just got back from the airport. picked up my aunt after her almost 2 month holiday in the philippines. made me realize a few things...
that said, the first thing that hits you as you deplane is the unique, one of a kind aroma that is vietnam. it is indescribable. an experience not to be missed, as it will hit you over and over and over again. it is an irrevocable sign that you are in vietnam.
as you go through the process of immigration checks, baggage claim and customs, you will meet people who will persistently speak to you in vietnamese, even after you tell them that you speak english, because of the unalterable fact that you have asian features. after much discussion, and the resulting confussion, they will acknowledge that you do not understand them, and thus, speak in english.
even the taxi drivers, who are waiting in line to recieve passengers, will require continuous reminders that you do not understand a single word that you say. and they will STILL try to carry out a conversation, in the event that you miraculously understand the words that are coming out of their mouth.
for first timers, here's a tip. let the driver drive. it may seem as if they're trying to hit everything on the road, but that's just how their traffic scheme is. drive fast, be impatient and don't yield. it works! just don't get a heart attack.
by the time you get home, you're too much of a basket case that you panic when you see the taxi meter read 150,000 vnd. relax, it's not that much. it just seems like it because of all the zero's. you're a millionaire in vietnam, so start acclimating yourself to the seemingly over-priced bills. before you know it, you'll be buying stuff by the millions.
so come on over, and enjoy all the best that ho chi minh city has to offer. i guarantee memories you'll laugh about for years to come! :)
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