Today it was the discovery of Ho Chi Ming City. We started early. The first thing that hits you when going on the street, is the noice!
Thousands of mopeds and motorbikes are crossing the streets at dazzling speed and are constantly blowing their horns. Together with the noise of the motors themseves, it's like a wall of noise coming at you and then.. You have to cross that street!!! The first time you are certain that your life is at risk.
We went to the market. That was quite an experience and odors and colors of all kind are stimulating you senses.
We had a lovely soup for lunch and enjoyed thoroughly watching the crazy traffic going by.
After lunch we visited the Museum of war. This makes you realize how horrible this Vietnam war was and people are still suffering from the after effects of agent orange. We were shaken when we exited the museum.
Then up to the Cathedral Notre Dame and the beautiful post office. Their we had un unexpected encounter: a couple was getting married and while the fotos were taken, some comments in Flemish were made. Yves said: well now it's beautifull but it will not last. Then the groom answered us in Flemish as well: do you really think so? He is belgian and she lived already 3 years in belgium and was speaking Flemish as well. We had a nice chat and wished them love and happiness. We continued our exploration and bought some "raincoats". The are colored plastic bags that protect you from getting wet. The are even different qualities.
We went up to the river Saigon and then back to the hotel where we received our bikingbriefing for the next 3 days. A delicious dinner concluded our first day.
We are now ready to bike!
Today it was the discovery of Ho Chi Ming City. We started early. The first thing that hits you when going on the street, is the noice!
Thousands of mopeds and motorbikes are crossing the streets at dazzling speed and are constantly blowing their horns. Together with the noise of the motors themseves, it's like a wall of noise coming at you and then.. You have to cross that street!!! The first time you are certain that your life is at risk.
We went to the market. That was quite an experience and odors and colors of all kind are stimulating you senses.
We had a lovely soup for lunch and enjoyed thoroughly watching the crazy traffic going by.
After lunch we visited the Museum of war. This makes you realize how horrible this Vietnam war was and people are still suffering from the after effects of agent orange. We were shaken when we exited the museum.
Then up to the Cathedral Notre Dame and the beautiful post office. Their we had un unexpected encounter: a couple was getting married and while the fotos were taken, some comments in Flemish were made. Yves said: well now it's beautifull but it will not last. Then the groom answered us in Flemish as well: do you really think so? He is belgian and she lived already 3 years in belgium and was speaking Flemish as well. We had a nice chat and wished them love and happiness. We continued our exploration and bought some "raincoats". The are colored plastic bags that protect you from getting wet. The are even different qualities.
We went up to the river Saigon and then back to the hotel where we received our bikingbriefing for the next 3 days. A delicious dinner concluded our first day.
We are now ready to bike! Find some pics
After+/-15hours of Flying time: 6h25from Brussels toAbu Dhabi and then 6h00 hours to Bangkok and then 1h30 from bangkok we finally arrived in Saigon.We met with ourguides.One of them is called Tiger.And he is great fun. Now we are all ready to go and explore Saigon. I need to purchase a new pair of reading glasses since I broke mine on the plane. Saigon here we come!
Well today I have packed. I managed to get it done and carry no more then 14 kg. I hope that I will not miss something essential. I even got a bikershelmet from my daughter. I love it. It's groovy and looks professional. I still need to pack my gloves and a saddlepen (I don't even know what it is) but Maria purchased these for me on Saturday so I will find out at the Airport.
Now a couple of last little items to do, such as ready the manual of my brand new camer. After going through the first couple of funtionalities I am convince that I bought myself a great little camera. Only a couple of remarks: it's not giving me a great result practising the wide angel in my appartment ! But I am sure that the wide angle views of Vietnam and Angkor Wat that I plan to take, will be breathtaking.
I hope I will be able to have a good night sleep with all the excitement building up.
Well we are 1 day nearer to the start. I got a phone call from Lucienne, one of the participants who I don't know. We had a nice chat and are both really excited to leave. I had bought a new camera and was planning on reading the manual this weekend but forgot it in Brussels. So this will be for Sunday evening and yes I follow my own advise : if all else fails try reading the f*** manual!
The start is getting nearer. Next week Tuesday I will be on my way to Saigon. We are a group of 8 people for this adventure. I know Maria and Fernand and Palmyre. I went skiing with them in January. I will meet and greet the others at the airport.
I started preparing for this at the end of August and spent minimum 5 hours a week at the gym with my personal trainer. I think that I am ready to go now.
Alfons, one of the participants,sent us a summary of the trip with beautiful pictures. I am attaching it.
Today it was the discovery of Ho Chi Ming City. We started early. The first thing that hits you when going on the street, is the noice!
After+/-15hours of Flying time: 6h25from Brussels toAbu Dhabi and then 6h00 hours to Bangkok and then 1h30 from bangkok we finally arrived in Saigon.We met with ourguides.One of them is called Tiger.And he is great fun. Now we are all ready to go and explore 
