Serenity in the city

Tet has come to a tentative close and Lily and I have made the most of the re-opening of businesses by spending around twelve hours in town today. All day the city was blissfully quiet, which is perhaps why we were able to walk around for so long without wanting to tear our hair out, a sensation I often feel when walking around Saigon for too long, and especially at rush hour. We set off early to see the War Remnants Museum in the morning. No matter how many times I visit, it never ceases to be heart-breaking. But I was glad that Lily was able to visit this great museum during her trip.

We had some delicious pho for lunch at a cafe modelled on a street in Hanoi's old quarter, and then spent the day shopping. At around 4pm we were too tired to walk further and stopped for coffees and to review our purchases. I love shopping with Lily. We next went up to the bar on the 52nd floor of Bitexco, the towering jewel of Saigon's skyline, just to take some photos. The staff were very accommodating considering it was clear we weren't really going to buy any drinks. I have been up here before but only at night. During the day the view was equally impressive- the now low sun dazzled the endless urban sprawl that spills out to the horizon on all sides.

Fantastic pho

Lily enjoying lunch

Me beneath a 'candyfloss' tree, Nguyen Hue street

Saigon river from the 52nd floor

We went out for tea at Khoi Thom, a colourful Mexican-Vietnamese fusion bar and restaurant, where a Cuban band normally plays on Friday nights. Unfortunately, they had gone back home this week and the place was deserted. We enjoyed our meal though, and when happy hour was through we headed to Pham Ngu Lao, the backpacker district, for a little more nightlife, sitting on plastic seats in the road supping 12,000 dong (40p) Saigon lager and watching life go by.

Tasty BBQ chicken salad at Khoi Thom

Lily ate turkey enchilladas

Street life in Pham Ngu Lao

It's been a lovely, relaxed day. Poor Lily is becoming very sullen about her time in Asia coming to an end in only four days; I think she has found a new home.