Since we arrived in Saigon we have been looking to find ourselves a real local hangout.  Some of my best times out in other countries have been when we met enough people to find a great local haunt.  Luckily, I think we have just found one of those places.

Today we set out to find some housing, and after a hilarious but successful attempt (certainly another post) our guide told us in no uncertain terms that it was time for beer.  He hailed a car, gave the driver a set of indecipherable instructions, jumped on his bike and told us to meet him there.  We drove through new areas of town, upscale areas of town, and then to less and less nice areas of town, until dark buildings crowed around the street and we ran out of pavement.  After a jaunt past rubble filled lots, the river and a good stretch of unpaved road we reached a bridge under construction and a narrow alley.  It was here our driver informed us that we would be getting out.

Camera in tow we wandered down the alley and found our guide down at the end in front a truly unique bar/restaurant.  It was three(ish) sprawling open air stories stacked around a plaza and kitchen.  The place was filled with locals, every table, every seat.  We quickly realized that between us and the camera we had become the center of attention, we got smiles and waves from half the tables as we were lead to the second floor.  After that it was one great experience after another, the menu was the first list I’ve ever seen in this country without prices prepared especially for us, amazing shrimp, and a truly fascinated server staff that came from the countryside surrounding Saigon.

We stood out as much as I have anywhere, but every smile of ours was met with a tableful in return and I’ve never been to a place with such a warm and friendly set of people.  We’re counting down the hours until we can return.

Also, I think we’re going to go eat cobras on Saturday.