17-19th March 2006 Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon 
Friday l7th march after hearing so much about Vietnam , it's great to finally be here. There were the expected taxi touts at the airport quoting 75000. I hopped on the bus which took me door to door for only 4000 or .20€. The traffic here is suicidal. Take Kuala Lumpur or Paris and then double the chaos. Pedestrians aren't number 1 as they are in most countries, they re low moving targets. It's hot here even in march. It was 33c when I landed
Lion brewery 11c lam son square, dist 1 48000 for 1 liter of dark beer Time for some Oktoberfest practice..... Close to my hotel. (The Asian) is this brewpub. I was starving. I flew with a budget airline so no food for 8 hours. Anyone who believes that I stumbled on this bar accidentally and that it's a coincidence that it's close to my hotel, still believes in the big red jolly guy who comes once a year.
Gartenstadt - 34 d dong khoi Nice place, 2 for 1 on schneiderweisse 79000. T-shirts mugs and caps only 48000
The Asia Munich beer house was even cheaper 20000 for .5ltr 35000 for 1 liter for 1.83€. Good service
Munich beerhouse I had another liter here and was very generous with my change. Tipping isn't necessary here but a $1 tip is about half a day's wages. I gave 50000 or $3 and they went wild! Ah the evils of drink
Saturday l8th march Time to explore. I followed the lonely planet walking tour, starting off at the Tran Nguyen hai statue and the ben thanh market. Hoavener Czech brewpub 28 d mac dinh chi www.hoavener.com 24000 for .5ltr
