Yes, for the politically correct, this is indeed Ho Chi Minh City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ho_Chi_Minh_City). However, to us… and the vast majority of the “Saigonese” who call this city home – it is, and will continue to be, Saigon. This morning we changed hotels; from our one last evening that was apparently adjacent to a time-warp, to one with a slightly more up-scale but decidedly less “historic” feel.

After brunch in a nearby restaurant, it was time to do a little exploring.

Mushrooms in Chinatown, Saigon.

Bridge leading into the Chinatown area, Saigon.

Local delivery truck, Saigon.

Loading a delivery-motorcycle. An Dong Market, Saigon.

Periphery of the An Dong Market, Saigon.

Valet parking for customers’ motorcycles. An Dong Market, Saigon.

A small oasis of calm at the An Dong Market, Saigon.

“Snow” on the Christmas-decorated patio, Saigon.