Unfortunately, the saddest part of the trip is the fact it's soon ending. Tomorrow evening, 11:45 PM (local time), I board my first of two flights back home. I have a ten and a half hour layover in Tokyo but due to my forgetting the definition of "budget travel" this trip, it won't be possible to go into the city itself. I should, however, be able to visit the town of Narita (for which Tokyo's International Airport is named) which should be a treat nonetheless.
And today, I'm simply taking it easy and relaxing, listening to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) roar by in it's miillions of forms, many of them motorcycles. And tomorrow, my final hurrah here in HCMC starting with a thrilling ride to Chinatown via moto and then simply walking, walking, eating and more walking. I want to see that little-sought side of HCMC much as I saw in Bangkok.
There is a magical charm about this part of the world that works on visitors if they allow it. I've met many great fellow travelers here in Vietnam alone, but some let little things like getting ripped off tarnish their experience here. Let's face it, there are far worse things that can truly ruin vacations and traveling then being ripped off a few times.
It's happened to me in all three countries and ultimately I simply learn why it happened and what to do for next time. Instead of letting the frustrating moments dominate my experience, I'll fill my tales with the good and influence my opinion in the same way. There is no such thing as the perfect destination, or one where a highly romanticized viewpoint is the reality. Travel brochures and tour operators will always focus on the beautiful and best aspects of a destination to sell it to customers, but it's up to the individual to be prepared for the reality.
So what is the scoop on southern Vietnam? Gorgeous. The Mekong Delta has such a serene atmosphere you simply want to quietly paddle your small boat through it's tributaries and watch as the world slowly rows by. Sit at a small streetside cafe eating pho with a fellow traveler from Germany in Can Tho, with a local helping you order and acting as a de facto translator. Or watch as the locals prepare a delicious coconut candy from scratch and allow the sweet taste to permeate every taste bud from here to Hanoi. It's such a contrast to the madness of Saigon yet they compliment one another so well. Two very different sides of Vietnam, within a short distance of one another, and definitely a great introduction to a dynamic nation.
It's a shame I won't be able to go north this time around, but I won't count what I missed, and instead will cherish what I saw. There's plenty of reason to visit all three nations a second third and fourth times, and many after that. It's worlds apart from the West yet many of the people here welcome us with open arms. The past, though never to be forgotten, doesn't define us today.
My final blog about this trip will be when I return home. I'll list the highlights and what I learned about this region of the world, as well as myself. I'm thinking, thinking of the U.S.A. and will see everyone one long-ass flight and a few short days later!
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