We were warned that Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as the locals still call it) would test our patience, but we all think it's great. Found a cheap room down a warren of charismatic, full of life, alleyways. The city has a busy vibe, but doesn't feel as hectic as Hanoi. It's wide streets only filled with chaotic traffic for the evening rush-hour, but was entertaing to watch.
Sampled durian flavour ice-cream (still can't compare it to real thing yet), on our way to the War Remnants Museum, with it's collection of weapons and graphic evidence of atrocities commited by the US. Interesting to hear about the war from the other perspective, and a chance to dispel the boys glamourised image of soldiering.
Took an organised tour to the start of the Mekong Delta, to paddle down narrow canals and visit some lo-fi cottage industries (honey farming, rice paper production and coconut sweet making) on the shallow islands. Tasted rice wine from a bottle that had a dead snake bobbing around inside, and Ned made friends with a python. It was all a bit neatly wrapped and touristy, but it was an interesting day all the same, and an area we wouldn't have time to explore properly otherwise.
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