A CHOCOHOLIC’S PARADISE

Sadly our late afternoon yesterday didn’t work out quite as planned. We went to the church to meet Sitti, our new friend, but for some reason she must’ve come in one way and we came in another so we missed each other and because we didn’t have internet access we couldn’t get in touch with her. However, all was not lost, we went and had coffee and cake instead so with free WiFi, as in most cafés, I messaged her - and I’m sure we will meet again before we leave Vietnam.

We met our son and his girlfriend for an evening stroll and a meal - and I was amazed to discover I had done almost 16,000 steps!  It was good to see such wonderful lights and decorations, not only hanging across the streets but also illuminating the various buildings - they do this sort of thing so well.

Today has been a much more restful day - we had a leisurely breakfast - a healthy one for me with lots of fruit and yoghurt - and not so healthy for Mr. HCB - but somehow duck for breakfast doesn’t seem quite right!

This morning we met Clare, a lady who used to teach at the school where I was a volunteer after I retired. Our paths crossed because she was in charge of the Library, which was rather a mess  and I helped sort it out. She has been living and teaching in Vietnam for almost five years and was only going to stay a year when she came in 2013 but like many others, loved it so much she stayed!

She took us to a café, Maison Marou, which is a chocolate lover’s paradise and WOW was there chocolate! Apparently the chocolate bars are about to go on sale in Selfridges at £10 a bar. She twisted my arm (!) and I had a wonderful chocolate creation but not being a chocolate lover, Mr. HCB had a boring cashew nut muffin - but he said it tasted good.

Clare told us something of her life in Vietnam, where it transpires the issues are very much like those in the UK,  the main difference being that the parents, many of whom are from overseas and working in Vietnam, pay a lot of money for their children to be educated to a high standard.

Thank you, Clare, for treating us today - I wonder how you knew I was a chocoholic? We might even go back to Maison Marou before we leave Vietnam, if we have time!

We then strolled back to a large shopping mall where we were happy to go inside for the air con. They say “Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun” but we don’t get that much at home to worry us but here it is quite different - it’s hot!

It’s Sunday but still as frenetic as any other day - I guess there will always be something happening in a large city with a population of 8.5 million!  Apparently, the majority of the population - 93.5% - are ethnic Vietnamese (Kinh).  They appear to be very gentle people with a good work ethic with many around during the day - but those who do have employment work long hours, especially in the tourist industry and of course, from their front rooms. They are very courteous and particularly respectful to our age group - I’m happy to have doors opened for me and be bowed to!

I took a few photographs on our way back to our hotel through the little side roads - we are amazed at how many street vendors there are - eking out a living, cheek by jowl with shops like Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Chanel - but what a contrast.  We have noticed that a lot of the street sweepers are women and many people wear face masks - not surprising really with the pollution here.  

We are now having a freshly squeezed orange juice in another little café before heading back to our hotel for a restful afternoon before sorting out what we need to take to the beach tomorrow and meeting Jules and Nga for a coffee later.

Thank you for all your kind comments, stars and hearts - glad you are enjoying seeing Vietnam through our eyes.