Ho Chi Minh City-Saigon-The City of Uncle Ho

Goodbye Indonesia and Malaysia… GOODMORNING VIETNAM!

Finally, I’ve landed in one of my favorite countries in Southeast Asia- beautiful Vietnam. I flew into the craziest busiest most bustling city in the south, Ho Chi Minh City. This city is busting at the seams with art, history, and motorbikes!

Be very careful when crossing streets!

Contrary to most may think, it is highly unlikely that you will experience any resentment as an American coming here because of the Vietnam War (or American War as it is referred to by Vietnam and most of the world). Rather, most won’t think twice about it and quite grateful you've come to visit. They are also very welcoming to American tourists as we are few and far between in Nam. When you do visit, Vietnam make sure to get as much culture as possible. Learn about their unique art by stopping into a art factory to see people making lacquerware and paintings,
take a walking tour and enjoy the beautiful French infused architecture,

take a cyclo ride in any city to see life from every angle and alleyway,

and stop by the War Remnants Museum for a truly eye-opening history lesson.

Tanks and planes from the war.


As soon as you land here there’s one thing that will grab your eye and that’s the beautiful lacquer ware everywhere! And that’s exactly why I’m here! The Vietnamese have perfected this art in the form of wall paintings and various pieces of home décor. You simply cannot leave Vietnam without it- I surely won’t and I look forward to sharing it with you! The process is remarkable and it doesn’t happen overnight. Here’s a brief on this unique material:

"Lacquer ware (nghề sơn mài) is a mean of decorating objects introduced by China during the first century CE. Lacquer is actually the resin of a tree which is mixed with colored pigments and solvents and applied in many layers to the object's surface, producing a shiny and durable finish. Eggshell and gold leaf, may be applied to the surface before the lacquer is applied, in which case the finished product is sanded down to reveal the decoration beneath. The high quality of resin from Vietnamese lacquer trees, notably those of Phú Thọ in the north, was a crucial factor in the rapid development of this art form, which became very popular at the court of Đại Việt during the feudal period. Decorated lacquer statues, panels, boxes and trays, some dating back to the Lê era (1428-1527), may still be seen at many temples and pagodas throughout the country."

I was able to pick up some great lacquer wine holders. I love them, I know many people who love them and they have always made great gifts as well! They come in various colors, styles and mixed mediums. A few of each will be in store! (pics to come)

Also, an absolute addiction are these handmade silk wallets.

Made from the most beautiful silk with hand stitched embroidery each wallet is truly unique as being hand made no two are exactly the same. I get a new one nearly every year and of course so do my friends! The hardest part is deciding which color! Needless to say, I’m stocking up for the store!



I’ll stay here for a bit maybe take a cyclo ride around the city, enjoy more art and fantastic handmade accessories, as well as baguettes and Pho (see the pic below)!


Pho- a must have in Vietnam. Until you can fly over here I highly recommend picking up a bowl of this eastern style chicken noodle soup at your local Vietnamese Restaurant! (I also recommend adding chili sauce in the form of a smiley for a little kick!)