Since it was hot, I took a break and had a frozen yogurt treat. Off again.
I stopped by Notre Dame Cathedral and paid my respects before heading out in search of the Emerald Buddha Pagoda. After wandering around for an hour and walking 3 - 4 miles, I found a pagoda. Little did I know that is the largest pagoda in Saigon and is the Mahayana sect who believe in Taoism, Confuciusm and Buddhism. I have attached numerous pictures of the inside of the pagoda which show 3 statutes of Buddha (past, present and future), Taoism and Confucius figures. Also notice the reversed swastika on the large Buddha's chest. Buddhism calls the symbol Tam and represents the heart of Buddha...the Nazis misappropriated the symbol and made a subtle change.
It was along trek back to the hotel. Temps were in the mid-80s, hot and sticky. See pictures of what I observed on my walk...a tangle of telephone wires which is common throughout Viet Nam's large cities, a motorbike/cycle one-man repair station on nearly every corner (brakes, engine rebuilt, tire exchange), teens/young adults playing a fancy game of hacky-sack hitting the ball off their back foot behind their backs...talented. I was bushed when I got back.
Showered, washed some clothes and off to dinner at a local outdoor market (street food). I had a deep fried fish with tamarind sauce, rice and spring rolls. Ben had a do-it-yourself dinner where your cook your meat and veggies.
Back to the hotel, and went to bed by 11 PM...tomorrow we visit the C Chi tunnels.
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