A Perfect Storm

A typhoon is currently hitting the central coast of Vietnam.  What that means for HCMC is that today, Sunday, we woke up to a very grey, cool, morning.  Early this morning, as we shopped at our local outdoor market, we actually commented on the need to wear long sleeves today due to the chill in the air.  Since we are currently in the middle of our very thought-out and planned "Stay-Cation," we did not let the haze and light drizzle keep us down.

We had plans to head to a old horse racing track that has long been shut down.  Now instead of the horses running their hearts out, the track is open for humans to do that instead. As the drizzle progressed into a legit rain, we gave ourselves a pep-talk about running outside, reminding ourselves that we are from the great state of Washington where running outside is synonymous with rain (not to mention that it still was like 70 outside).  By the end of our run, we were drenched.  We must have looked like fools to the locals because they laughed and gave us (mocking) thumbs-up each time we circled by the restaurant they sat in.  In fact, one old cleaning woman was so concerned, she jumped in front of us and yelled, "where you going?!?"

After long, hot showers, we decided to press on with our plans for our Sunday Holiday.  In ponchos, jeans, and long sleeves, we made it downtown without a total soaking to enjoy a hot breakfast in a new cafe and to head back to the spa for another day of treatments (this time haircuts and facials -- don't judge).  By the time we stepped out of the spa, an official downpour had started.  So, like any good PN Westerner would do, we headed to a beer hall for a "black beer" and lunch.  We sat and watched the storm pick up with winds blowing and the locals scampering for cover.  At this point, we realized we should probably head home. 

Our ride home was one of the most eventful and enjoyable rides we have ever had in the city.  The rain and wind were blowing so hard that our bike was pushed sideways as much as we went straight.  We got sprayed with water from other mopeds which made us shriek and laugh.  Our rain gear was useless and we were soaked through.  However, we made it home safe where once again hot showers waited along with tea, books, and a view from the 17th floor to watch the edges of the typhoon reek havoc on the city.

No horses left on this track.  Only two goofy white folks running in the rain and mud.

Typically Adam is this soaked through from sweat.  This time around, it was the rain.

We wanted to make placards with our names for numbers 1 and 2.

We tried out a new, French cafe that Adam had heard about.  Awesome food.  Awesome ambiance and amazing coffee!

Adam showing off the Breki Burger -- sauteed spinach, mushrooms, bacon, and a poached egg on a bun with a side of hollandaise.  Amazing food still at Vietnamese prices.

Heidi claiming, "Damn!  That is good coffee." 

A lunch of champions -- fried potato cakes and schnitzel.  We don't know how long this storm will last so we are doing our best to store up our fat reserves.