History day in Ho Chi Min

February 14
Up and out by 9:30 am. Today is HCMC history day. We went to the War Remnants Musuem. Few museums anywhere convey the brutality of war and its civilian victims. Many of the atrocities documented here were well-publicized but rarely do people hear the victims of US military action tell their own stories. While some displays are one-sided, many of the most disturbing photographs illustrating US atrocities are from US sources, including those of the infamous My Lai Massacre. US armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs and infantry weapons are on display outside. The photos of children affected by US bombing and napalming were disturbing to see.

We then walked over to the Reunification Palace only to find out the were closed for lunch. So we walked to Notre Dame Catherdal only to find out they were closed till 3 pm! Can't see the inside, so here's a picture of the outside.

Right across the way from Notre Dame Cathedral is the striking French post office. It was built between 1886 and 1891. Painted on the walls of its grand concourse are fascinating historic maps of South Vietnam, Saigon and Cholon.

We headed back to the Reunification Palace for a gander. The first Communist tanks to arrive in Saigon rumbled here on 30 April, 1975. The building is associated with the fall of the city in 1975.

In 1868, a residence was built on this site for the French governor-general. When the French departed, the palace became home to the South Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem. Diem was so unpopular that his own air force bombed the palace in 1962 in an unsuccessful attempt to kill him. The president ordered a new residence to be built on the same site, this time with a sizeable bomb shelter in the basement. Work was completed in 1966, but Diem did not get to see his dream house as he was killed by his own troops in 1963.
Pictures of the bunker

The new building was named Independence Palace and was home to the South Vietnamese president, Nguyen Van Thieu, until his hasty departure in 1975.

The Reunification Palace is still used for meetings.

We decided to walk back to the hotel after lunch. On the way back we met up with two very friendly vendors, who let Brad carry their wares.

Detoured to the Ben Tahn Market again for the third time....looking for a bag for Brad. Mr. Consumer has bought too much! Walked and walked and walked and he bought nothing, Our feet were tired so we went back to the hotel to rest. An hour later, we headed back to the market. Only this time, I made sure he bought something!

Brad leaves for home tonight. It's been a great trip with him.... Loads of memories, laughs and fun!

Safe travels son!!

I head out tomorrow to Hoi An via Da Nang for the next few days.