Day 7: at fresh bear gall chord sold
I typed exactly word for word what is shown on the sign into an online Vietnamese to English translation webbie and they returned, "at fresh bear gall chord sold". I think the shop sells some weird bear body part.

Granny and I were supposed to be at the airport at noon for our return flight to Singapore, she decided to stay in to pack and stuff. So after brekkie, I sent her back to the room and went out gallivanting on my own. I booked a scooter with driver for two hours to take me around HCM city. I decided this is the best way to navigate through traffic on a busy Sunday. The pic on the right shows Ben Thanh Market, one of the best place to shop.

At the Saigon river, with the pic on the right showing how dirty it is. I met some Chinese-Vietnamese exercising by the river side and they spoke to me in mandarin and dialect.

Some of the posh river side hotels and then the scooter guy took me back to more shopping at Chinatown where they sell rice, coffee and other foodstuff, and this army surplus market where you can buy camping gear, pouches and old collectibles.

There are little road side push carts selling sandwhiches everywhere, roast meat, a back alley bakery and wet market with live seafood.

Scouts, guides and normal folks enjoying their Sunday at the park. And tourist touts playing a game of chess.

Vietnam is not spared from the Harry Potter fever and some painted signboards.