AROUND SAIGON AGAIN

19th - 24th Dec 2024

A fond 'festive' welcome from dear old 'Uncle Ho' (decd)

I spent a few days just wandering around the town revisiting old haunts. As mentioned in the previous blog I will have little to show you that I have not already covered in several other blogs over the years (ie. Christmas and NYE decorations and 'festivities)'; so just a few snapshots of recent sights and experiences. As before the locals make the most of Christmas even though they have little understanding of its origin. Who cares! The shop and bar girls wear Santa Claus hats and reindeer horns, the sounds of 'Jinger Bells', 'We Wiss Yoo a Melly Clissmas', 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town', 'Rudolph and his blasted Reindeers' and, most of all, interminably, 'Felice Navidad' ring out from most shopping establishments down the streets.

Left. Even the cars sport 'festive' decorations (including a red nose!). I can't think reindeer have ever featured largely amongst the fauna of this country.

Right: On a visit to the very smart Caravelle Hotel on the central Lam Son Square, I witnessed, by chance, this childrens' choir performing. They had a very large repertoire of our Chrismassy songs and performed magnificently. A moving performance and the wee lad on the right with his 'jingle bells' was impressive.

I popped up to the 9th floor roof-top bar, an old haunt, where the Cuban ladies sing and band perform (Wednesdays to Sundays 9.00pm onwards). They were at it again and even encouraged a few dancers onto the floor. A rather 'rotund' Russian lady whom I later found out was called Valentina, dragged her somewhat reluctant 'partner' up and they 'strutted their stuff' enthusiastically. If this shaky video works you will notice that I became a little distracted in the middle of it and my fingers slipped on the controls. Valentina insisted that I sent her a copy. She was actually a most amusing lady.

I decided to take a short river cruise up and down the Saigon River. It was only to be for an hour or so, and we were welcomed aboard by a violinist and Father Christmas (right).

Left: ...and the Skipper and his crew. A somewhat eleborate welcome for such a short trip.

Right: I sat on the top deck (at small extra cost) for a better view.

Left: We passed this enormous hulk called 'Elisa' which, it turns out, is a very large upmarket and expensive restaurant and banqueting venue. I think I had seen it before but paid little attention.

We were serenaded en-route by the talented violinist.

Whilst recording a loudspeaker blasting out yet another version of 'Felice Navidad' I was interrupted by Santa Claus handing out presents!

 

Right: Here he is, generously doling out gifts to all. We were also given coconuts with straws stuck in them for liquid refreshment. All most impressive for what was a relatively inexpensive trip; but all done in the Christmas spirit and much appreciated!

Left: My gift. I shall treasure it. It shall be put to good use I have no doubt.

Right: Proudly displaying my little bear on the way back to the quay. 

For some reason I have been having a hell of a job downloading these short videos via the YouTube site. Maybe because of my technical shortcomings, but cannot see if they work until I 'publish' this. So hoping for the best.

More trivia to follow......

....and I hope you all have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year. Wishful thinking perhaps.