Tifosi in Ecstasy

Saigon, at least in the so-called District 1 (center), where I have been hanging out for the past two days, is loud. Very loud. This is mainly due to the millions of motorbikes, similar to Hanoi. But yesterday evening, it was enriched with "almost" as many vuvuzelas (remember: 2010 World Cup in South Africa). Initially, because the Vietnamese were getting pumped for the football match against their neighbor Malaysia and then to celebrate the 1-0 victory in a fitting manner. They are crazy about football, not much different from the Italian Tifosi. If anything, the opposite ⚽️⚽️⚽️.

Otherwise, Saigon is not really comparable to Hanoi. At least, that's what I can say about the districts where I ... and probably most foreigners .... have been staying. It is not only bigger, but also more luxurious, almost "western". It is a socialist "showcase capital". Modern skyscrapers, restored historical buildings from the Indochina period when the French were in charge here. All in all, the central District 1 is rather fancy compared to Vietnamese standards. Although noise, traffic chaos, bling bling, etc. remain the core elements. After all, you want to feel comfortable 😏.

Above all, and this is not to be underestimated for Europeans 😀, many streets here are very wide. Some are 6-8 lanes wide, it's hard to say exactly. This is always important when crossing the road as a pedestrian. Although I believe that I have almost grooved in Vietnamese style by now 🕺 ... just cross with a consistent speed, don't stop, don't run ... but yesterday it got me. I actually took about 15 minutes to cross a single street and in between, because of the "crazy" people, I couldn't go forward or backward.

Other than that, yesterday and today were all about city walking, as it should be for a curious young man. I saw everything from the War Remnants Museum (Vietnam War), to the Financial Glass Palace (Saigon Skydeck, 50th floor), the Notre Dame Cathedral, etc. ... always garnished with many tea or cola breaks, because it's very tropical ... .

Often, you read that Hanoi is more authentic and therefore preferable to Saigon. I don't think so. For me, both have their charm, they are just different.

Today, I'm heading to bed early, because tomorrow I'm leaving for the Mekong Delta for two days ... let's see what it feels like there.