A tale of two cities

After an amazing tropical thunderstorm, complete with fork lightening, around 2am we were up  early with destination French Quarter in our sights. We  now  boldly cross multiple lanes of motorbike scooters, dodging  rickshaws and no longer can we be taken for Vietnam traffic newbies. We know  the footpaths are not for walking but for motorbike parking 😁

The street scenes as we moved from the Old Quarter  to the French Quarter didn't disappoint.

The contrast was dramatic. The Opera House  case in point. It was closed today unfortunately so we just wandered about. All around this area you'll find classic French colonial buildings, beautiful architecture, designer stores, wannabe Insta influencers and security guards talking into their shirt cuffs.

We visited the St Joseph's Cathedral which was built while Vietnam was under  French rule. 

Not far from the Catholic cathedral was a beautiful wee temple, again a stark contrast in culture and beliefs. 

There is something quite charming about the gritty Old Quarter, it feels well-lived in, real and a world away from the designer stores of Chanel, Valentino, Piaget, Gucci etc. 

The offerings to the spirits at the temples are so touching, simple but perfect.