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resetting37 · 6 months

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Funerals in Evelow

hi !! I have not done a world building wednesday segment in a long time ! but I am back, and I wanted to talk about how (most) funerals go about in Evelow, the primary setting of my story.

I'm going off of this prompt, and just answering the funeral and death related questions. Death is (unfortunately) not that big of a plot point in my story, but it does come up, especially at the beginning ('wait, there's a timeline to this nonsense ???')

How is a funeral held? funerals are held actually around a month after the death. However, if it was a terminally ill person or someone whose death was predicted to be coming, then it may be a lot sooner. This is because funerals are planned very slowly and time is taken to decide on tomb arrangements, location, scripts, etc.

(If you're wondering if the attendees are looking at a super decomposed body or if the embalming methods are hella advanced, um, both ? The decision to embalm does have to happen early on, but some people believe that the decomposition makes mourning more effective. Others want to look at their loved one as they remember them. Also, Evelow is the city that has advanced genetic therapy, so some cell manipulation is complimented with the chemicals to preserve the body longer. Freezing is also done, but don't forget to thaw them out in time ! sheesh.)

So after all the planning, people must register to attend or else they cannot enter. (If the dead person was apart of the planning before their death, then they can make their own invitation list.) This is because there are strict arrangements and many people have duties within the ceremony.

The funeral begins at the burial site. (Unless there were wishes to be buried in secret !! In that case, it can be anywhere. We'll talk more about burial sites in the next question) Everyone in attendance is expected to have a turn at saying something publicly to the dead person. You can technically opt out, but you'd have to be a sobbing mess in order to avoid the stigma that comes out of attending a wedding and not having anything to say about the dying person.

There is a scribe present who records everything. Everything written down will be put into a book(let; depends how much was said) and that book will be attached to the burial site. This is so anyone who visits in the future can read the book that talks about them. Evelow greatly values historical texts and recording everything, so remembering passed people in this manner is appropriate.

So yes, funeral ceremonies can last a very long time. This is why they take a long time to plan. If anticipated, intermissions can occur. There have been occurrences of them lasting days. Fatigue is expected. But many times, people want the funerals to last, so they'll accept the fatigue.

What happens to the body after someone has died? So yeah, bodies are buried ! Usually. Really depends on the person. Preferably in a casket because of the stigma Evelow has against the natural world. In fact, it's more labor-induced to bury them without a casket. To get approval on open burial (i.e. just burying them as is. no coffin or cardboard box or anything) the ground has to be tested for toxicity and purified. In general, the ground is fine.

If you have made recognized achievement within Evelow, then you can be nominated to be buried in the inland garden. The garden is what surrounds the temple and even has statues and other highly decorated tombs. The council has to approve this. And given that most of the figures here are either past councilmen, emperors, etc. It's kind of an unfair little secret club.

So where are people usually buried ? Usually at the home of a loved one or a place significant to them. So yea, there's just little books scattered across Evelow being like "hey this person was buried here, want to read what others said about them ?" (if it's a public place, it has to be approved, blah blah) If there's no designated location, there's a mass graveyard on one of the far reaches of Evelow. It's very large and there are lots of people buried there, but many people try to avoid this fate. There's another stigma behind being "buried in the graveyard."

I don't think they call it a graveyard, just the burial ground (that's 'the' not 'a'.) Though some people like to be metal and call it the "land of the mournless" which brings me to the next question

How do people mourn? There's A LOT of mourning involved in Evelonian deaths. No celebrations (unless you despised the person lol) not even to be happy that they lived a good life, etc. (Which is kind of why cloning is a thing in this city. It's very much not a common thing, but man, some people don't want to die, is there harm in preserving yourself in some manner ?) So yeah, it ties with the desire to record everything as mentioned above. There's a lot of value in preservation in Evelow, so to lose a person ??

