Our second stay in the capital was more focused on seeing the most important sights. After a strange bus trip, in which we were seated on a sleep bus (the seats are long reclining ones, in a bunk-bed fashion), we checked into Vietnam Inn Saigon; and then we took th elong scenic walk to the War Remnants Museum. What a depressing, educational tour it was. Vietnam has really suffered from the American-Vietnam War.

We spent the evening at the Bookworm's Restaurant - what a pity we had not done so the first time! It is a lovely little bookshop and restaurant owned by an English expat. There are board games, books, and many cheap beers. We loved it.

Saturday was quite a unique day. WE had heard from another tourist that there exists a group of Saigon students who love to help tourists on tours in the immediate region, simply so as to improve their English and make foreign acquiantances. WE contacted them and mentioned our plan to see the Chu Chi Tunnels, and they were happy to arrange the tour. So on Saturday we met five Vietnamese varsity students, and spent the day with them at Chu Chi Tunnels.

The tunnels are astounding, and the experience unique. You are shown certain sections of these tunnels, to experience what it had been like for the Chu Chi people and Vietcong during the defense of their area. It's unthinkable that these people had lived underground! William is more courageous when it comes to small spaces (I do not do well with tight dark tunnels) and so he managed to crawl through them all. I proudly scurried through two short ones.

We really enjoyed the day with these students, each funny and kind in their own way. It is such a clever idea, this group. They make new friends in the process, and improve their English; whilst we save a lot of money by following them, and learn much more about their culture.

After a good shower and some basic admin, we made our way to the Bookworm again. Always a fun outing. William and I then hopped form restaurant to restaurant, settling on two for some delicious catfish and cashew noodles. Our second stay in Ho Chi Minh was definitely more enjoyable.