Day 6
Today was a free day and instead of sitting in the hotel all day, I packed it full of activities. I got up around 6am, still not sure how since I didn’t set an alarm but oh well. Tanner, Rebekah and I went to the park to walk around, take pictures, and have some coffee. The walk was very nice and I saw some interesting groups and individuals working out. The coffee, however, was not as good; I’m not a fan of Vietnamese coffee it seems. After waking back to the hotel, we had a nice breakfast in the usual place. Feeling “adventurous”, Tanner, Marie, and I headed to Starbucks. It was a nice walk and we felt it would be good to exercise some before the long day of travel on Sunday. I’m still not used to all of the pollution in the air or the feeling of eminent doom while trying to cross the street, but somehow we made it successfully.
We returned to the market to buy a few more souvenirs but I can’t spill what I got just yet, need to keep them surprises for my friends and family.
Later in the day we went off again (Marie, tanner, Rebekah, and I) to see the Notre Dame cathedral and the old post office. They were not as exciting as we had hoped for but the walk to it was quite enjoyable. We had heard that there were stores that sold old propaganda posters but never could find them which was disappointing. Especially after the 2 mile walk to look for the store.
Dinner was a Pho 2000 (the one President Clinton went to) and then off to the Bitexco tower and looked around. We went up to the 63rd floor and enjoyed the last night in Vietnam and with our new friends.
To end the night, we went to the night market. It was crazy but so much fun, and I got to try out my negotiating skills, and I must say that I did well.
Leaving our new friends was very difficult and they have done so much for us on this trip. I brought two bracelets from home and gave them to Joey and Anna to thank them for their hospitality and something to remember this week by. This week has been amazing so far and I am blessed to have met everyone this week. These memories will forever leave happy thoughts in my head.
Tam biet Vietnam!
-Jennifer