I checked out of Home Vu and waited forty five minutes on the curb for the #18 bus, which took me to Cam Rahn Airport.
I checked in without wait and relaxed at Gate 8 for the 10:55am flight, which left without delay and landed in Saigon an hour later.
I rode the #152 bus (5000d) and caused laughter among the riders when the conductor asked to see my travel notes and then passed the notes around the bus hoping to get a translation. A handsome Swedish couple sitting next to me found the scene amusing.
I departed the bus at Chua Ong marveling at the nearby palace compound. The air was humid and the sky clear as I wandered about lost. I asked a passing woman the whereabouts of Le Loi Street and she pointed a finger and I followed its direction to a narrow alley. I passed beautiful, faded women sitting on small stools next to open doorways emitting musty odors which pricked my senses.
When I reached the end of the alley I found the red gate with lockbox which contained the house key. I was surprised to find that my small studio has a sliding door with an open top which faces the alley. I am concerned about mosquitoes.
The studio is old and shabby. The shower consists of a hand held spray nozzle which will wet not only myself, but toilet, sink, door, and floor.
Saigon Studio
The studio is near The Rex Hotel, which is the venue of the HD Bank International Chess Tournament.
After unpacking I went out in search of food and an open wifi connection. I stepped into Starbucks and purchased a cup of tea for 55,000d ($2.40). After retrieving the studio wifi password I stopped at Circle K and bought a package of sushi and pasta, reminding me of the meals I ate in Bangkok.
At dusk I walked around District 1, wanting to see the river but unable to cross the heavily congested roads. In the fading purple light I passed shopkeepers, shoe cleaners, massage ladies, and hat sellers.
