Good Evening, Saigon

During WWII, the Majestic Hotel was the headquarters of the Japanese Imperial Army. During the Vietnam War (here called the American War), the Majestic was a center for foreign correspondents and espionage agents. Tonight, we found it a magnificent place for drinks and a traditional music and dance show. As the lights twinkled below us and the heat rose, we sat in refreshing breezes, watched young women interpret the Dance of Spring and heard ancient native instruments keep the rhythm. Shown below are a bamboo xylophone (can't get this video to upload - sorry) and another percussion device that consists of stones that puff up a lot of dust when they are struck with hammers. Yes, those items that look like green baguettes are actually flat stones bathed in green light.

Next to the Mandarine restaurant where we heard a string trio dressed in black tie play a classical repertoire! The Vietnamese menu (see below) was modified for Westerners, so the sauces were more bean-based than fish-based, and it was both beautiful and delicious. The Vietnamese are real foodies and they love to share meals.