This morning I headed off to the Ben Thanh market which actually is in walking distance of the hotel. I’m getting better at crossing roads, though I still feel like I’m going to get run over. My best advice is either watch and cross when the locals do, or latch on to a likely group of tourists because a group offers more protection (ie other bodies to take the brunt of the hit should you actually get run over). Enterprising no?
The markets were quite nice, very neat, clean and well laid out. I finally found the cheap t-shirt and knockoff DVD stands that our touristy hotel area still has very few of. Although I didn’t buy anything today. The market is divided into different areas. There was room for tourist stuff, everyday goods, fruit, veges, a bewildering array of lollies, nuts, tea and coffee (including the kind of beans that are excreted by weasels – very gourmet). The northern end is where all the fresh meat and seafood is held, so there was plenty of meat, organs and wriggling fish in baskets to behold. It is quite stuffy inside so after having a wander around I headed across the road to a lovely frozen yoghurt shop. At this one you can just grab a container, fill it up as much as you want and you pay by weight. The coconut flavour was really good.
After that I wandered back to the Pham Ngu Lao (I finally remembered the words in the right order) district via a park. While sitting I was joined by a local student and we talked for quite a while. She is 18 and studies at a local school (university) and likes to visit the park to practice her English skills with the foreigners who are so often there. I headed back to Bui Vien road (which is directly behind the road my hotel is on) for some lunch and another look around the area. Despite the fact this area is so obviously full of tourists and travellers it is nowhere near as overgrown and tacky as the Khao Sanh road in Bangkok. Which is definitely a backpacker ghetto in the worst sense. People spend the majority of their time in Bangkok on that one street and think they’ve seen the city, as if it’s all full of ethnic bags and crass t-shirts.
Tonight I meet my tour group, I already have a roommate who is from Brisbane. I think there might be approximately eleven of us on the trip. Here’s hoping it’s a good group.
November 17, 2008 at 11:31 |
Safety in numbers, I’ve always said!
Speaking of live fish, mine aren’t.
I felt less traumatised when Joel, my remaining fish, passed away quietly yesterday. My dad is trying to talk me back onto the horse (so to speak), I require further convincing.
You haven’t mentioned the beer. (which probably isn’t surprising for you but it would be for me, if I was in your position…) Have you sampled the local beer? What is it like? I require a full review with a rating out of 10.
November 17, 2008 at 21:08 |
Eleven for your tour sounds like good number….and you’ll know get to know them pretty quickly. It will be interesting to see what sort of mix you get…and a room mate from Brisbane.
You can bond over the appalling traffic, the memory of the Joh time warp and little Stanley St.
BTW Brisbane has been declared a natural disaster area because of a killer storm on Sunday…30 houses demolished 100’s without roofs etc. We were fine just VERY wet.
Sooooo even if you’re at the end of the monsoon rains there you might still have the better deal. LOL
Rain, rain…go away.
November 18, 2008 at 00:22 |
Joh time warp? I think you’re not taking into account that I may not be one of the youngest on this tour. And I remember only bits of that era.
And Sharon – as for the local beer I haven’t gotten to that yet but fully intend to sample some. Until last night though I would have been drinking on my own. Which is a bit sad at home but positively tragic in another country full of tourists. Commiserations on the death of Joel – I think they sold you some dodgy fish. Anyway – beer ratings to follow
November 18, 2008 at 01:38 |
I love the mulititude of ethnic crap at the markets you all speak of! ? Actually are you referring to copys of Chanel, Dior, Dolce, Versace? If so, I need firm directions when you get back because I love fake labels if they look half classy!….thats meeeee
I also envy the food you are having, as is Joe. You are persuading us to return to Asia ….
You really should shop by the way!! says me!
Hope the tour group meeting went well..
November 18, 2008 at 07:59 |
Glad your having fun!
Those roads are fun arent they!
How come deb didnt mention what happened to your car in the storm, ah shes probably saving it for when you come home! Hmmmm i better change the subject! Suprised you didnt try a jellied eyeball or a real dagwood dog on the stick in the markets lol. Well roof should be repaired on the library by the time you get back so make sure you enjoy yourself ! p.s. cars fine i cant help myself lol
November 19, 2008 at 07:53 |
Di – I do intend to shop but it’s a bit early in the trip to start carrying lots of things. I’m just getting a feel for what things will be available everywhere – I’ve seen a lot of stuff – hippy type bags etc that are available in shops at home. Not exactly distinctive.
Paul and Shazza – funny you should mention the library roof, because that’s been an actual concern of late with all the storms. We even closed early one day we were so worried about it.