Break Time

For as much as we love Saigon and all of is underpinnings, we've been here for a month while only taking an overnight trip partly up the Mekong. The weather seems to be warming up and the hours between noon and 3pm are a bit torturish- we preffer to spend them in our hotel, in the aircon, reading or trying to surf the web,...well,actually, here its more like wading in the slow and shallow virtual shoals. We seem to wake up fully when the sun begins to back off and the thick motorbike pollution seems to be swept away by the almost predictable afternoon breeze. This is the time of day our routine kicks in, starting with a much anticipated visit to our moveable coffee shop accross the street. Mainly set up to feed the local labor class during the day, the afternoon brings in a variety of people, even other farong and Viet Cu like ourselves. But we have established a mutual friendship with the family that runs the not-so-legal joint, (by this I mean that they seem to only have a liscence for food and coffee, but beer and smokes are always available.) During inspection day, they seem to be gone, but really, they've only just set-up around the corner in the alley street in front of their home. From there, the meals continue to be served and there is always a cold Tiger beer somewhere to be provided for two thirsty regulars.

We've discovered many many things about Saigon just from hanging out back there. Apparently, inspection can last a few days so we've been intently observing who comes in, who goes out. It is literally "The Lost City" that has yet to be mentioned in any of the "Pancacker" travel guides. The labryinth of small streets that are city block deep is just incredible. Cities within cites....food stalls, hair salons, computer rooms.....all providing local services within the 5, 6 story buildings erected above the double motorbike width alleys.

It is time for us to pack-up shop and hit the pristine waters of Phu Quoc. Our eco-villa at Bo Resort will bring forth a fresh new perspective as we near the end of the beginning of our stay. We will be limited in our communication with the rest of the world for the next five days. Cheers to our friends and family!

xoxo D & T.