Saturday, March 8, 2008

Saigon Zoo

We got a slow start today, but decided to go to the zoo. Sweetie pie was in a good mood this morning. Some success in the elimination department was had courtesy of the mashed papaya as recommended by the friendly Vietnamese ladies who work in the restaurant upstairs.






We took a short taxi ride to the zoo, and let me just say that I'm thinking PETA might have a few issues with this place. Probably would fall a little short on meeting US safety standards too. Can you think of anywhere in America where you can do this?:





There were people selling bags of carrot sticks and ?sugar cane to feed the animals. We bought a bag of carrots, and after the elephants, we came across this cute 'little' pygmy hippopotomus. He had his snout stuck right up against the chain link fence and we could feed him the carrots right thru the fence! I'm wondering how many fingers he's eaten. I mean, those were some serious teeth!










We were the attraction of choice when we stopped for a beverage break. Several people in the refreshments area came up and motioned to us for permission to take our picture. I felt like we were a primate exhibit. The staring lasted all day--we should've started charging admission. We don't look *that* wierd, do we?



There was a Vietnam history museum near the entrance of the zoo that we explored before we went home. Lots of old relics and such from Vietnam's past. Very interesting--Don and the boys were in hog heaven looking at the old cannons--but we were getting tired by this time and headed back to the hotel.



I just LOVE this face she makes--so cute!






We had heard about a burger joint just around the corner from our hotel, so we headed out in the rain to get some dinner. Luckily it was a quick walk. This place was kind of like a McDonalds--order at the counter fast food, but they didn't get the food *quite* right. The ketchup tasted *almost* like ketchup, and the fries were okay. Good try though, and the kids liked it alright. They had fun sitting at the counter watching the Saigon traffic go by.









Yep, she pretty much has him wrapped around her finger already.




For my adoption world friends who may be traveling to HCMC in the near future, here are some pictures of our "deluxe" room at the Evergreen Hotel. Our other room is a "standard" and is quite a bit smaller, with just one queen and one twin bed. We are quite happy with this hotel, and the staff is very friendly and helpful.






















That's all for now. Tomorrow we're going to try to the War Remnants Museum in the morning, and then just Lauren and I might go back to Ben Thanh market for some shopping without the kids.





















6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the pictures of the room. How is the pool? We will be a party of 7 when we get over there and need a cheap clean place to stay.
Lara PAP of 2, birth mom of 2

Alana said...

Sue, your travelogue is great.. it is like my own personal adoption travel guide! Thansk for sharing room pictures.. how are the beds??

Stacey said...

I am really enjoying reading about your trip. Your litle girl is adorable! It sounds like an amazing life experience for all of you!
Stacey and Sasha

Sue said...

Lara, as we were told upon check in, "pool very small, no water". Sure enough, it was maybe 10' x 15" and dry as a bone. Oh well. Alana, the beds are pretty hard, but they are ok for me. Don doesn't care for them, but the rest of us are fine with them.

Anonymous said...

You have a lovey family Sue. Soon we should all get together and meet. It looks you'll have your hands full for awhile, but give Lisa a call and maybe we could all do lunch.

Good luck and God Bless your new family.

Amy Gerhard
CruiseOne - Dubuque

Anonymous said...

Sue & Don

I am loving the experience of your blog and all the photos. Your new daughter is beautiful....what a treasure. And such a phenomenal experience for the whole family.

Lots of love, Vicki & Rocky