Which is why it's considered very important to spill your heart out when it's your turn to speak at the ceremony. You have to say it all, so it'll be recorded and kept by the body forever ! So much so that loud crying is encouraged. (Which I'll give credit to Evelow for that, good for them. However, this also means that if you're not publicly mourning someone, people might take that as you not caring about them. Which is fine if you're not close to them, but you know. People have to be mindful of that.)

What is consider an appropriate amount of time for mourning? However much time you need ! There's no obligation to be like "okay this person died a year ago, time to move on" you can mourn as long as you like. Of course, this can be harmful when it comes to the mourning person's health, but people are welcome to continue mourning while going on their daily lives so that the mourn does not consume them.

What color is used for mourning and funerals? Okay, so as of now, many colors have the same symbolism in Evelow as they are how I'm familiar with ? I should change that (at least to a degree, since I am also an artist and I like to consider color theory) but I do want to keep black as the symbol for death and decay and mourning. And since death is feared in Evelow, then everyone wears black to a funeral.

People are supposed to wear their heaviest garb, wear custom made attire, and go all out for the ceremony. The more extravagant you are, the better (which means that I should redesign the camryns outfits as shown above, it was their mother that died ! We shouldn't able to see these guys under all the veils and cloaks !! Um. remind me to draw that sometime.)

"You mean people are supposed to wear layers of black drapery and attend a multi-hour-sometimes-days-long ceremony ??" Yes, it's supposed to be exhausting.

•

Okay so that's about the end of my ramble ! I should talk a little on how funerals and death is seen in other places like Recom and especially Dile. Dile was where Audrey grew up and when her parents died, she was kind of alone in her mourning. So when she goes to Evelow and sees people acting like it's the end of the world to see their loved ones die, Audrey's like "finally, someone who gets me."

also disclaimer I'm not implying that I think this is the right way to go ! this is just how Evelow does it. And not even everyone in Evelow. It's considered controversial to show any happiness behind a death, but some people are pushing back and insisting on celebration of life, and that death is such a regular part of the life cycle that it should be properly incorporated into people's lives, and not seen as this tragedy for all cases of it.

#world building #okay I'm gonna go ahead and post this now since it's past midnight and you guessed it. wednesday !#I should make world building wednesday part two: color symbolism #but I can wait for the morning. (or next week)

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tamboradventure · 4 years

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25 Things to See and Do in Barcelona

Posted: 04/23/20 | April 23rd, 2020

In recent years, Barcelona has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. While 5 million people call the city home, over 32 million travelers visit each and every year. (It is actually one of the worst cities in the world for overtourism! Visit in the off-season!)

Despite the crowds, I love visiting Barcelona. Every visit makes me fall in love with it over and over again.

It’s a city steeped in history, dating back to Roman times (be sure to visit the ruins underneath the city), you’ll find medieval structures all over the place, and Gaudi’s architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries dots every district.

The food is incredible. Do an improvised tapas crawl through La Barceloneta and just eat, eat, and eat.

Or take part in the famed nightlife that doesn’t even begin until 2 am.

With delicious food, incredible history and architecture, perfect weather, and a lively nightlife, Barcelona is a city that can entertain anyone.

It is one of the best cities in all of Spain. To help you make the most of your next visit, here are my favorite 25 things to see and do in Barcelona. They will give you a feel for the city, allow you to eat all the best food, and get you away from the overbearing crowds!

1. Take a Free Walking Tour

I love free walking tours. I think they are the best way to get to know a new city and I always try to take one anytime I go somewhere new. You’ll get to see the main sites, meet other travelers, and chat with an expert local guide. My recommended walking tour companies in Barcelona are:

New Europe

Free Walking Tours Barcelona

Free Tours By Foot

2. Get Lost in the Barri Gotic

Barcelona’s old Gothic Quarter (Barri Gotic) is my favorite part of town. The neighborhood is filled with narrow, winding streets and historic buildings that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

While it is a little touristy, to me, it’s the most beautiful area in the city. Spend a few hours getting lost in this district. You won’t regret it!

