January 13, 2006

We left the Saigon Morin Hotel for the airport to catch our morning flight to Saigon.

Once there, we were transferred to the Rex Hotel, which is of historical importance as it was the site of many war briefings.

Our rooms weren't quite ready, so Quang took us on a walking tour of the area surrounding our hotel, pointing out all of the good places to shop and eat. We were then released to do what we pleased for the rest of the day. My group spent the day enjoying fine cuisine (and by fine cuisine, I mean ice cream), visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral (I can't say that I've ever seen neon lights in a church before) and the newly renovated post office, and shopping at street vendors and at Binh Thanh market. I negotiated some fine deals on gifts for friends and family.

I had my best meal as of yet in Vietnam at Lemongrass. I had beef and vegetables served over rice vermicelli that was absolutely delectable. I also tried duck for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by the taste.

I stopped by the rooftop of the Rex to visit before heading on to bed. While touring is what I'm here to do, today was a very nice break.