I went to the War Remnants Museum -- sure there was a dose of propaganda -- but the modern era has given Vietnam a few challenges. The French and the Americans. I thought the presentation was very well done -- mostly photos; many quotes. "Truth Telling" gave the North version of the conflict; there was a display on the many photojournalists who perished covering the war; and of course Agent Orange. Not a cheery way to start the day.
Then down to the Reunification Palace; formerly South Vietnam's Presidential Palace. It was a marked contrast to see the displays of "this is where they planned the war" after seeing the war pictures. Anyway, the place was crawling with tourists and a few crooks.
And yes, despite what I thought was a good defense (locked backpack and no purse) a few crooks managed to steal my Prescription Sunglasses and bust open the lock on the backpack. I have no idea when it happened. I went to put my glasses on as I left and OOPS!! But they did not get any money or passport or cards: that was really tucked away in my waist belt. And at least it was the sunglasses they stole NOT my everyday glasses.
But it creeped me out. A very nice tour guide who spoke English tried to help (the guards were having lunch and said too bad); he wrote a note sent me to a friends optical shop. He could make me new glasses in just a few hours but Yikes!!!! Way to much. So I bought some of those flip up shades. Pretty ugly but makes my glasses dark enough to really protect in the sun.
Then I went to lunch. And ordered a grilled banana in sticky rice in coconut sauce. And an iced Vietnamese sweet coffee. The waiter says to me: That is a dessert. And I said: I want dessert. And so it came and was stunningly delicious.
But I am done with the city. Tomorrow to the country side.
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