Goodbye Saigon, Goodbye Kuala Lumpur
Hello Singapore, Hello 2008
I'm back from KL and with massive food poisoning. I guess the nasi lemak (plus 6 other side dishes) for dinner did not survive the long bus ride and is not an idea for recycling. For what it is worth, dinner was delicious.
The 2 day trip back home was a full week's worth of activity. I reunited with family members, and I bought enough things to fill up two whole racks in our cupboard of gifts for *Gallant's family when we visit Shanghai next year. Gifts include an elegant one-piece hand carved walking stick for his grandfather; diabetic jams, biscuits, vanilla powder, chocolate, etc for his grandmother; Malay inspired batik, tudung saji and wayang kulits; and all types of rempahs for them to try out Malaysian style cooking. From Saigon, gifts include large replicas -- all hand painted, all-year lanterns and Saigon coffee. We'll still need to get some M&S bath sets, story books for cousins, food stuff gift baskets and his-her watches for his maternal grandparents 45 year anniversary.
Saigon was beautiful. Others may say it is incomparable, but to give those of you who have not been to this city yet, I feel it is like Penang in flavour, Thailand minus tourist and Sarawak in its development. Motorcycles swarm the streets, practically outnumbering cars by about 30 to 1 and the city is just full of the nicest, most hospitable people down to the lady selling hot egg-rolls at the market. It was sweltering heat, and you risk your life crossing the street each time but it is worth it for a bowl of simple, but hearty pho noodles.
At Saigon, I saw the a Chinese temple with the most character, witnessed a Caodai prayer and climbed down the Cu Chi tunnels that played a significant part in the Vietnam War. This was also the closest encounter I had with Communism style feminism I've read from text books -- to see this alive in the propaganda, women soldiers in the museums and videos, and of course, so many women working the streets and holding their right as equals. It is definitely a different culture and respect for women we see here than in Malaysia in general. Other than his and her toilets, there was no further separation necessary.
Love was also evident in the young Vietnamese. Never have I seen a lovers park more deserving of its name. Although you do not see couples holding hands or kissing anywhere else in Vietnam, it is unmissable in a very friendly, affectionate and warm population.
Overall, it was a fantasitc visit to Saigon, worthy of a 'wow' and with nice travel-mates like *Fongky and *Jules (well, it would have been nicer if he was not grumpy and sarcastic at times). Makes me look forward to visiting, seeing and loving more of Asia in the near future.
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