My last hours in Ho Chi Minh City

I am sitting at Highlands Coffee with Jason. It's very similar to Starbucks, but much cheaper. There are several people "deep cleaning" Jason and Rachel's apartment, so we went out for breakfast. There is free WIFI, which is wireless Internet, so now we are just chilling out in the cafe.

Yesterday I was watching the Travel and Living television channel when a travel show about Vietnam came on. I was excited to see it since I am here and curious to see which parts of Ho Chi Minh City they would highlight. After less than a couple of minutes, the entire show cut out for its duration. I assumed it was censored, and when I questioned Rachel about it later, she agreed. They censor all travel shows about Vietnam. I would think they would want to promote tourism in their country. It's weird to be somewhere where there is so much censorship. There are censored newspapers, television shows, and it's against the law to speak out against the government. Imagine if no one could oppose or disagree with George Bush! Or other politicians... There are also propaganda posters all over the country. They are stuck to the sides of buildings, on large billboard signs, etc.; they are even in the countryside. Most of them are anti-American, pro-independence, and celebrating a liberated, communist government. I can't really read most of them, but Rachel and Jason can usually get the gist. Most are accompanied by large, colorful pictures of planes being shot down, Uncle Ho hugging children, or other images. Some are funny. They have to do with elderly people doing exercise and traffic. There are a few propaganda stores that sell the posters with the English translations at the bottom of them. I visited a couple out of curiosity but didn't purchase anything.

I have about 6 hours before I need to start heading to the airport. Unfortunately Rachel can't meet us for lunch because she is in charge of hosting someone special today and can't get away. She said goodbye to me early this morning before she left for work. I was still not really awake...

Last night for my last night in Ho Chi Minh City, Rachel and I went to the V Spa near their apartment for one last massage. We got a 75 minute aromatherapy massage, which was nice and relaxing. When we returned home, Jason heated up a spinach and mozzarella pizza the cook had made; Rachel got some wine; and we all played more of American Idol karaoke. Jason and Rachel asked if I wanted to go out, but I was really tired, and everyone was getting up early today.

I'm certainly not looking forward to the long flights ahead, but it will be nice to be back in the states. I am also looking forward to visiting my sister in Los Angeles for a couple of nights on the way back.