off. Again, we couldn't stop marveling here. This city is simply incredible. Daniela said to me 'Anke, this is how I imagine New York'... Yes, Saigon has a certain NY touch. The many great skyscrapers, beautifully illuminated hotels and streets. It looks very USA-like!

Then a big problem came up for us: we had to cross the street. In Hanoi, there was a gap to change lanes, but here...Help!!!! It was really dangerous because NO ONE here follows any traffic rules, it's unbelievable! There are traffic lights, but they are just decorations...Since I'm writing here at the moment, we managed the traffic well ;-)!

Arriving at the hotel completely exhausted from the eventful day, we quickly booked our tour for tomorrow. It's a day trip to the Mekong Delta, to the floating markets, etc. :-)! We are really looking forward to it, so feel hugged and we say GOOD NIGHT...yaaaaaawn :-()