Martha had pineapple fried rice with squid and octopus. I had ginger onion chicken and rice.
Martha's Comments
We went to the Singapore Restaurant. They asked if we liked spicy food, and then we ended up ordering bland food. It wasn't that great. Squid and octopus are not on my list of things to eat again. I couldn't even attempt the squid, with tentacles everywhere. I tried the octopus and had to spit it out into a napkin. Luckily, they had paper napkins. A lot of the places we went only provided a wet wipe to wash up before, and no napkins.
Our first day there was a pretty good warm-up for the trip. We walked to Ben Thanh Market by a particularly circuitous route, as we had a map, but weren't sure which way was north in the real world. We got directions, and had our first example of the Vietnamese reversing left and right when giving directions. We ended up walking through a park, and stopping for a break because I was overwhelmed by the people and the traffic. While sitting on a park bench, we were approached by two young ladies who were college students and had the assignment to go out and find people who spoke English and practice speaking English. We learned from them that English was the language that was being emphasized for people who wanted to go into business.
The market was an experience on a whole different scale. The minute we walked in, hands were grabbing me, pulling me to see and buy everything along the way. Um, my personal space felt pretty violated. Another break in the corner of the market was needed to regroup, put on my "don't fuck with me" face, and go back in. Whether it was that the rest of the vendors were less aggressive, or that I had a tougher look on, nobody grabbed me after that. The market was amazing. Piled top to bottom with anything and everything. Clothes, shoes, coffee, food, jewelry, toys. You name it. At the center of the market was a food court with several vendors selling meals and drinks. There was even a place to exchange money.
Following our ventures into the street, we got massages at the hotel. I got a 1 hour foot massage, while Chuck got a regular massage. Well, regular for there. It included some walking on his back, and hot herbal compresses. Two massages cost us about $35.
Our first day with Saigon traffic was terrifying. I have no idea why there is not carnage everywhere from the way these people drive.
Man that looks delish!
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