Exiting the HCM airport involved going through customs, getting my checked bag, finding my ride and getting to the hotel.
Customs was incredibly easy. No wait, all the booths had an agent in them even at 9:30 PM. I went to an open window and handed over my passport with visa inside. The agent opened it up, made an exclamation when he found the visa as if he wasn't expecting it, stamped the visa, handed everything back to me and waved me through. At that point I said "cảm ơn" the agent looked surprised, grined a bit and waved at me.
It took a while for my checked bag to come down the carousel. But it came through just fine. Collected the bag and exited the bagging area. Exiting was a new experience. In addition to comparing the bag claim check to the tag on the bag both the bag and carryon went through Xray to get out of the airport.
From there it was time to find my cô giáo for a ride to the hotel. I snapped a picture of her when we met.
Airport to hotel was a short taxi ride. Even at 10:00 or 10:30 at night the amount of two wheeled traffic was incredible. I'll be attempting to document it so I can post a picture or video that conveys the complexity and volume. For now I'll say I've never seen anything like it before, ever.
After checkin another short taxt ride to get a meal. Again cô giáo gets me there and we share some phở.
While eating one of the innumberable motorcycles pulls over with a huge bundle on the back. In the dark I can't see clearly and ask if the bundle is coconuts. Nope, turns out its durian! It's one of the fruits I've been looking forward to try fresh here in Vietnam. I bought one and the vendor opened it for me. Incredible the work needed to open this thing up. I'm amazed anyone ever found out there's anything edible inside given the work it takes to open it.
My first thought about the flavor is nothing special. The texture is quite unexpected though. Unlike any fruit I've ever had. Rather than some sort of fiber like in oranges, apples, etc. or soft but cohevsive flesh like a banana or some mellons the flesh is almost like pudding. After dinner it's back to the hotel with plenty of left over durian to put in the fridge.
Next morning I find that there's some of that pungent smell durian is famous for coming from the fridge. And I taste some for breakfast. Wow, much better than when it was first opened. There is now a sweetness to the flavor and a sweet aftertaste. Can't describe the flavor though except to say it is not citris and it is good.
Customs was incredibly easy. No wait, all the booths had an agent in them even at 9:30 PM. I went to an open window and handed over my passport with visa inside. The agent opened it up, made an exclamation when he found the visa as if he wasn't expecting it, stamped the visa, handed everything back to me and waved me through. At that point I said "cảm ơn" the agent looked surprised, grined a bit and waved at me.
It took a while for my checked bag to come down the carousel. But it came through just fine. Collected the bag and exited the bagging area. Exiting was a new experience. In addition to comparing the bag claim check to the tag on the bag both the bag and carryon went through Xray to get out of the airport.
From there it was time to find my cô giáo for a ride to the hotel. I snapped a picture of her when we met.
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| traditional clothes called áo dài |
After checkin another short taxt ride to get a meal. Again cô giáo gets me there and we share some phở.
While eating one of the innumberable motorcycles pulls over with a huge bundle on the back. In the dark I can't see clearly and ask if the bundle is coconuts. Nope, turns out its durian! It's one of the fruits I've been looking forward to try fresh here in Vietnam. I bought one and the vendor opened it for me. Incredible the work needed to open this thing up. I'm amazed anyone ever found out there's anything edible inside given the work it takes to open it.
My first thought about the flavor is nothing special. The texture is quite unexpected though. Unlike any fruit I've ever had. Rather than some sort of fiber like in oranges, apples, etc. or soft but cohevsive flesh like a banana or some mellons the flesh is almost like pudding. After dinner it's back to the hotel with plenty of left over durian to put in the fridge.
Next morning I find that there's some of that pungent smell durian is famous for coming from the fridge. And I taste some for breakfast. Wow, much better than when it was first opened. There is now a sweetness to the flavor and a sweet aftertaste. Can't describe the flavor though except to say it is not citris and it is good.
Sadly you tried Thai durian, not Vietnamese durian. The flavour and taste could not compare with Vietnamese one. Anyhow, today you have chance to try Vietnamese durian..What is the difference you can find?
ReplyDeleteWell I didn't know when I bought it. Wouldn't have known there was a difference until you told me anyway.
ReplyDeleteNow I've had Vietnamese durian too. You're right the Vietnamese durian is much better!!
Hahaha. I'm surprised that you never had a chance to have a durian shake while in the States. Vietnamese restaurants here have all kinds of fruity and beany shakes.
ReplyDeleteBinh
Actually I have tried durian before. In the US it has come from a can or been frozen. From those sources it might as well be a different kind of food. It is not at all the same as the fresh fruit!
ReplyDelete