Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City

I had a brief moment of panic at the airport. Cindy had arranged for us to be picked up and taken to the hotel. The driver was there to greet us with our names on a sign. When he saw us looking at all the others with signs among the thousands he pointed to our names, Cindy replied, "Si, si."

First addition to our blog as newly arrived in Vietnam. Weather? Beautiful, sunny and 90 degrees during the day--clear, 75 degrees and moonlit at night. Little rain in February and March with lower humidity. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is very busy with 10 million people but clean with flowers of every shape and color everywhere, in pots and in the ground.

Every family has a motorbike and whether it's a family of two or five, they're all on that bike with the kids sandwiched in between the adults. Cars are plentiful and new (we haven't seen any old ones) but they're outnumbered by about 40 to 1 (my estimate).

The people are warm and friendly, willing to help strangers. Like people in all parts of the world, they're trying to feed themselves and thier families. Of the thousands of people we've seen today, not one asked for a handout.

A room can be had at a nice hotel for $50.00 or less per night and a good meal with a glass of wine or two beers for between $5.00 - $10.00. I like it here.

After breakfast this morning, we'll be heading to the War Remnants Museum, about a twenty minute walk form our hotel (Cindy's anxious to use her "Fitbit"). We've read about it and not sure how I'll feel. From the hotel brochure and The Lonely Planet Vietnam Guide there are many pictures and accounts in graphic detail of how women and chelidren suffered through the approximate eight years we Americans were involved (1965-1973). Will share my thoughts after experiencing it.

Thanks for joining us on our latest adventure. Thanks also to Cindy (our videographer) who always has her camera and/or cellphone at the ready to document and share the experience with you. In all honesty it's mostly for me so when she says, " remember when?" And I say "no"...she can prove it!

Later...