3. Visit the Museum of the History of Barcelona

I’ve visited a lot of city museums over the years, but Barcelona has one of the best there is. Opened in 1943, the museum is home to over 4,000 square meters of Roman ruins (located below the museum) that you can walk through. There is also a free (and quite detailed) audio guide as well as meticulous explanations of the exhibits. Even if you’re not a history buff like me, you’ll get a lot out of this museum. It will give you a much better sense of the city and it’s past (and the ruins really are amazing!).

Plaça del Rei, +34 932 56 21 00, ajuntament.barcelona.cat/museuhistoria/ca. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-7pm (8pm on Sundays). Admission is 7 EUR per person.

4. See the Grand Royal Palace

Built in the 14th century, the Palau Reial Major was the home of Barcelona’s counts. Located near the history museum, it later housed the Kings of Aragon (the rulers who presided over the region) from 1035 until the 15th century (though most of the palace remains date to the 14th century). The palace includes a detailed history of the city and region and is said that it’s where Christopher Columbus returned after his “discovery” voyage to North America.

The Palace shares hours and admission costs with The Museum of the History of Barcelona.

5. Admire Barcelona Cathedral

This Gothic cathedral was built in the 13th century. Officially known as The Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, it was consecrated in 1339 and has two massive spires that stand over 53 meters (174ft) tall, colorful stained glass, and incredible wood carvings inside the ornate and spacious main chamber.

If you do want to go inside (and you should), be sure to pay to visit the upper terraces as you’ll get an incredible view of the city.

Placita de la Seu 3, +34 933 428 262, catedralbcn.org. Tourist hours are daily from 12:30pm-5:45pm on weekdays (until 7:15pm on the weekends). For those looking to worship, the cathedral is open daily from 8:30am. Admission is 7 EUR for tourists and free for worshipers.

6. Wander Park Güell

Park Güell is a beautiful and sprawling 45-acre garden complex designed by world-famous architect Antoni Gaudí. Dating back to the early 1900s, it’s one of the many Gaudi works in the city open to the public. Today, it’s a World Heritage Site and municipal garden that’s free to enter (you can access most of the park for free, though the interior sections do charge admission).

The focal point of the park is the main terrace, which is surrounded by a long bench in the form of a sea serpent. The park is right near the famous La Sagrada Familia so it’s easy to visit both back-to-back. It’s a beautiful and colorful park but it also gets busy so try to go early or on a weekday when the crowds are thinner.

Carrer d’Olot, parkguell.barcelona/en. Open daily from 8:30am-6pm. Admission for the interior section is 10 EUR per person. Guided tours are available for 31 EUR and children six years old and younger are free. If you buy tickets, make sure you book them in advance as they sell out quickly.

7. See La Sagrada Família

La Sagrada Família is arguably the most famous of Gaudí’s work — even though it’s still not finished (construction began in 1882 and is scheduled to be completed in 2030). Gaudí was a devout Catholic and the church was his final project, one he spent the last 10 years of his life working on.

Like all of Gaudi’s work, the church (which was consecrated as a minor basilica in 2010) blends various themes and influences and is a mix of both Gothic and Art Nouveau styles.

While you can take in the church from the outside, I’d encourage you to explore the interior with an audio guide. It covers the entire history of the church and will give you an insightful overview of this unique (and massive) project.

If you can, try to visit between mid-morning and late afternoon so you can see the sunlight cascade throughout all the stained glass.

Plaça de la Sagrada Familia, +34 932 080 414, sagradafamilia.org. Admission is 20 EUR for a basic ticket and 26 EUR for a ticket with an audio guide. For an audio guide and access to the towers, tickets are 33 EUR. Book your tickets in advance as they disappear quickly.

8. Explore La Boquería

The Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria (La Boquería for short) is a public market near La Rambla. The market has been at this location for hundreds of years and is home to a delectable array of food stalls and restaurants.

Since it’s right off La Rambla it gets incredibly busy so try to get there early. There’s a wide variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, octopus, and oysters, as well as nuts, candy, wine, and tapas. It’s a cheap place to grab a snack as you explore the city.

