Saigon Sightseeing

Sunday, November 8 we headed into the city.  We took the bus downtown and thought we would take a taxi to the Central Post Office, but in the end decided to walk, because the weather was great and it was just under 2km...so totally doable. Plus, walking in the streets provides you with so much opportunity to notice the details and venture into little shops, that would otherwise be overlooked.

Evi looks so thrilled here... ;-) It was at the end of our trek to the post office.

We were actually on a mission.  I have spent the last month trying to find a post office near the school.  I've been told it's there by some, but others I ask say they know nothing of the place.  It's eluded me so far,  so we decided for the sure thing.  The Central Post office in HCMC. It's a beautiful historical building and it's on our list of 23 things to do and see in HCMC.  

The Central Post Office is at number 2, Paris Commune Street, District 1. This is one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. The Central Post Office was built around 1886 – 1891when Vietnam was part of French Indochina.  I have found conflicting  information regarding the design of the building,  but from what I have read it is either credited to two French architects Auguste Henri Vildieu and Alfred Foulhoux or the infamous Gustave Eiffel.

In front of the Central Post Office.

Before heading into the building we decided to take a bit of a break, plus we had bought a couple more cards to send so we had to sit down somewhere to write.   The kids spotted a Dunkin Donuts and on their request we Sat down for a snack and rest and took pens to start writing. 

Oh the selection!  From pumpkin and flower donuts to coconut cashew flavour. ..how do you choose? ?? The kids had a difficult time deciding.

Beautiful and intricate pop up paper cards. The detail is incredible! 

Our timing was perfect, because as we sat and wrote and drank our lattes, it started to pour...a lot. Luckily the rain here never lasts long,  so we just sat tight and within a half hour continued on our way. 

We saw a man outside the post office selling a Vietnamese version of donuts with lost of sesame seeds and honey. I asked for 4 and made the mistake of not getting a price before I ordered, so we were gouged and paid 100,000 dong for them...crazy, that's almost $5US. But at least we had some photo opps and we supported a local vendor. Note to self. ..next time ask for price before ordering...that is a must.

All the kids tried carrying the tray of donuts and they said it was really heavy. 

The interior of the post office is beautiful.  So ornate! It really reminded me of Europe.

On the far wall is a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh, or as some of my students have referred to him,  Uncle Ho (it took me awhile to figure out who they were talking about,  but I finally got it). He is considered by many, to be a great Vietnamese hero. 

Evi posing again...she is so popular.  Almost celebrity status...;-).  Every outing we go on there are at least a few people who stop  her for pictures.

Fun in the phone booths. 

The Notre Dame Cathedral is literally across the street from the post office. 

Inside the post office there are also some cool souvenir shops.  Unlike the market,  the prices area fixed,  so its kind of nice because there is no bartering and negotiating.  We bought a map of Vietnam and HoChiMinh City so that we can finally get a grip on where we are and start planning our next weekend trips.  Otherwise,  we were not out to buy anything,  although we did see a lot of interesting things there.  

Posing beside the cathedral before heading out for dinner. The cathedral was closed,  so we will have to come back another time to venture inside. 

We finished off the day with dinner at Bahn Khot CoBa in D7 (close to home)...with delicious veggie and shrimp filled rice pancakes wrapped in fresh greens. My phone had no battery power left so I will have to get some pictures next time.