Down by the Saigon River...is where you will find me
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| Saigon River..amidst the water hyacinth and bougainvillea. |
Down by the Saigon river, where the water hyacinth flows and pink bougainvillea gently cascade around you...it is where you will find me, in a pink stupor. I say pink because chances are I will have been walking a distance, red faced from the heat and will be in a trance..most likely because I am lost. It is a common predicament for me, my children will agree. Ask them my response when we would set off in the car with directions in hand, quickly lost to the highways and byways..."Not to worry, getting lost is fun, we are going to have an adventure". Even better if we were walking..getting exercise and having an adventure...it doesn't get any better than that.
I am a keen walker..how about you? I recently downloaded an App on my iPhone, "Map my Walk"...do you know it? If you like to walk, run, cycle..hop down a lane in a hula hoop...it will show you where you went, how far you went and offer to chart your progress. You can also use it to discover new locations for your tests of prowess and do so alongside your family and friends, no matter where in the world they live. Private or public, your choice. I choose private..because frankly, my results are a tad embarrassing. I do have an excuse for my lack of speed and motion...getting lost is one of them and stopping to take photographs is another.
In my area of Saigon...it is easy to get lost, especially if you have a tendency towards getting easily distracted. Guilty on that count too.
On Saturday, I was happily walking along,
and before I knew it...I was lost...
and found myself straddling up to the local highway.
Not exactly where I was heading...but a quick
glance at "Map my Walk" showed me where
I was and the direction home. Love that App!
Seriously...if you walked with me,
it would require patience.
I find the oddest things curious.
and feel a special kinship to friend and fowl.
I am not sure which was a more curious sight on this occasion,
me in the pink or this fellow with a sea of colour trailing behind him.
We both had to think about that one.
I stop for good reason..the sights never cease to amaze me.
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| Villa Song, Saigon |
I have been watching this luxury hotel, Villa Song,
under construction for the past year. The end result is fabulous.
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| Villa Song, Saigon |
and a few streets away...life as it has always been.
I love that about Saigon.
What do you think...care to join me?
You would have to be prepared to get lost,
take lots of photos
and have "Map my Walk" raring to go.
Oh..the adventures we would have!
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| Down by the Saigon River..is where you will find me. |
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| via |
Indeed it is!
;)
Super Cool!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue...you made my day...super cool! ;)
DeleteI would very much enjoy walking with you, Jeanne - no doubt, your curiosity is contagious!! I love your photos and really enjoy seeing your views of Saigon. I hope to visit there one day!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a lovely day! xoxo
Thank you Sandy...if you ever do, let me know. I would love to give you travel tips. ;) xx
Delete"where the water hyacinth flows and pink bougainvillea gently cascade around you"
ReplyDeleteI will be in reverie and lose my way walking. Beauty appears in many places but certain places sadly remain unchanged.
In my river walk or walk in the neighborhood I don't see the beautiful and fragrant flowers that you have.
I think our children got the bracelet and felt it gives them incentives. Maybe also the healthy attitude.
Thank you for the wonderful photos.
You are very welcome Edgar..I do not think you would have any problem looking for beauty in Saigon, even in places that remain unchanged. The smiles around you will warm your heart first..I imagine you would be creating poetic vignettes at every turn.
DeleteSuch interesting contrasts. I love the way the Vietnamese plant large trees in small containers - kind of like bonsai on steroids - but the result is always lovely. So glad you share them. Keep walking!
ReplyDelete"Bonsai on steroids"...love it! A new view as I walk, I think I will be laughing all the way. ;)
DeleteJeanne, I am so grateful for all that you share with us. You know what you are experiencing is exceptional and so we see your world through those most open eyes...
ReplyDeleteMost certainly I would be there right beside you and who would take the most photographs? One day we will have to test out the theory to see...
Gros Bisous,
Heather
I would love to test that theory Heather...it is so interesting to see how others view the world, especially when you are standing side by side. That one moment...says so much. I will hold that thought until we are standing side by side..cameras at the ready. xx
DeleteJeanne, I love your walk and know that I would enjoy it strolling along with you. Walking is one of my favorite things to do,wether in my own neighborhood, or exploring as new place. I recently purchased the Fitbit Flex and I LOVE it, it is a great way to get my 10000-12000 steps in a day.