9. Visit Casa Batlló and Casa Milà

Casa Batlló is one of Gaudi’s more eye-catching creations. Located in the Eixample district of Barcelona, he spent two years on this colorful project. Like much of his work, the design is heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau style. The facade was decorated with a mosaic made of broken ceramic tiles that he collected from the trash of a nearby glass shop, which makes the building almost glow in the sunlight. The roof is arched and tiled and has been likened to the back of a dragon. It’s one of my favorite Gaudí buildings.

Just a couple hundred meters away from Casa Batlló is Casa Milà. Known as La Pedrera (“the Stone Quarry”), this building has a facade of limestone (hence the nickname). Built from 1906-1910, Gaudi’s goal was to evoke the sense of a snowy mountain. He also planned for Casa Milà to be a spiritual symbol (he was a devout Catholic after all) and included lots of religious elements in the design, such as an excerpt from the rosary prayer along the cornice. He also included statues of Mary, St. Michael, and St. Gabriel.

Casa Batlló: Passeig de Gràcia 43, +34 93 216 0306, casabatllo.es. Open daily from 9am-9pm. Admission is 25 EUR online and 29 EUR at the door.

Casa Milà: Passeig de Gràcia 92, +34 93 214 2576, lapedrera.com. Open daily from 9am-8:30pm. Admission is 24 EUR in advance and 27 EUR at the door (tickets include a free audio guide).

For more Gaudi works, check out this post on exploring Gaudi’s Barcelona and get a walking tour route for all his buildings.

10. Visit the Picasso Museum

This is the most comprehensive collection of Pablo Picasso’s works in the world. Opened in 1963, the museum is home to over 4,000 works by Picasso. While I’m personally not a huge fan of Picasso’s later work, it’s still interesting to learn about his life and work as he was one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. While his style is unique and not for everyone, the museum is nevertheless worth a visit. It’s amazing to see how his art changed and evolved over the course of his life.

Carrer Montcada 15-23, bcn.cat/museupicasso/en. Open Tuesday-Sunday from 9am-7pm. Admission is 12 EUR per person, with free entry on Thursdays from 6pm-9:30pm and on the first Sunday of the month.

11. Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA)

This museum has over 5,000 works, including an extensive collection of pieces by Spanish artists such as Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso. There are also works by Americans Andy Warhol and Alexander Calder. Personally, I’m not a huge fan of modern art but if you are, be sure to add this to your itinerary!

Plaça dels Àngels 1, +34 934 12 08 10, Open Wednesday-Friday from 10am-7:30pm, Saturdays from 10am-8pm, and Sundays from 10am-3pm (closed Monday). Admission is 11 EUR (free entry on Saturdays from 4-8pm.

12. Take a Day Trip to Monserrat

To escape the city for a day, head to Monserrat. It’s an hour away by train and the city is next to a mountain range. It makes for a fun escape from Barcelona’s busy urban atmosphere. There are lots of hiking trails here, but if you don’t want to hike you can also take a cable car up to the peak to take in the view.

Be sure to visit the Santa Maria de Montserrat monastery to see the famous shrine of the Black Madonna. The monastery is built into the mountain and the Black Madonna statue is said to have been carved in Jerusalem during the early years of Christianity, though it most likely dates to the 12th century.

If you’re an art fan, visit the Art Museum Of Montserrat. It has works by Monet, Dali, Picasso, and many other famous artists. And be sure to visit the local market (it’s on the way to the monastery). It’s the perfect place to buy local products like fresh produce, cheese, honey, and artisan crafts. And if you’re an adrenaline junkie, there is tons of rock climbing to be done here as well (either solo or with a hired guide).

Train tickets for the hour-long journey cost around 20 EUR (round trip).

13. Take a Stroll on La Rambla

This is the most popular (and most crowded) street in the city. It’s lined with trees and beautiful buildings and you’ll usually be able to find lots of locals busking here too. The street grew to prominence during the Middle Ages, and while it’s still the main tourist hub in the city I’d avoid shopping or eating here (everything will be overpriced). That said, it’s nevertheless worth a stroll. The street is just over 1km long so it won’t take long to take in the sights.

