La daabacay: 20.12.2018
Spent yesterday the penultimate day in Saigon. Among other things, visited a 'big market'. There was pretty much everything and nothing. From lobster, to fake t-shirts, to pacemakers and fake Rolex watches. But as diverse as all the stuff was, one thing all the items had in common: mega kitschy! And that's putting it politely (... I'm a guest 🤔). But it seems to be the latest trend among us tourists. People were buying bags full of stuff. Too bad my backpack is already packed full 😜.
To console myself, I indulged in a street food market. Also visited the Reunification Palace while strolling around (... can't get enough of the atmosphere and even love the honking of the motorbikes now). Of course, paid the entrance fee. Don't want to be accused of not exploring the political center. Money shouldn't be an issue. Angela has been here before too.
Well ... admired two meeting rooms on the ground floor, then strolled towards the spectacular center of power, only to be escorted out by a socialist uniformed guard in flip-flops (Adidas): 'No entrance, boss in the house'. My pitiful reminder of the paid entrance fee ... tried to look outraged ... was ignored. I mean, who does he think he is ... he was wearing flip-flops!!! So, this socialism thing won't work ... never 😡😡😡.
Well, maybe I'll try again on my last day in Saigon, when I'm flying on in a week ... what's 40,000 Dong anyway. Party poopers know that it's about 1.80€.
Today, got up early again to take the public bus for about five hours to the east to Mui Ne ... sun, beach & more .... But what does 'take' mean, it was a bus with only beds. Very, very, very relaxed. Like being carried around the country in a sedan. Sublime feeling ...
This time stayed in a backpacker place. Very nice. With a pool, because the beach is ten minutes away on foot. After Saigon, with honking and hustle and bustle, it's the right place. Spent the afternoon chilling by the pool and trying to get some color 🌤☀️.
At the moment, Clive from South Africa is giving a free concert here at the hostel in exchange for food and accommodation ... he's playing Kings of Leon, among others. Better than the original ... no joke. How can he have such a voice?
P.S.: I wonder if the 'boss' was the President of the State? Or just the chief flip-flop wearer? Hmmm ... or both 🤔?