Leaving the Philippines, Yeah! Now Vietnam.

Finally, I am out of the Philippines. It was hard to tour there because: 1. They weren't into it and tours were mostly non-existent, 2. Poverty was a standard condition except for a few pockets showing wealth, 3. and Tourist attractions seemed relatively few.

I went through the visa on arrival process easily ay Ho Chi Minh airport and was picked up by my hotel and whisked away into the night.

The hotel is a narrow building in a small alleyway and there was a big steel door across the front when we arrived. The driver rang the buzzer and the door raised part way and I was invited in to a dark hotel lobby. Imagine my surprise when the lights came on and I saw everything was made of gleaming marble accented with ebony colored wood furniture.

I was quickly escorted to my room and the young owner went back to bed. It appears that this couple are the owners as well as the 24 hours staff 24/7. They sleep in the lobby and the kitchen.

This room was a little bit more expensive than I am used to and I have a hot shower with an actual shower stall, a/c, plasma TV and free Internet. There is a complementary breakfast also which was omelet with tomato and onion, a small French bread stick, kumquat juice and coffee.

This is the street outside the hotel. It is narrow and there are not many cars or bikes in here.

Ho Chi Minh is the motorbike capital of the world. There must be 40 bikes to every car or truck. After being out all day my eyes were just stinging. It must be the exhaust. It is quite difficult (scary) to cross some of the busier streets.

All the buildings are tall and skinny like this and no windows on the side. This one got its head above the crowd and has a few windows on the side. It is common to have a windowless room like the one I have here. I am only in it basically when it is dark anyhow, just have to wait until I get outside to see what the weather is. It is always the same any way, sunny and hot with 100% chance of smog.

This is the Reunification Palace. It has state rooms of several sizes and the official offices of the President and Vice President.

In the grounds was this fountain. Behind it is the faint image of a large building within walking distance. Smog is the reason you can't see it.

Tank from the Vietnam War.

I stuck my size 10 foot in for a size reference. Biggest leaf I have ever seen.

While I was wandering around looking for my street I came across this neat building. Looks older than most.

Well, that was yesterday. Now that there is something to do again I am a little behind.

The river is near here and it is all set up for a New Year celebration. I me a family from Australia who I am going out to eat with and walk over there a bit. Then I have to figure out how I am leaving from here tomorrow.

Facebook is blocked here, the whole country I guess, so that should save some time.

Happy New Year everyone!