~ Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon city) ~
I don’t know what the etiquette is, to be politically correct online when writing about cities, but as of right now, I really don’t like Ho Chi Minh City (although, it must be said, that many of my friends who have been to Vietnam have proclaimed it their “favourite city,” so perhaps it’s just me), but yes, I don’t like it.
It could be all the puppies/dogs I saw in the smallest-cages-ever waiting to be killed to be eaten (seriously you guys, my heart broke seeing them), nearly being molested at the market (no means no!), or maybe it’s simply the mere size of the city. It’s huge. So huge. I headed up the Bitexco Financial Tower this morning (pics above), and was blown away from Ho Chi Minh’s size. It’s a sprawling city, and I feel like a nobody in this city. Well, I feel like everybody is a nobody in this city. It’s weird. A different vibe.
I realize I’ve formed a very quick opinion of it, having arrived at 5am this morning, but this is my 9th large city on my trip, and so far, the one I like the least. First impressions usually last, but I’ll let you know if it changes….
I’m heading out to dinner soon, and then tomorrow the Vietnam War tunnels, and war museum, which is sure to be a humbling and heartbreaking experience.
Currently feeling very lucky I get to leave this city at some point.
