Vietnam Day 2 - Fanny Packing (like backpacking, but with nicer hotels)

Today we put on our touristing shoes and made the rounds to the various Monuments around town.

We began at the War Remnants Museum. The museum is mostly filled with photographs of the Vietnam War, by war correspondence from all over the world. Most of them document without filter the horrors of war, which are unbearable to look at. But I feel we should not not turn away out of respect for the victims. Vietnam has been deeply scarred by it's history (and some might argue it's present as well) but it's changing and healing rapidly. It's onthe precipice of development and I don't know how it will be like next time I return.

The reunification palace was next on our agenda. It's something of a dream in 60s luxury. Something like I imagine a chic 60s hotel to be like. I imagined Don Draper walking past in his hawaiian shirt and ray bans with a drink on his way to ogle some lovelies by the pool.

The bunker below is something out of a James Bond novel, 60s spy gadgetry at its best but
somehow sad and forgotten now.

I say sad, but this did not stem my usual levity.      Sorry.

A quick tour around the GPO and the Notre Dame and then a visit to some Markets.

The Benh Thanh Markets - Claustophobic, teeming with lives, the smell overwhelming, the heat sweltering. I came away with nothing despite the best efforts of the vendors. And no photos because I was clutching my camera bag close to my chest in my best paranoid tourist impression.

For dinner we decided to finally get out Viet on, and ordered up a steaming bowl of pho, broken rice and pork chops, followed by a sundae and a drink atop the Rex hotel.

This is Karen posing with her favourite...

And this is me posing with my favourite dish...

Vietnam Day 1 - Hello Ho Chi Minh City!

Note: Now, I wasn't able to blog while I was in Vietnam due to slow-ass internet hotel connections, but I did write a little diary while I was there, so my various thoughts and opinions were written in real-time! 

I set out from Melbourne this morning this evening a bundle of pre-holiday anxiety and excitement.
 
Having reunited with K in the 'Enchanted Garden'....

of Changi airport, we boarded the plane for Ho Chi Minh City. Or rather, Saigon - which is what I understand the locals prefer.

As soon as we landed, I was swamped by the glorious sticky humidity of South East Asia. Thoroughly sick of Melbourne's just-won't-quit chilly winter, and a slow-on-the-uptake Spring, I revelled in the sunny wash of warmth of the cheerful Vietnam sun.

After settling into the hotel in the ritzy tourist district 1 of Saigon, we went out in search of food. Now, I'm sure we had some half baked (pre-emptive pun!) idea about eating something local and traditional, but we ended up finding a Paris Baguette cafe (just like in the K-dramas of our dreams) and decided that's what our first meal in Vietnam would be. 

We spent most of the afternoon, walking around the airconditioned comfort of a couple of shopping centres, before returning to the hotel to get ready for our next adventure - Dinner on a boat. 

We were driven to the dock where we boarded our boat which would be sailing us up and down the Saigon River. Or at least what I think was the Saigon River because as we all know, my geography knowledge is nil.  

Dinner was a huge buffet with cuisines from everywhere in the world and beyond, and we munched while being entertained by scantily dressed dancers and a singer who was clearly used to entertaining a Chinese crowd of a certain age, seeing as she belted out a number of golden oldies which
had all the uncle and aunties cheering like teenagers as a 1D concert. The mind boggles.

Now, to be honest, I was very sleep deprived so my enjoyment factor of the whole evening was capped at a certain point - but I do find dinner shows fairly dated and slightly depressing. However, the somewhat spectacular view from the boat and a cooling breeze that arrived out of nowhere while we were making our way back to the shore made up for it.

So far, so good Saigon.

Spring Racing’s Ultimate Fashion Workshop at Collins Place

I was recently invited to the Spring Racing’s Ultimate Fashion Workshop, a charity event for the McGrath Foundation, held at Collins Place just below the Sofitel in the city. (stolen google photo).

We were greeted with glasses of bubbly (or in my case, sparkling water) on arrival, where we mingled while trays of canapes were passed around.

An hour later, we settled down for gently entertaining Racing Day fashion master class from top stylist Franco Schifilliti, and a number of hair and makeup experts. Beautifully turned out models swanned down the aisles and across the stage, dressed in gorgeous race day outfits and fascinating fascinators - and I will confess to getting caught up in it all, and feeling myself to be a special guest at an exclusive and glamorous event.

To top a frankly lovely evening off, we concluded by watching a screening of the charming indie film 'Frances Ha'. You know those films which makes you feel joyous to be young or nostalgic for your twenties? Sometimes it's so real you cringe but when the lights come up, you suddenly feel just slightly more ready to deal with the world? Frances Ha is one of those films.

I left with a glorious goody bag - including vouchers for Rokk Ebony and some of the stores featured in the workshop, a movie voucher, chocolate, BB Cream, and Moscato. Best Thursday night I've had in ages!

Bris Vegas - Day 2 - Customs House

I like to schedule my holiday itinerary around my meals. The main event of my second and last day in Brisbane was lunch at the vaguely posh Custom's House.

A perfect view of the river, and a three course meal - none too shabby for $40, if you will!

We spent the rest of the day contemplating homewares in Myers, talking about life, and again complaining about how hot it was. Possibly that last part was just me. Served me right though because it was 6 degrees when I landed back in Melbourne! Soon enough though, it was time for me to return from whence I came, though I admit I could've stayed longer.

I had the best weekend in a long time, absolutely chilled and completely satisfied with everyone and everything in Brisbane. Thanks Miss I for having me. I'll be back soon!

Bris Vegas - Day 1

Like a migratory bird, I decided that I would take myself north for the winter (or at least just for the weekend). My short trip to Brisbane warmed up my soul like a fresh pastry in the oven. I love Melbourne, including it's grey weather, but I needed to soak up a heavy dose of vitamin D to reboot my weary soul.

We began our Saturday with the necessary breakfast to fuel us for our day ahead.

 Satisfying but nothing to write home about - but only that's only because Melbourne haunts like St Ali have ruined me for any other brunch spot in Australia. If it's not mindblowing, doesn't deserve a facebook status update.


We spent our post-breakfast lull exploring a rather wonderful antiques store - stuffed full of vintage curiosities...

(Creepy baby dolls and gender stereotypes make me laugh!)

...and some alarming ones. 

Miss I, me and...Kevin 07?

We then made our way towards the Teneriffe festival. A lovely sun shiney yuppified family affair with food and market stalls. I couldn't resist a vintage lemon ice tea as we walked along the river. The sun was...relentless. As was my complaining and imminent fear of being sunburnt. 'Miss I' bore it well. Well done, my friend.

                                               Me:  'Look Natural'!    Miss I: 'Huh??'

After exhausting the main drag, we made our way down the hipster lane section of the festival. Obviously that's not what it was called officially but let us just say, calico bags with quirky prints abounded, worn by kids wearing slightly too short pants.

I think Tenneriffe is where all the pretty people live, in pretty houses.

The rest of the day was spent lounging al fresco at the Powerhouse bar, watching the boats go by on the river, and a home cooked dinner with friends in the evening.

Bliss.