Day Two: Tourism and Bui Vien Backing Packing Street by Carly Dederick

 

Wow, what a day! This is only day two for me (not including travel day), and I can't believe how exciting it is to wake up with so much anticipation for what the day will bring - and boy, did it deliver! The long flight from Seattle to Seoul definitely took a toll, so that warm, welcoming hotel bed last night was exactly what I needed. Speaking of our hotel, it's the perfect mix of being centrally located but just far enough out that you feel like you can escape some of the hustle and bustle. I was blessed to be on the 11th and top floor of our hotel and the view from my window is incredible - modern skyscrapers that blend into the beautiful and established trees. It is such a beautiful contrast and really sets the tone for the trip. 

 

After a solid night's rest and a delicious breakfast, we hit the ground running. Some of our classmates weren't in yet (so glad you made it to Ho Chi Minh City safely, Jennifer and Andrew!) so the group had the pleasure of getting to take a true "tourist" day and dive into the history and culture of the city. We started with visits to the HCMC History Museum and the Art Museum - both fascinating stops that gave us a deeper appreciation for Vietnam's rich artistry and heritage. Along the way, we made some incredible stops that really made the day memorable. First up was Nghe Coffee, a cozy local spot where we got to try traditional Vietnamese staples like egg coffee (beaten egg yolk with sweetened condensed milk on top a bitter and bold dark roast coffee) and coconut coffee (freshly brewed coffee topped with a mound of sweet and frothy coconut milk and condensed milk mixture). Both were so unique and delicious - I'm pretty sure I'll be dreaming about that coconut coffee for weeks! 

 

We also stumbled upon a couple of quaint, air-conditioned shops (remember it is 85+ degrees and 90% humidity!) that sold familiar music and movie posters which, of course, we couldn't resist picking up as momentos. From metalica to twilight, there is something so special about finding little treasures that make you feel connected to a place. To top it off, we stopped at a few local fruit stands along the way. The fresh coconuts were out of this world - ice cold, perfectly sweet, and exactly what Tori, Kylie, and I needed to cool off in the heat before heading into the museums.  

Similar to the city, the museums were full of people and stories to share; when we first walked into the history museum not only were we met with the beautiful architecture but couples posing in wedding dresses and sharp tuxedos! This made perfect sense given the French-inspired design - high vaulted ceilings, tall arched windows, grand facades, intricate detailing, and amazing natural light reflecting off the soft pastel-painted walls. While we later learned, by the sheer number of couples and how they seemed to interact with each other, that most couples may have been taking photos for a catalogue, it is no surprise photographers favor this spot - it's an absolutely picture-perfect setting! 

 

Vietnam is such a beautifully vibrant city, full of people that emanate passion, strength, and perseverance - something that is so easily portrayed both walking down the streets and within its museums. One exhibit that left the biggest impression on me, especially in terms of perseverance among women, featured Ngo Ba Thanh, a local female attorney and president of the Committee of Women. After doing some more research, sed and organized a Vietnamese women's association called "Right to Life" in response to the Vietnam War. The association, thousands strong, advocated for peace and women's liberation through political action and shrewd diplomacy, insisting on political neutrality and autonomy for women. Tragically, her activism led to her imprisonment in Chi Hoa prison, and the association was ultimately suppressed once Vietnam claimed victory. Despite this, her and the thousands of women's advocacy is a sterling example of Vietnamese women's ingenuity and resilience during a time when their voices were often silenced. 

 

After the museums and a light lunch at a favorite spot from Francisco, Andrew, and Buske, the group decided to take the afternoon to ourselves. Some of us relaxed with a pedicure or massage, while others opted for a different kind of self- care by getting their teeth cleaned at a local dentist's office. It's wild how many ways there are to unwind in the city, whether you are looking for a little pampering, a quiet moment to yourself, or even a more practical refresh (especially given the price differential between HCMC and the United States in dental care!). 

 

The last thing we got to do today was one of the most eye-opening experiences for me so far. Since I got to write the blog post today, I also got to pick where we ate for dinner. With a little help from Tori, I settled on a local spot on Bui Vien Street - the famous backpacker street in Saigon. It's well known for its restaurants, coffee shops, and hotels and, what I initially didn't realize, strip clubs and brothels. 

 

Our restaurant, which boasted an impressive seafood menu, ended up being more about the people-watching than the actual food (which I think most of us found to be fairly subpar given the 5+ star reviews). After dinner, we decided to walk down the street to take it all in because, how could you not? Within 300 feet we were surrounded by male and female dancers outside of clubs, loud pulsing music, and security guards waving cocktail menus, trying to guide us into their respective establishments. What hit me the hardest though, was within minutes we saw young children - some as young as 10 or so - selling lottery and gaming tickets along the street. It was jarring, to say the least as it is no place for a child. As we walked further, the child that I locked in on seemed to primarily interact with the security guards outside of the clubs they were working. It made me wonder - are these establishments also under the control of local gangs? The whole scene left me with a heavy feeling and was quite a sobering end to an otherwise exciting day.