Lounging around

Wednesday February 11, 2015

After a couple of busy days, this morning we opted for some lounging in the sun and pool time.  We are on vacation afterall!!   Though with Ken being retired, not sure vacation is the correct word for him.  Either way, beauteous morning of relaxation.  

Heaven?

In the early afternoon, we headed out to explore District 1 some more.  We still hadn't gotten inside Notre Dame Cathedral and it was open between 3:00 and 4:00.  We stopped to mail a few postcards at the General Post Office on the way.  The recipients should see them in their mailboxes by Easter.  Then it was a quick jaunt to Haagen Daaz for lunch.  Ice cream has many important nutrients - lol!

The outside of the Cathedral is spectacular and we expected the Sam if the inside.  The inside was simple but beautiful.  Tourists had very limited access as the bulk of the church was reserved for quiet prayer; a lovely decision for the parishioners.  After a quick prayer and some photos we were ready for the next adventure.  

Having seen most of the sights in District 1, we headed off to find a Pagoda in District 5.  We are still in training, so were looking for a longish walk to get our steps in and that would fill the bill.  The city is gearing up for Tet so everyday there are more and more decorations.  It's like Christmas on steroids.  

The other thing that never ceases to amaze is the traffic and the cacophony of horns all vying for attention and superiority.  When moped drivers are faced with a one-way street, it's not a problem. They just drive down the "sidewalks"!!  Truth be told, it's rare to see that many people walking. The cargo they carry is often quite something too. 

Exploring on foot, in addition to being is good exercise, provides opportunities for unanticipated finds. Along the way, we found a shrine to Thich Quang Duc, a holy man who lived from 1897-1963.  

After our photoshoot, we continued on to the Chua Xa Loi Pagoda.  We found it with a bit of difficulty.  Pagodas seem to be off the beaten track and our map doesn't have quite enough detail.  Lol, I did have the map again.  No photos allowed of a most fabulous Buddha.  You could feel the holiness of this place of quiet contemplation.  After a quick exploration, we started back to the hotel.  Our route took us behind the Reunification Palace and past the Ben Thanh Market so we were quite far afield.  We also found a sculpture garden which finally answered the chicken and egg conundrum. 

We made it back to the hotel in one piece and after a couple of beer at the rooftop, we headed out for dinner at Kim Lam again.  We had originally intended a restaurant farther afield but decided we had walked enough for one day. 

The food was, once again, beautifully presented though this picture does not do it justice.  It's a chicken made from a pineapple and peppersin case you can't tell.  

Back to the room for a game of crib.  Early to bed.  Sun and walking took thei toll and tomorrow is another day ...