The last few days from Raine

January 7th

Touched down at  HCMC at 6 am. Very little turbulence except in my head as there were a few mishaps. Paul spiked a temperature so I had to force feed him paracetamol through the night. I decided to have a glass of wine with dinner … there was no dinner … somehow our request for a vegetarian meal was lost in translation … Then, how I don’t know, my wine flew off the tray and soaked my neighbour’s seat. Luckily she was standing up at this point. Inside my head there were expletives and tantrums as my hands automatically used any bit of absorbent material to mop the seat next to mine. The woman was very nice about it but wary every time I asked for a drink of anything. I gave her my blanket to sit on … I didn’t need it as Paul was radiating enough heat to keep me warm. Unusually for me I was awake all night.

So strange to be back in this city where everything seems so familiar and yet it is still an assault on the senses. Loud, fast and the smell: that above all else meant I could only be in Saigon. We dropped our bags and went for breakfast at a French inspired cafe I used to go to before heading back to Ruby Home to wangle an early check in. 

Floor 7 Ruby Home is tiny but it’s saving grace is the two large terraces which we have direct access to and appear to have sole use of. It’s a great part of town with juice shops and restaurants and bars all around and it’s a 15 minute walk into the centre or a 5 minute bus ride for 20p.

As we walk along the streets and see the street vendors parked up along the way selling food, drinks, cigarettes etc I can’t help but wonder how many units they need to sell to make a living…  

Also the general industry of the people here, living and working in one space and still they look up and smile and say hello to the nosy English. We stopped to watch a young guy at his sewing machine on the pavement making an excellent repair to some jeans. 

Had the best of dinners at Buddha Chay which as luck would have it is only a 10 minute walk away.

January 8th

Went into the centre and meandered around. Disappointed to see that the cathedral is still being renovated as it was 4 years ago … I will go inside one day. Had a meander down book street where you can find books in many languages…love the feel of that place. 

Today I feel more in tune with the traffic and to trust in the method of keeping a steady pace while crossing the road and let the drivers avoid you 😂🙈. Have to say I prefer to cross a one way street if possible! Ate some lovely food in Propaganda and wandered about soaking up the whole vibe. It’s so hot and humid that you have to adjust your pace to cope. Darkness descends at about 6.30 but nothing stops for the evening. The terrace has a cool breeze tonight .. perfect to sit out to read and write.

January 9th

As we walk around I’m still overawed by the loads carried on the bikes… today the most fantastic floral displays of about 4 feet high were being driven in tandem to their destination and then huge orchids in ceramic pots were strapped to another bike. I pointed and said beautiful and was told they are orchids from Taiwan. It seems no one is too busy to pass the time of day. Also grateful that the Vietnamese people are proud to be able to speak a bit of English. I can say roughly hello and thank you both elicit big smiles and much nodding.