Out and About in Saigon

Today we got up and went down for breakfast in our hotel. The food is very good here and breakfast is included in the price of the room. The foods are a bit non-traditional but there are some similar things. I eat either beef pho(noodle soup pictured below) or beef steak and french fries every morning. You have to get down early to eat the pho as it is very popular.

After breakfast we went out walking and ended up at Independence Palace or Reunification Palace. This palace was the presidential office of the South Vietnamese government until it dissolved on April 30, 1975. By this time the American forces had been withdrawn from South Vietnam and only essential military personnel and embassy staff remained in a show of support for the South Vietnamese Democratic government.

Symbolically the capture of this palace by North Vietnamese tanks on April 30, 1975 signaled the reunification of the entire country under communist control. This day is a public holiday in Vietnam known as Reunification Day. These gates pictured are the very same gates shown during the North Vietnamese invasion.

Before this event took place all Americans had been evacuated from Vietnam along with thousands of Vietnamese refugees fleeing the communists. Those who did not escape were re-educated by the North Vietnamese in concentration camps.

The palace is very nice and has a beautiful view. It is about 5 stories, and includes a theatre, a gambling room, rooftop helicopter landing pad, various meeting rooms, and an underground bunker.

From there it was on to the War Remnants Museum. This is a museum constructed to show pictures and effects of the Vietnam War. In Vietnam the war is referred to as the American War. The walls are covered with photographs of bombings of churches, villages, children, and other areas. It even has jars with preserved fetuses that were supposedly aborted or damaged by Agent Orange. It is very gruesome, but a site that is worth seeing. I try to remember that there are two sides to every story and the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle.

The grounds around these areas are well cared for and very beautiful. The city really has some very nice areas.

After the museum it was back to the hotel. Jett went to sleep very quickly so we decided to order room service. Everything on this tray was $5 and it was brought to our room. I just had to show you the squid that was in one of the dishes. It is very good. I tried to get DeanAnne to eat a piece and let the tentacle hang out of her mouth, but she was to embarrassed.

Another note for those who are yet to travel; The streets of Saigon are filled with beggars. Many of them walk on their hands with flip flops for gloves. Some of them are missing limbs or have severe deformities. Some of them are very old ladies. They will pursue you relentlessly for donations or to sell you something. If you are seen giving to one, many more will follow you. Many of them claim their deformity is a result of the war. You have to prepare yourself mentally to turn these people away. If you even stop to talk to them or look at what they have to offer, you will be in a situation. Sometimes it is very hard not to help these people, but many of them are nothing more than con artists waiting to prey on sympathetic travelers. Just a word to the wise so you can be prepared. Most of them are not intimidating or scary, just extremely persistent.

J.R. and James: It was good to talk to you on the video phone. We were so proud to see you both and Julian too. We love you and miss you. Love momma and daddy.

Here are a few more pictures of Jett. He really likes it when Daddy feeds him supper. Oreo cookies! I'll make up for it at breakfast so he can get some dairy products, ice cream!

He has really improved in many areas. He is pulling up and standing on the edge of the bed and chairs. He has also learned to patty-cake. I say patty-cake, patty-cake and clap my hands and he will stop what he's doing and mimic me. It's pretty amazing after only 4 days.


He's been running a fever the last two days. Even while sick he still smiles and laughs alot. We can't wait to get him home for everyone to see!