Hue to Saigon

Even the sidewalks in Saigon are used by motor bikes

Friday the 22d we travel from Hue to Saigon by Vietnamese Airlines a one hour flight that goes as smoothly as any US domestic flight.  Landing in Saigon we are hit with two impressions: we are in the big city, and its hot and humid.  It hit 96 degrees F the day we landed.  An interesting ride into the heart of the city where we stay at the Grand Hotel.  A relaxing lunch at Jaspas around the corner from the hotel, then we check into our best room yet.

The Grand Hotel

In the afternoon we visit the South Vietnamese president's residence and offices.  This is where the negotiations by the US to convince the South Vietnamese to sign the Paris peace accord took place. It was invaded by the Viet Cong and the last president of South Vietnam surrendered ending the Vietnam war as we know it and beginning the reunification of the country. It is not used now as Hanoi is the capitol.

Henry Kissinger met here 5 times

We take it easy for a while and have dinner at Cia Bella a small Italian restaurant about three blocks from the hotel.  Run by an Italian with whom we have an enjoyable conversation we have a break from Vietnamese food, with some a Caesar salad and New Zealand mussels. Yes Saigon is an international city.