Ho Chi Minh-Merry Christmas!

We are now in Ho Chi Minh City, its actually our last night here. It is so different than the other places we have been it is unbelievable. Crossing the street alone is such an intense experience- there are 10 million people in Saigon (about 6 million registered) and over 6 million motor bikes. The streets are constantly filled with motor bikes- Ive seen up to five people on one and they are not very big. There really are no traffic rules here-the motor bikes will not stop for you if you are crossing at a crosswalk. YOu literally have to weave in and out of moving motor bikes every time you cross the street. The first few times were really scary- Mimi would lead us very confidently and I would scream and grab Willys arm. Ive become much better at crossing the street and Willy and Mimi are very happy about this. Once you do it a few times, you learn that the motor bikes actually dont want to hit you, they will weave around you most of the time. However, it is still a little scary and you constantly have to be paying attention. Ho Chi Minh itself is a neat city- obviously a lot of poverty-people of all ages coming up to you and trying to sell you things, and everywhere you look there are motor bike taxis beckoning you about where you are going.
We are staying in the touristy area which has its pros and cons. It is nice because there are a lot of western people here which is very different than the other places we have been. The area has so many bars and restaurants all geared towards travelers. The downside of that is there are more people trying to sell you things ranging from fake ray bans to hammocks. It is definitely annoying and overwhelming but you just have to shake your hand at them and they go away most of the time.

It is so crazy/scary/interesting to be here. It is definitely necessary to take all the precautions we read and heard about, but at the same time most of the people we have met have been really nice and helpful. This city is definitely an experience, and it is really hard to see some of the people on the side of the street sleeping on little cots, eating. etc. It really makes you thankful. On that note, we are very thankful to be heading to a resort for two nights for Christmas. It is right on the beach and the pool looks really nice! Not bad for $30 a person per night..big splurge for us.