ReplyDeleteI am off to check out this app, I am sure that it will be a wonderful addition to my walk each day.
Looking forward to more of your adventures Jeanne, have a great day.
xx Elizabeth
Elizabeth, I have my eye on the Fitbit Flex, so glad to hear you like it. I did a quick calculation of the steps the other day, 10,000 steps is equivalent to 5 miles, depending on your stride. I like the sound of 10,000 steps a whole lot better...not sure why! xx
DeleteI would love to go for a walk with you. I like getting lost too, especially if it means discovering something new.
ReplyDeleteI knew you would be a fellow wanderer Loree...always something new...and an adventure too!
DeleteI would love to be your walking partner. My favorite destination when out and about is...lost. There is always one more block to explore, one more turn to take. There is so much to discover when you have no clue where you are headed. I will be downloading this app. Loved all the beautiful photos.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bonnie...the other thing I forgot to mention is something you would enjoy as well, listening to an audio book. Another reason to keep on walking..especially if it is a page turner. ;)
DeleteSince I hate jogging, I am a walker, just like you. I miss my morning walks during this Winter because it is not safe to walk outside with all the ice and snow. So we walk indoors which is not the same as walking outside. I would love to walk with you, discovering all of these wonderful things that you discover as you walk along. The sights you discovered here are so amazing in Vietnam.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pamela..it would be my absolute pleasure walking with you.. ;)
DeleteDear Jeanne: I think we would enjoy walking together, as I too, stop for the moments in life. Recently, I was without my camera, and witnessed a most stunning sunset. We pulled the car over and took photos with our minds' eye. The images are still with me, however, I do regret not having the camera to share with others. I not only stop for the unique, I also stop to engage with people. This is a favorite pastime of mine. I can imagine you walking along in Saigon sending smiles to people and nature alike. I know you enjoy your life.
ReplyDeleteI wish you love and laughter in abundance. Happy New Year!
walking, yes + with you, yes + love adventure! wonderful photos you take. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
ReplyDeleteFirst off did SANTA come through with things on your list?
ReplyDeleteSecond……..YES I would love to walk with YOU.Between YOU and ME stopping and looking and snapping we would not get far on our walk!BUT WE WOULD HAVE FUN!
I have that app Jeanne and I actually use it! I walk with our dog near the river and it's beautiful, but not quite as interesting as your walks in Saigon. Your photos are a perfect slice of life and they help me imagine your new life. BTW--I loved the post on your daughter's graduation. What a milestone! I swear when my sons cross the stage I'll be slightly tipsy and feeling pure relief :)
ReplyDeletexo
Leslie
I too am an inveterate walker wanderer, and some of the best conversations have occurred while walking with another person. My two dogs, one small and one large, come on every walk, reminding me always that we are exploring. We would love to join you, or vice versa, here or there!
ReplyDeleteWhenever I feel stuck in my writing, I go on a walk. Of course, my walks are nowhere near as beautiful as yours, but they are inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI think I'm going to need that quote when I go to Japan. Far out of my comfort zone and I really hate being lost.
ReplyDeleteBut I do love having new things to photograph!
Love that quote at the end Jeanne - we all need 'attitude' to get through life. I also love to walk, and I also love to get lost. My favourite walk are with a girlfriend or two and a bunch of dogs
ReplyDeletexx
Love the attitude quote. I like walking...but in the dark when the sun can't burn my skin. It's quiet in the dark and I'm aware of the scents in the air, the moon, the stars and the occasional car. Sometimes a headlamp to light the way....
ReplyDeleteJeanne, your lovely images reminded me of my short but wonderful visit to Saigon in 2012. Did have to have a guide though - especially after looking out the window on the first morning and spying a million motorcycles and nowhere to cross the street, LOL! So, was never lost thankfully, but probably missed seeing those little local beautiful places tucked away on your walks.
ReplyDeleteMary X