Brand New Hairstyle!

By the way, I did some drastic change with my hair while in Ho Chi Minh! No particular reason really. My sisters thought I looked such a drag with long hair so they really forced me to do the most random thing and cut my hair very short. I am not high maintenance at all especially with hair so I thought perhaps this would save me from having to use more products for my hair. Nevertheless, it happened! I look more boyish now but I guess I am getting used to it. (The high maintenance part just got bigger! I have to use a hair mousse now.)

Ho Chi Minh: 2nd time around!

Our vacation to Vietnam has been such a trip. This second time around was sort of sweeter. 

• I was not anymore so scared about crossing the road. I gained confidence. 
• Their local food was more of my thing. At first, eating something foreign really grossed me out but now it's getting into my palate and I was enjoying it.
• Fruits, vegetables and meat are in super low prices! It's crazy! Plus did I mention clothes? I can shop here all day if I had the money. And they have branded clothes. Cool, huh?
• I love their street food and they are healthy. Thanks to my sister Rexa for really introducing. I would not have tried it by myself. 
• The city is too huge! There are a total of more than 12 districts and all can be reached through its public transportation, the bus (which my kid loves so much). Although I think almost all Vietnamese own a motor bike. They even park it inside their homes.
• Parks are huge! And walking is the trend here. Everybody walks. I think the best way to know a place is to really walk. No more heels, just plain flat shoes or slippers.
• Lastly, being with family there was the best of all the experience. 

 

Reminiscing Ho Chi Minh!

There are probably close to 500 pictures I took when we went to Ho Chi Minh last year. We spent a week there and realized it was not enough to visit all the historical places and the whole city in that matter. Nevertheless, it was a trip I could not forget since it was my first time abroad and with my partner and kid. My sisters and mom acted as our hosts and tourist guides! They were excellent at it. We visited the marketplace, lots of MUSEUMS and BUILDINGS, grabbing fresh fish and sidewalk snacks! It was really yum and thrilling! 

We also dined in some of th efine restaurants and ate PHO and other delicacies in the country. I even learned to use chopsticks and forgot about needing rice. I mean here in the Philippines, we eat rice three times a day. So, it was a fun change.

We also got the chance to visit the ZOO where my kid just loved to stroll around and run and look at animals he saw for the first time. It was a HUGE ZOO so at the end of the whole round, I really got tired. But it was fun.

It was my birthday during that week we spent there. My mom surprised me with a lady like looking cake. It was wonderful and I really enjoyed my day there.

We experienced eating in the market and even on the side of the street! I mean if you go there, you have to get in touch with the LOCAL and what's popular. And this was it! The BEST FOOD and BEER is when you eat and drink on the side of the street! Nothing compares!

BEER in VIETNAM is really cheap. It's a great way to end any long day and with family!

Xin Chao Saigon!

We arrived at 1:00AM Philippine time here in Ho Chi Minh (previously called Saigon) Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In all honesty, I felt my whole body about to collapse in mere exhaustion. We brought two full loads of hand carries, each consisting of seven kilos and two more little bags for Dwayne's other things. There were no luggages but in all honesty now that I went through what I did, I'd much prefer to have huge trolleys than hand carries. Nonetheless, that was our predicament.

So, minus our son who weighs about 12 kilos at the moment, the entire procedure was totally about endurance, gut and strong will. As we all know the process at NAIA Terminal has a lot of counters and fees to pay. So, I'm just glad that our money was just enough to pay other charges prior to our departure. And, we went through the Immigration booth just fine. I believe it was because of Dwayne's charm that put us through a smooth process though.

Our second flight was delayed about an hour, so imagine an hour of sitting on a stagnant plane and with a son who wants to sleep so bad but cannot. It was really just a situation that I wanted to disappear from. My back was showing its first signs of uneasiness, it was literally getting stuck up. There was not much space to move about. It was terrible. So, when the aircraft started to finally get moving, my son decided to close his eyes. He was too tired. I also followed suite but there were times I would wake up and finding my lower back unbearable. I wanted to straighten it but can't because my kid's head is on my lap. It was really just a matter of me wanting to give up and praying to God we get to our destination already. So, eventually I had to give my son's head to his father's lap so I could at least stretch my aching lower back.

Thank God, he didn't wake up in the process. I was able to bend my back. It was just what I needed. Finally, we reached the top of Vietnam. It was wonderful! I was so amazed from the view way up in the sky. The lights were glaring red and the road map of long highways and well organized districts was clear from atop. Something about it made me feel like this country was as tough and as mysterious as its exterior. It was magical. I was getting sentimental. I felt like all the physical pain went away. I was blown away by the beauty I was seeing. It was priceless.

I felt a new ecstatic feeling. I wasn't sleepy anymore but already excited about the people who will greet us, my mom, two sis and cousin. It was a very happy moment. Surprisingly, Dwayne did not cry upon their greeting complete with hugs and kisses. That was all we needed after a tedious day of backpacker travelling. I felt so relieved. And excited to get to know Vietnam!

Our first plane ride from CDO to Manila

At Lumbia Airport

at NAIA Terminal Airport waiting for departure to Ho Chih Minh

Dwayne strolling and running around the departure area going to Vietnam

Just landed at NAIA Terminal 3

NAIA Terminal 3 relaxing

Christmas is really just around the corner at NAIA Terminal 3

I am so happy for having a safe, smooth and successful trip. After all the days of waiting and praying for all to be well, God has indeed answered all those with great memories and wonderful blessings. Now, I'm taking everything all in as I am exploring the City of Ho Chi Minh here in Vietnam.