Tammy and Leon Primas
Katrina with M16 at the Cu Chi Tunnels
Phil with an AK47
Morning Sunrise
Cuc Gach Quan
Adriane, Crystal and Antoinette at the Saigon Skydeck
Le Meridien Lobby
LeeLee, What a Guy
My Suite Penthouse
Crystal Hendrix
At Cu Chi
Dana and Diva at Hua Tuc Restaurant
Indoor Outdoor Infinity Pool
Cuc Gach Quan
Holly and Katrina
The Spa
Le Meridien Deck
There are 22 in this lovely group; again, a great reunion for several, some met as recently as on the unforgettable Egyptian Odyssey in October; Ms Dorothy, Ms Helen of North Carolina, Diva and her daughter Dana of Florida, Phil and Katrina of Southern Cal. Then there’s Regina Harris and Briana Moore from the Bay, recently in Dubai with me in November. From the Black Marseille Tour, I’m happy to have John and Carol Motte. My sister in law Jacqueline Hebert and her partner in shopping crime Mary Ann Cancel. Holly Friar, Leon and Tammy Primas from the Bay date back to my early years 80s/90s and I am so happy to have them with me. Rolling with me for the first time all the way from Paris; I am delighted to have Ricki Stevenson owner and founder of Black Paris Tours.
We all came together beautifully to fly EVA AIR out of SFO. Half of us opted for the comfortable and spacious Premium Economy; only 8 rows in our private cabin. It’s not Business Class but it can’t be beat. I love it when folks take my advice. At our ages, comfort is EVERYTHING. My newbie young sistas; Adriane Primas, Crystal Hendrix and Antoinette Jenkins would not be denied such an awesome travel experience.
Upon our arrival in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Simon and I had pre arranged VIP VISA ON ARRIVAL SERVICE. I highly recommend it. The process was seamless and first class compared to not having it. Once completed, he handed us off to our Saigon guide, Hieu. Even though I miss Twin from last year, We are blessed to have a very cool and knowledgeable guide. Check in is 3pm, we arrived around noon and found favor…all rooms ready for check in. That’s what’s up! This package includes 3 spa treatments, 1 in Saigon and 2 in Hanoi. 95% wanted them and were all making their appointments.
Our first dinner was at Hua Tuc, a former opium factory back in the day. The food and service neve disappoints. Myself and Road Dawg, Robbie Bell of Miami (not with me this time) enjoyed a cooking class at this very restaurant about 6 years ago. I miss you girl: :(.
They no longer have Uber here but something similar called “Grab”. I downloaded the app and have enjoyed using it around town. The first part of our 1st day of touring was a 2 hr drive to the Cu Chi Tunnels. You get a peek at the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers back in 1948. The site has over 120km of underground tunnels, with trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, armory, hospitals and command centers. There are activities there to participate in including a shooting range. Our adventurous couple, Phil and Katrina, jumped right in there with an M16; and an AK47.
Afterwards, foodie that I am, I was itching to have dinner at CU GACH QUAN, in 2017 we went for lunch and it became one of Cousin Darryl’s favorites. It’s also a favorite of Brad Pitt. It’s on an obscure side street and if you blink, you will miss it. I was joined by Phil and Katrina and man what a meal! We had, zucchini flowers in garlic, soft shelled crabs in rock salt and garlic, prawns, and fried rice.
Tomorrow, will be an exciting adventure as we all go off the beaten track to a place called District 4. Til next time!