Brodard Delicatessen

Eclairs, blueberry cheesecake, wedding cake, apple triangles, meat pastries, pistachio/coconut icecream! I could go on and on about Brodard Delicatessen. I found this great sweet shop late at night after a night at Apocalypse Now. Unfortunately, it was closed but the next time I went downtown I remembered about this place. Needless to say that it is now a favorite stop while downtown.

Address:
11 Nguyen Thiep Street, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: (84.8) 822 3965 - Fax: (84.8) 844 6933
Email: brodard-rest@hotelbongsen.com

Discovered Photos: Hoi An Temples

Though I don't have many picture of temples in Ho Chi Minh City, these pictures help give an idea of the beautiful intricacies that go into these buildings. These temples were found in Hoi An, Vietnam in the ancient city.

Honoring Ancestors

During Tet all families trek to family temples and honor their ancestors. This picture was taken atop the Jade Emperor Temple. The place was crowded and dirty. Incense papers littered the floor and the smoke from the incense was heady. Large fans swirled the perfume of sandalwood out of the bustling rooms. Upstairs there was less activity as the roof provided a quiet escape. Looking over the balcony you can see the large pool where 100's of turtles live as well as the court yard. Also visible is the beautiful roofs decorated with painted dragons and blooming flowers. The picture shows one of the ornaments that ordane the Jade Emperor's temple roof.

Tet Snacks

I have yet to try this *delicious* looking treat, and one of these days Ill work up the gumption to. The dried squid delectable in the picture seems to be savoured with a hot sauce and can be heated up on a griddle before eating.

District 1 Tet Garden

Another picture that shows the true colors of Vietnam. Though blurry it is not hard to tell that mass of people are streaming down the street. They are all present for the garden that was set up for all to admire.

Vietnam Tet Celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City

These are some pictures from theTet celebrations occuring around Ho Chi Minh City.



A truck full of dragonfruit being brought into one of the Tet Markets



A glimpse of the bountiful flower shows where orchids such as these can be bought or admired

The Year of the Dog: Celebrating Tet

CHUC MUNG NAM MOI!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Tet has finally sprung upon us and it brings with it lots of unexpected suprises!

For the past couple of days it has been hard to buy food because almost all of the grocery stores are gone. When Tet arrives people throw work to the wind and everyone seems to congregate downtown for the festivies. The streets are filled at night with the sound of concerts, parades, and loud speakers pumping out music. The middle section of the downtown road is completely closed off, and there are large displays of orchids, waterfalls, and flowers.

This picture was taken during a trip to Mui Ne with my mom. The yellow apricot flowers represent the south of Vietnam while the pink blossoms are peach blossoms represent the north. These trees are especially abundant during Tet, as are mandarin trees because the mandarin is orange and round, representing wealth and good fortune.