9/27/10 – 9/28/10 (ho chi minh city)

Ho Chi Minh City

After almost a month in Vietnam we were nearing the end of our time there. We went to Ben Thanh Market to purchase a few souvenirs. The market sells everything from clothes to vegetables to coffee beans. We have become adept in our bargaining and even worked out a team strategy. Jon plays the good cop and offers a very low price and after a bit of back and forth haggling I come in with a final offer, ready to walk away if needed. The lanes are very narrow and often the shopkeepers will grab your arm to introduce you to their products. It can be a bit overwhelming with shops next to each other selling the same exact product. After a few hours we were ready to leave the madness and return to the serenity of the penthouse.

On our last full day I joined a cooking class. It had been something I wanted to do ever since we arrived in Vietnam. There were only three of us in the class so we got plenty of personal attention. The other two were an Argentinean couple on a honeymoon who were also foodies. The class started with a tour of the produce, meat, and spices at Ben Thanh Market. We then drove to the school where our teacher introduced us to the dishes we would be making. We learned how to make fish sauce, spring rolls, coconut rice, sour clams soup with dill, and caramel pork in clay pot. I had a lot of fun but the best part was being able to sit down afterwards to taste our delicious dishes. We left with a full belly and recipe book.

Later on in the evening Ross and Kate invited us to join them for a dinner party at their home in honor of an Australian federal judge visiting Vietnam. The judge toured the country hosting workshops for the Vietnamese judiciary branch. It had been a long time since we were at a dinner party drinking wine and socializing with people who spoke English. For a moment we were transformed back to our old life.

At first we debated not visiting Vietnam for many reasons but now after having spent a month here we are glad we came. Sapa is one of the prettiest places we have seen on our travels but the best part about Vietnam was seeing Ross, Kate and their family again. It was like seeing old friends even though we had only met them briefly in Siem Reap.

Ross and Kate…thank you for your generosity and hospitality. You made us feel so much at home. If any zombies cross your path let us know. We hope to see you all again.