14. Hit the Beach

If you’re looking to relax and enjoy Barcelona’s beautiful weather, head to the beach. The city has a popular beach that’s open year-round called Barceloneta. It’s long, wide, and the water is great for swimming. There are also a lot of good restaurants on the boardwalk. The beach is always busy with both tourists and locals so walk further from the center to reach some quieter and cleaner sections. Two areas I’d recommend are Sant Sebastià (in the south) and Somorrostro (in the north).

15. Watch Some Flamenco

Flamenco is a traditional style of music and dance that originated in Spain. It’s a lively, expressive style known for its intricate footwork and hand movements. If you’re looking to take in a show, Barcelona has a few affordable venues where you can watch a performance:

Los Tarantos – This is the oldest flamenco venue in the city. Performances are just 30 minutes so it’s a good place for an introduction.

Palau Dalmases – One of the best things about the flamenco shows here is the venue. This palace has amazing décor and incredible architecture.

Tablao Flamenco Cordobes – This show is in a convenient location on Barcelona’s main walkway, but it’s expensive.

Tablao de Carmen – This show takes places in a replica of a Spanish village.

16. Ride the Port Cable Car

The 1,450-meter-long harbor aerial tramway with red cars connects Barceloneta and Montjuïc (a prominent hill). The 10-minute ride offers picturesque views of the entire city. You’ll see the port and sea on one side and the city on the other. Also, at the top of the 78-meter Sant Sebastià (San Sebastián) tower in Barceloneta, there’s a restaurant accessible by an elevator. If you want to hike instead, there are a few different trails to the summit, most taking around 3 hours.

Open daily from 10am-6pm (9pm in the summer). Round-trip tickets cost 13.50 EUR per person.

17. Explore Montjuïc Hill

If you take the cable car, bus, or hike to the top of the hill you’ll find there’s a lot to keep you busy beyond the view. First, you can explore the Castell de Montjuïc. It’s a large 18th-century fortress with roots that date back to the 17th century. It has some picturesque gardens and offers amazing views overlooking the city. It’s home to a museum with lots of military displays. Admission is 5 EUR though it’s free on Sundays after 3pm as well as the first Sunday of the month.

You’ll also find the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya here, a Catalonian art museum. It features mostly Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque works. The fountain out front has a spectacular free show as well.

Additionally, don’t miss the Olympic Ring (the main area of the 1992 Olympic Games) and the Poble Espanyol, a replica village built in 1929 to resemble an actual traditional Spanish village. It has over 100 buildings, including an Andalusian quarter, a section of the Camino, a monastery, and more!

Admission is 12 EUR per person, with free entry on Saturdays after 3pm and on the first Sunday of the month..

18. Take a Food Tour or Cooking Class

Like the rest of Spain, Barcelona is a very foodie-centric city. While you’re here, I highly recommend taking either a cooking class or a food tour (or both!). You’ll learn about traditional Catalan cooking, get to see and sample fresh ingredients, and get to walk through local markets. Some companies to check out are:

Take Walks

bcnKITCHEN

Barcelona Cooking

Devour

19. Visit an Old-School Amusement Park

Built in 1899 and opened in 1901, Tibidabo Barcelona is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Located on a mountain in the Serra de Collserola, it offers an incredible view of Barcelona and the coastline in addition to its rides, games, and restaurants. It’s a fun activity to do with kids.

Plaça del Tibidabo, +34 932 11 79 42, tibidabo.cat. Hours vary depending on the season. Check the website for details. Admission si 28.50 EUR.

20. Take a Day Trip to Girona

Girona is a medieval city just 100km from Barcelona. It’s also one of my favorite destinations in the entire country. Here you can climb atop the city walls, wander the narrow lanes of the Jewish Quarter, and soak up the ambiance at one of its many cafés.

