As mentioned in the post from yesterday, we had nothing scheduled for today. Originally we left it open not knowing what we might want to do for our last day. After a couple of long, somewhat stressful and emotional days, we opted to just relax today staying at / near our hotel.
We knew the visit here would be a bit stressful so we decided to treat ourselves to a nice hotel. We are staying at the Reverie Saigon - it is incredibly ornate. Here are a few pictures.
The main lobby.
A sitting area.
The inside of the elevators.
Their camouflage for the service areas.
A ceiling in the hallway.
Definitely a bit over the top :). However, after long days exploring - and adventures just crossing the streets (!) - it has been very nice to come back and be comfortable.
After trying so many different local foods the last couple of days we decided we could use a little comfort food for breakfast this morning. We did have to venture out across a couple of streets but were rewarded with a sausage McMuffin at McDonalds :). It's funny, we don't even eat at McDonald's at home - but it was comforting this morning.
We did take the opportunity to work out today. Although it can be hard with traveling we have been trying to keep up. That said, it will be difficult getting back into the real routine when we get home - and we are already nervous (especially me) about how long it will take to get back into shape for pickle ball :). It was cute this morning after working out. We were joined on the elevator going back to our room by an older couple from India. The wife was impressed that we worked out and was asking me about it. She wanted to know if I did the treadmill - I said yes but that I also lifted weights. She was intrigued and wanted to know if I had anyone helping me hold the weights. When I said I did it all on my own she was impressed - very sweet.
Tonight we went for dinner at one of the hotel's restaurants - it was wonderful with great food and terrific service. Craig ordered a pasta dish called "Neopalitano" - the description said it was "grandma's recipe". When the waiter brought out our food and was getting ready to finish the preparation at the table the chef followed him out. He instantly liked Craig and told the waiter to step aside to let the chef finish the preparation himself. We learned the chef is from Naples Italy and brought many of his recipes to Saigon - he takes great pride in producing authentic food. Craig asked about "grandma" and it was super sweet. The chef got a little emotional as he talked about his early start in cooking. His exact words were "I was a failure many times" :). He said his dad did not really approve but his grandma ALWAYS supported him (gotta love grandmas!). She admonished his dad and said that her grandson should be able to learn to cook if that is what he wanted - and she helped to teach him sharing many of her recipes. The chef acknowledged his cooking was not that great early on - although he said he thought he was the best - and then smiled and said he was young. Apparently even his grandma asked him if he really wanted to pursue it as a career :). His perseverance paid off and he is now a wonderful chef - and very proud of his more humble beginnings. Here is a picture of him preparing the food along with a couple others from dinner - so yummy.
Until later...
Enjoy the Ride!
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