Greetings from Saigon..........................
The last night in Sydney was spent for a few memorable hours at the receiption for the Consulate General Anne Webber from Ireland who is a remarkable lady. As a backpacker I felt honoured to receive the invitation along with my friend David. It is amazing what can come out of a ruck sack and the charity shops for clothes of course. Met many wonderful people and new friends of course even an invite to stay with Sr. Mary O'Brien at her convent in Sydney when I return. (A nun from Ireland).
My plane trip was just that. The usual waite hang around type thing had to fly first to Melbourne before leaving again for Bangkok. 12 hours later I arrived. There were people there with the signs for Princess cruises followed them to the bus for the 1 hour ride to the hotel where everyone was to meet. Bangkok has not changed since there last year. The air is horrible but an interesting place. Hovels and in the middle of all beautiful temples all decked out in gold. People everywhere selling on the streets. It was almost like being back in Italy with all the motor scooters with as many as 3 people hanging off the seat. Buses where assigned and off again for a 3 hour drive to the port where the ship was waiting. Rice field after rice fields were everywhere once you got out of the city. The port is located in the eastern part of Thailand where alot of industrial buildings are. Mountains than appeared in the distance and there she was the "star princess". The ship itself is over 17 stories in height and a forever walk to get from one end of it to the other. It is beautiful a ship only 2 years old and almost 3000 passengers ( a full ship as well) plus the crew. 3 theaters with shows everynight. The place I like best is the the skywalker night club. It is the one with the disco. It starts about midnight and just goes and goes. There is also a gentleman from Italy who will be well Known someday. He has the most beautiful voice you could ever imagine. He plays the piano with all types of electronic equipment that gives his songs choirs, rock bands you name it. The atrium is 3 stories in height with balconies on each. When he plays which is usually around 5:30 in the evening you can't even get near as everyone want to hear him.
I have a roomate that is great. I was hopeing they would assign one that wasn't too too too old and snored all night. I got my wish an active woman from Tampa Florida who is just perfect. She doesn't do dico however like motel 6 leaves the light on. I have the dine around program which means I can eat anytime in the evening I want to. Every night you sit with new people and so far the last two nights have been terrific. Great people new ideas and for the first time I can talk to people who are well travelled and funny stories to share (I have had my share of them to).
My room is wonderful. Actually big and roomy with only two beds. it is nice for a change not to have to climb up onto a top bunk for sleep. As usual too many clothes so when In Venice alot of them will be shipped back as luggage does not go too well in hostels.
This am left the ship for an hour and a half ride on a fast boat that held 90 people to Ho chi Ming City (Saigon). Along the way I got out of my seat to get great photos of the life along the way. Viet Nam is different from what I thought it to be. It is a beautiful city. I did not do a tour as I can find my way around for the next 4 hours before I come back to the hotel I'm at called the Rex hotel where all the photographers, ect where during the war. The people are so friendly.
I don't know yet what I shall be doing just get on a bus a go.
Tomorrow is a day at sea heading for the following day to Singapore. I have no plans have been there done that and moved on. Will spend it in the sun on the ship and rest up for Kaula Lampour in Maylasia where I shall meet up with one of my roomates from Sweden while at Bryon Bay. I am going to the caves there where all the people pierce themselves with all types of gadgets during one of their festivals.
Send the e-mails everyone good to hear from you.
Love to all
Don't eat any yellow snow
Me
David H. It was wonderful and yes what a time we had. Must be the Irish carisma and energy we give. I shall never forget Vinegar Hill and our new friends. Wish I would of been able to stay longer for the songs. Keep in touch...........
David F. I know too many David's. Congrats on your travel tickets. Keep in touch and let me know how you are doing. Hope your mum is getting on better. Who knows may be will catch up in a hostel somewhere.
David M. Send on the e-mail to Joy. Sounds like a good time.
Jim, Darby and Russ will call you from Kaula Laumper.
B #2 just remember you are number #2 you know who is # 1.
Fr. Bob...........please send me the address for Jason and Fel. I do not have it. They are wonderful and had a great time in Croydon. Also let me know how you are doing? Room at the Inn in Logieville this summer?