Don’t miss the Cathedral of Girona and the Monastery of Saint Daniel and be sure to stroll across the Eiffel bridge (a small bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel, the man who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris).

There’s a lot of history and delicious food in the city (be sure to stop at Rocambolesc for gelato). They also filmed Game of Thrones here too! The train ride is around 80 minutes (half that if you take the high-speed train). Tickets range from 10-40 EUR.

Check out this post for a longer list of things to see and do in Girona.

21. Watch a Soccer Match

The first “football” game I ever watched live was in Barcelona (I still have the shirt I bought that day). Barcelona’s two biggest teams are Espanyol and FC Barcelona and, if a match is going on, try to take in one — it’s an amazing and boisterous spectacle (FC Barcelona’s stadium holds around 100,000 people)! Like most Europeans, Spaniards are obsessed with the sport and tickets are usually quite affordable (they typically cost around 30 EUR). If you want to get a glimpse into local life (and make some friends in the process) be sure to catch a game!

22. Gaze at Barcelona’s Free Public Art

While Spain is an affordable destination, it never hurts to find free activities! There are a lot to be found around the city, including a huge fountain in the Parc de la Ciutadella. It was designed by Gaudi and built as a tribute to Neptune (the Roman god). Other off-beat (and free) Gaudí works include his lampposts in Plaça Reial and Pla de Palau, and the Miralles gate, and the wall on Passeig de Manuel Girona.

Barcelona native Joan Miró’s work is also found throughout the city. You can see his famous “Woman and Bird” sculpture at Parc de Joan Miró. There are also Miró mosaics on La Rambla and at the city’s airport.

23. Take a Bike Tour

Fat Tire Tours offers guided tours around the city — for as little as 30 EUR per person too! Tours last 4-4.5 hours and are a great way to take in the city if you don’t feel like a regular walking tour. They offer half a dozen different tours to choose from as well and their groups are small so it’s easy to meet people too!

24. Visit Parc del Laberint d’Horta

Park of the Labyrinth of Horta was created in 1791 and is composed of various Neoclassical and Romantic gardens as well as a huge hedge maze (which gives the park its name). The maze stretches over 750 meters while the rest of the park covers over 135 acres. The maze was created to re-enact the original Greek myth of the minotaur on Crete and is actually much trickier to complete than you think!

Passeig dels Castanyers 1. Open daily from 10am until dusk (between 6pm-8pm depending on the season). Admission is 2.25 EUR.

25. Get off the Beaten Path

While there are tons of popular (and crowded) sights in Barcelona, there are also lots of quirky and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do in the city. If you’re looking to explore some of the less-busy and weirder attractions of the city, here are a few worth adding to your itinerary:

The Erotic Museum – This small museum highlights how sex has been viewed throughout the ages, with works from Medieval Europe and Imperial Japan all the way to the present. There are paintings, drawings, artifacts, sculptures, and more. It’s one of the most unique museums in the city! Admission is 10 EUR.

Bunkers of Carmel – These bunkers were built in 1938 during the Spanish Civil War. The bunkers were left to the elements but they now offer incredible views over the city. Try to visit for the sunrise.

Chocolate Museum – Chocolate arrived in Spain 500 years ago, a product of trade and conquests in South America. This museum illuminates the history of chocolate and showcases all sorts of tools, sculptures (made out of chocolate), and artwork. Admission is 4.30 EUR.

Columns of the Temple of Augustus – Tucked away in the Gothic Quarter are a set of pillars over 2,000 years old. Taken from the remains of an ancient Roman temple, these 30-foot columns have stood here since the 16th century. Admission is free.

***

Barcelona is consistently ranked as one of Europe’s best (and most-visited) cities. It’s truly an electric city. It’s one of my favorites and this list of things to do will keep you busy for your entire trip. There’s really so much to do in Barcelona. you’ll never be bored!

Get Your In-Depth Budget Guide to Europe!

My detailed, 200+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money while backpacking around Europe. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off the beaten path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started!

