Some thoughts on Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

To my family: I tried to call a couple of times and couldn't get through. I didn't leave messages because it was a little difficult because I was calling via computer. Happy Memorial Day.

It's 1:38am in HCMC and we're posting in the blog. Well, Gideon and I are. Evan and Coles went back to the hotel to play cards and drink a few beers.

A few thoughts on HCMC:
1) The traffic is unbelievable. No rules, whatsoever. When you want to cross, you just go, and "sidle" your way through cars and motos. When you are driving, you just go and "sidle" your way through cars and motos. We took videos and pictures to show everyone soon.
2) Everything is cheap. Hotel: $5. Lunch: $2. Dinner: $4. A day on $10? Priceless.
3) The food is great, but you have to be careful what you choose. We are in a backpackers' area, so we had to fight to find a place where the locals eat. I had some kind of noodles/spring roll combo for dinner.
4) A 1.5 liter water is just 60 cents USD. Unbelievable when you are sweating like you never have before.
5) A beer is just 20 cents USD. Unbelievable when you are tired at the end of a day.

It's pretty crazy to be here on Memorial Day, just 35-40 years after so many Americans fought and lost their lives here. We went to the War Museum this afternoon and were interested to see the Vietnamese view on the conflict of the late '60s and early '70s. Their view is pretty negative, though we have seen no ramifications at all from anyone we have met. It's rare to not meet someone who responds to a smile or is ready to help you, whether you appear American or not.

We hope everyone enjoys a nice three-day weekend. For us, it's about time for bed. As you go about the day, as we have tried to do, please remember the sacrifice and service of our troops around the world.

Love to all.