Nothing Lasts Forever In The Cold November Rain

Our last day in Saigon was quite lovely. We had a leisurely morning of checking out the Hindu temple and strolling through some markets and then threw on our bathing suits. Doug had found an Olympic size pool that we could go to and swim laps. We swam for almost an hour and a half and it felt great to get a good workout in. It costs less than a dollar to go to the pool, so I would highly recommend it if you're in Saigon.

On our way back we stopped for our favorite treat - coffee da (iced coffee). The iced coffee in Saigon is AMAZING! I should first explaining that it is really really hot in Saigon - D.C. in August sweat the second you walk out the door hot - so when you've been aside for a while you are in desperate need of something cooling. There are little shops along the street that only serve coffee or tea based drinks - and the iced coffee comes with an awesome bonus - unlimited iced tea. Pretty much all beverages in Vietnam come with a lot of sugar. The coffee is uber strong and very sweet - which makes it very refreshing after walking around. However, the free iced tea you get is unsweetened so it makes the perfect counterpart to the iced coffee. Plus you can sit there for as long as you want and all the little street vendors with their carts of food roll by and the noshes just come to you. It's a delightful way to spend an hour or two relaxing and watching Saigon roll by.

That evening we met up with Tony, who was someone Doug had met on his previous trip to Saigon. Tony took us down the street to the Seventeenth Street Salon. We got some drafts and Tony ordered us the most amazing food plate ever - white mango, watermelon, crab apples, other apple/pair type fruit, were just a few of the delights on the plate. There was also a cover band that was the best we had in Asia so far.

And then during the second set the guy who'd been mostly doing some backup and playing cowbell (yes, cowbell!) in the back steps forward. Axl was in the house and was belting out the oh so appropriate Welcome to the Jungle. I loved every minute of it and happily sang along. After he finished I yelled for more Axl, but that was all we got of him for the set. During the break I told Doug how I'd love to hear November Rain. He laughed as we agreed that no one every played that.

Well, third set belonged to me. Axl made an outfit change and looked more bad ass then ever. The first few cords of the opening song broke out - could it be? And it was! November Rain! We couldn't believe it. Arms raised to the sky, I belted my heart out. They played some other favorites (although not GNR) and he would find audience members who would sing along with the chorus. It was hilarious and a total blast.

But the delights were not over - as Paradise City came on and Axl came running up to the balcony to find me! I rocked my heart out (and didn't break any glass!). But nothing lasts forever in the cold November rain and Doug and I were off to Cambodia the next day and some drier climates.