In case there was any doubt, I have arrived.

It sounds like the monsoon / typhoon (not sure of the difference) is affecting the weather all over the area; the locals are saying it's unusually rainy and darn is it hot. Here are some pictures I took on the way from the airport to the hotel. As we pulled out of the airport area, I couldn't help smiling as I was thinking, dang! I forgot! This is Viet Nam. I'm dying to get down some of those side streets, they look so interesting, but I have a feeling you very much need a local to show you around once you're off the beaten path.

We're going to have to have a rousing game of match my comments to the photo because I can't seem to get the comments lined up with it's intended picture.


This furniture store (and I use the term loosely) seems to be fairly typical in that it's wares are displayed on the sidewalk.











The iphone shop, conveniently located...











It's difficult to tell, but that's a lamp store on the ground floor; I was trying to get an example of businesses on the ground floor and homes above.




















I recall long gloves on the moto riders the last time I was here, maybe it's just the rain, but the raincoats are for sale everywhere. I love this one that is large enough to cover the entire family.

















Bikes, motor bikes, cars, carts, pedestrians -- everyone shares the road, but I must say I was terrified and I'm just the passenger wrapped in steel.



















And another pagoda off in the distance, nearly wrapped by a modern building.




















I am told this is a famous hat shop, but too expensive. I just liked the way all of the hates looked framed by pink.


















This moto bike is carrying an office chair.



















Buerau Veritas.




















Some of these are blurry, but I posted anyway to give a sense of color.