Book Your Trip to Barcelona: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation To find the best budget accommodation, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive inventory. My favorite palces to stay in Barcelona are:

Kabul – This is one of my favorite hostels in Europe. It attracts travelers who are looking for a good time. This isn’t a quiet hostel so be prepared to party. The dorms are very clean, the beds are comfy, and the showers have high pressure.

Hello BCN – This hostel is clean, the beds are comfortable, there’s a super breakfast, and the staff are friendly and helpful. Make sure to ask them for tips about hidden places in town. This is not a party hostel, and you should be able to get some good shut-eye.

St. Christopher’s Inn – This hostel near La Rambla is all about location: it’s perfect. I really love the curtains on the dorm beds and the gigantic bar/outdoor area next to the hostel. The bar/restaurant has good food and cheap drinks too

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

World Nomads (for everyone below 70)

Insure My Trip (for those over 70)

Looking for the best companies to save money with? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel – and I think will help you too!

Need a Guide? Barcelona has some really great guided Gaudi tours. My favorite company to go with is Take Walks. Their “Complete Gaudí Tour” will give you the best in-depth and behind-the-scenes Gaudi tour out there.

Looking For More Information on Visiting Barcelona? Check out my in-depth destination guide to Barcelona with more tips on what to see, do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!

Photo Credit: 3 – JosepBC

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touristguidebuzz · 7 years

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Travel Guide: Things to Do and See in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Out of Town Blog Travel Guide: Things to Do and See in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Things to Do and See in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam

The country of Vietnam is a beautiful Asean Neighbour. The land area is reportedly almost the same as Germany’s, and almost half of the country is covered in forests, while a considerable percentage of it is composed of hilly areas.

Fruit Vendor in Saigon

Vietnam’s capital city Ho Chi Minh is the most populous city in the country, and it wonderfully blends the concrete and the natural surroundings. The entire city looks like a giant garden dotted with skyscrapers, ancient buildings, and bustling streets.

How to go to Ho Chi Minh City from Manila

I was one of the fortunate travel bloggers/influencers who was invited to the recent three-day, two-night media familiarization tour of Ho Chi Minh City. Our adventure was courtesy of AirAsia, which has been making flights to Vietnam and other ASEAN countries more accessible and affordable.

A direct flight from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Saigon takes just about three hours. AirAsia offers Ho Chi Minh City-bound flights three times weekly (Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays).

Flight Schedule for Manila, Philippines (MNL) – Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam (SGN)

Flight Number From To Departure Arrival Frequency Z2294 MNL SGN 10:25PM 1:05AM Tuesday, Friday, Sunday Z2295 SGN MNL 1:35AM 4:10AM Monday, Wednesday, Saturday

Top Sights and Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

We had an amazing time exploring Vietnam’s Saigon. Here are the top things that you should include in your own Ho Chi Minh City itinerary soon:

Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace, also called the Independence Palace, is a local landmark that symbolizes the country’s long history. The building was originally a palace constructed in the late 1850s to 1860s when the French invaded the country. Since then, the building has been renovated, reconstructed, and renamed, and has bravely stood through WWII and the Vietnamese War.

War Remnants Museum

Located somewhere in District 3 of the Capital City, this museum is run by the government. Just like what its name implies, the museum preserves the past with its exhibits showcasing remnants of the wars that the country fought. Some notable displays include attack bombers, “tiger cages”, a guillotine, and a collection of pictures by the photojournalist Bunyo Ishikawa.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Frequently shortened to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, this 19th century church had been originally constructed by French colonists. It is known most for its two bell towers and bright brown façade.

Saigon Central Post Office

Just a short walk away from the cathedral is the city’s post office. Like most of the buildings mentioned above, this one was constructed by the French. It was very nice to see how paper mails, and the building itself, continue to shine in this digital age.

Saigon Opera House

Built in 1898 by a French architect, this the magnificent Opera House, also called the Municipal Theater, boasts of a grandiose interior and exterior. Inside are at least two cascading balconies, and the outside is, I heard, magnificently lit at night.

