Bakery Breakfast, Emperor Jade Pagoda, 1121 Ly Dynasty water puppetry show, History Museum, Lichfields on the top of the Skyhigh Tower

(Day 52)

We woke up this morning with a fully planned day. We wanted to get a good breakfast to supply the calories we knew we were going to be burning throughout the day. We found a beautiful little bakery called Tout les jours (or something French like that, my French is awful). I ate one of the most glorious pasteries I've ever had in my life. It was a soft little cake-like bread (but not nearly as sweet) filled with blueberry cream cheese. Mmmmmm!! Mon Sharee!

We then took a taxi over to District 3 around the Da Kao area. We went first to a temple that housed the famous Emperor Jade Pagoda. It was neat. The architecture and layout of the Buddhist temples in Vietnam are very different than the other countries we have visited. The Buddhism they practice here is a different sect. It is called Mahayana Buddhism, I believe, and has a different focus and feel that Theravada Buddhism that is found in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. There definitely is a heavy Chinese influence on the architecture.

Afterwards, we went to the History Museum and enjoyed viewing all of the ancient sculptures, tools, boats, arts & crafts, coins, and jewelry that are the remains of some of the ancient dynasties and civilizations of this area. There was a beautiful boat that was on display that is over 3000 years old!

The museum also offers the opportunity to watch a water puppet show which has been passed down in their society from the Ly Dynasty in the year 1121. It was very creative and impressive. I had to laugh a few times as I watched the excited Vietnamese children react to the antics of the puppets. One act consisted of two very elegant looking dog-like creatures who were swimming around trying to catch a ball. After long, strenuous efforts, they finally succeed. It was neat to be a part of cultural entertainment that is so traditional and culturally rich.

That night, we met up with the Lichfields again, and we went to the top of the Skyhigh tower, the tallest skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City. Wade bought us some mocktails (cocktails without the alcohol), and we attmpted to chat with each other a midst some very loud music. We had a good time.

We said goodbye and good luck to the Lichfields. I am so thankful for them.