Friday night our group went to a restaurant called "Loving Hut." Turns out it's the same restaurant that's in downtown Palo Alto! Didn't realize there was a international chain of vegan restaurants!
A note about desserts in Asia; it's not like in the US or Europe. Dessert is mostly fruit or nothing at all which at times can be sweet and refreshing! But when you just want something chocolate...it's kind of a let down. Other volunteers felt the same way so we decided to try out a Vietnamese Donut shop! The donuts were much lighter and not as sweet in the US so it didn't really hit the spot but I'm glad I tried it!
Saturday Vi, a woman from the program, gave me a tour around Saigon. We first went to the Notre Dame Cathedral which was built by the French in the late 1880s when the French ruled over Vietnam. It's amazing how you can see the influences of the French throughout Saigon and the people of Vietnam - the architecture, religion, and cuisine just to name a few.
Following the Cathedral we looked inside the General Post Office, another building constructed by the French in the late 1800's (it was actually created by the same architect that made the Eiffel Tower!). The post office was mostly a tourist spot; selling souvenirs, stamps, and post cards.
We then ventured to the Reunification Palace (it's name doesn't fit the actual history of the palace...).
A note about desserts in Asia; it's not like in the US or Europe. Dessert is mostly fruit or nothing at all which at times can be sweet and refreshing! But when you just want something chocolate...it's kind of a let down. Other volunteers felt the same way so we decided to try out a Vietnamese Donut shop! The donuts were much lighter and not as sweet in the US so it didn't really hit the spot but I'm glad I tried it!
Saturday Vi, a woman from the program, gave me a tour around Saigon. We first went to the Notre Dame Cathedral which was built by the French in the late 1880s when the French ruled over Vietnam. It's amazing how you can see the influences of the French throughout Saigon and the people of Vietnam - the architecture, religion, and cuisine just to name a few.
Following the Cathedral we looked inside the General Post Office, another building constructed by the French in the late 1800's (it was actually created by the same architect that made the Eiffel Tower!). The post office was mostly a tourist spot; selling souvenirs, stamps, and post cards.
We then ventured to the Reunification Palace (it's name doesn't fit the actual history of the palace...).
The next museum, the War Remnants Muesum, was one of the most eye opening and depressing museums I've ever been to (thinking back to the concentration camps I visited in Europe). Seeing photograph after photograph of the effects of Agent Orange and seeing the effects of Americans in the Vietnam War through the eyes of Vietnamese made me quite upset. I don't remember much about the war from my US History class (probably because we didn't talk about it much) so I'm starting a book my dad suggested called "Fire in the Lake."
Sunday morning I went to Catholic mass (this time in English!) at Notre Dame Cathedral with 3 other volunteers and went to "the best pho place in Saigon." 
Side note to Americans: in Vietnam, they don't have pho as often as we would think! They have a lot of different types of noodle soups that differ from pho.
After lunch we decided before we leave, we have to get a pedicure! It was quite an experience and it hurt! Also, no scrubbing or lotion - just cutting nails and polish. Not sure how long my polish will stay but it was only $4 (with tip) so how can I complain. 
We went to grab a smoothie ($1 and it was amazing!!) after our nails and we're caught in a downpour! It's definitely wet season here but it cools down the city which is so nice. 
The volunteers I was with headed back to the US Sunday night - I have to say I'm sad to see them go since they were great company! But now begins my own journey.
Next blog post will be about my 2 days in Dalat...even though I was supposed to spend 5 weeks there!
Love
Whit
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