Mekong River Boat Excursion

Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in Asia and in the entire world. You will miss a lot by not hopping on a cruise on it. There are many local tour operators that include cruises as part of the itinerary, and any one you choose would give you a beautiful view of the river silently flowing and its lush vegetation overlooking.

Vietnamese Noodles

Bahn Mi

Vietnamese Cuisine Feast

Vietnamese dishes are known to have natural and fundamental tastes to it. The local culture, as well as the geographic location of the country, both contribute to the cuisine, which are usually cooked using lemongrass, ginger, mint, and aquaculture produce like fish sauce and shrimp paste. The most famous dishes include the spicy lemongrass and noodle soup Bun bo Hue, and the refreshing bowl of veggies Cha Ca La Vong. Feel free to binge eat as Vietnamese dishes have the reputation of being the healthiest food in the entire world!

Cu Chi Tunnels

Crawling and Getting Lost in the Cu Chi Tunnels

Historically, the Cu Chi Tunnels served majority of the military operations of the country during the Vietnamese War. In fact, the series of tunnels were previously the military base of the Viet Cong, or the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam. Today, the tunnel network serves as a fun, and labyrinthine tourist destination.

Ben Thanh Market

Shopping at Ben Thanh Market

This massive marketplace in District 1 of the capital is where you will find the best and the cheapest (haggling is a local culture) handicrafts, artworks, souvenirs, and food! The fun thing about Ben Thanh is that more shops open when the sun starts setting. Expect noodles, barbecued seafood, and lots of fried food.

Binh Tay Market By Lerdsuwa – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, http://bit.ly/2zSQ3PQ

More Shopping at Binh Tay Market

Nearby Ben Thanh is Binh Tay Market. This two-storey market is best known for its stalls that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, and both cooked and uncooked food. The handicrafts and textiles here are sold in bulk, and the more quantity you plan to buy, the lower the price gets. Gather your group of friends and find the best prices here in wholesale.

Vietnamese Coffee Photo by Marko Mikkonen on Foter.com / CC BY

Vietnamese Coffee

Coffee production is one of the largest industries here in Vietnam. Needless to say, they have the best coffee beans. In the past, the coffee is served and brewed individually in cups and were sweetened with condensed milk rather than fresh milk because the former was more available. This practice continues today as tradition, so their coffee here has a very unique, smooth, and buttery feel. Yum!

Cao Dai Temple By Dhushara – Own work, CC BY 3.0, http://bit.ly/2zSQ6v0

Cao Dai Temple

The Cao Dai Temple in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most visited temples in the entire country. It was first built in 1955. Unlike some of the temples I have seen in the other countries I have visited, this temple and its devotees are distinctly colorful.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

This Taoist shrine was built in the early 1900s. The pink exterior of the pagoda particularly caught my attention. Around the temple are gardens, the scent of incense, and the tranquility of the statues.

Mariamman Hindu Temple

The Mariamman Temple is known for its 12-meter height and the several colorful statues that compose and surround the main structure. A small percent of the local population follow the Hindu faith.

Thien Hau Temple By Christopher from Shanghai, China – Chinese Temple in Saigon, CC BY 2.0

Thien Hau Temple

Visiting the Buddhist Thien Hau Temple is something you should not skip when in Ho Chi Minh City. It is located in District 5 in Cho Lon Street, where the majority of the establishments and buildings are Chinese in style, and where red lanterns abound.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Lastly, feel free to explore the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Getting here requires just a small entrance fee, and you will have a complete access to the zoo’s animals, which include crocodiles and elephants, and lots of local flora. Also located in the vicinity is the Museum of Vietnamese History.

This list is not exhaustive. There are many more things to see here in Ho Chi Minh City. If you have the time for it, stay in a coffee shop and sip some bittersweet and smooth Vietnamese coffee. Observe the locals in the streets. Hone your haggling skills.

Ho Chi Minh City is a mix of nature, people, concrete buildings, and old temples, and there is no way anyone could get enough of it. I will surely come back here again, soon!

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