After arriving from Phu Quoc, I was back in Saigon (3rd time this trip, so far) and in Phum Gnu Lao. This place is rather aggravating and full of western tourists and is leaving a bad impression on me.
On my way around town I picked up a new backpack (check), and did some laundry (check), and bought some travel books (Cambodia: check; Loas; check). I still needed a camera, and I asked a Vietnamese woman if I could borrow her membership card to a place similar to BJs or Costco, and she surprisingly handed it over! This was an excuse to travel into District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City, rather far away from district one, actually. Regardless, I was stoked because this is around a climbing gym, and when I mention a climbing gym, I mean the only climbing gym in Vietnam!
Well Metro had zero cameras within my budget. X-Spot Climbing was super decent and I had a blast climbing with the owner, Tim. The day was hot and sunny but the walls (being outdoors) provided some nice shade. The climbing area is comprised of aqn extinct man-made waterfall. It had about 12 routes, all top-roped, and were all pretty fun. The last route, the most difficult was a great challenge. The lunch I had was great and Tim and I discussed some exciting adventure opportunities in Hanoi. With business cards in hand .i had a bunch of grat almost-itineraries set for my trip to Hanoi, once I make it through Cambodia and Laos. Yes, I start this trip in less than 24 hours so wish me luck!
After climbing for several hours I was back in District 1 where I finally purchased a digital camera (Canon SD1000) after I met a kind Vietnamese-American man who helped me haggle with the store owners (check).
I'm ready for my trip and excited for it. Going solo will be excellent and I'll let you know how it really goes..
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