The First Bits of my Trip to Ho Chi Minh

☄️

Ho Chi Minh is abundant in culture and indeed a vibrant colorful city. A modern city with an old soul.

I think that the fusion of European and Asian cultures is a good idea. It makes a culture richer, finer… I can’t even begin to describe.

The dominant colors were yellow and red.

The city has both elegant architecture as well as laid-back corners where you can sit down and have their exquisite coffee.

I personally love the traditional Vietnamese coffee— although probably something that’s not too sweet. I’ve had the unsweetened version at Fika, a cafe by the lake, and just when I thought I already tasted all of Vietnamese coffee, I was surprised to find out, it was yet another distinct flavor.

The coffee culture in Vietnam is far from superficial. Way, way far from that, oh so superficial trend. It isn’t one of those coffee cups that looks inviting and beautiful in presentation, but tastes absolutely awful! No, not that kind of coffee, baby. Their coffee has a soul. Authentic. Tastes as good as it looks.

It was indeed worth the trip to satisfy the coffee lover in me.

And here are glimpses of Book Street. While walking, I felt how deep and intelligent the people are in the city to have a book street. I mean, books have always been a part of me growing up. Recently when I got home to my parents’ house, the first thing I picked up was an Encyclopedia, I was so amazed by it! And I recall how there was a time when I was little that I got disappointed that instead of giving me toys or other kiddie stuff, my folks gave me and my sister books as gifts. Those hardbound books with colorful pictures of everything SCIENCE! Hahah.

Anyway, I love these bunch of stationery, journals, cards… I wondered if anyone ever really writes long and sincere letters these days? Most things have become superficial, manipulative tidbits on the internet. But I am not losing hope in humanity and the sacred qualities of the characters of 2024!

It’s 2024, so yes, I am choosing well.❤️‍🔥

Know more about Ho Chi Minh and how its French influence started here.

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