After our long flight from Sydney, clearing immigration and customs then exiting Tan Son Nhat airport, we are greeted by what feels like a stadium full of people, looking thru the crowd I slowly pick them out one by one, my wife's family, her mother & father, uncles, aunts, cousins nephews and nieces, they greet us like we had not seen each other in decades, its great to be back to a place that I consider to be my second home.
It has only been twelve months since our last trip to Saigon and the memories come rushing like we had never left. Immediately I notice the traffic it's what makes Saigon Saigon, it gives the city a special vibe and energy and carries the population along for the ride.
The next thing I notice is the smell it's a wonderful smell of Vietnamese food cooking over an open grill, this smell will greet you where ever you travel in Vietnam, and won't leave you until you leave.
Even though these things remain the same, I have found a lot that has changed, Vietnam recently joined the WTO and Saigon is booming, the rate of investment and development is staggering. Just from the ride back to our aunt's house I see so many new restaurants, cafes, shops and businesses. It's good to see the Vietnamese people improving their standard of living.
Our holiday has just started I know it will be another wonderful three weeks, yet I know this time will go in the blink of and eye and I am already dreading that we leave.