Spoiled by Gabriel

Since M&J departed, we've spent quite a bit of our time in Saigon with Molly & Andrew's friend Gabriel.  He is, in 2 words, the fucking best.  Gabe has taken us to eat the most amazing food, meet the most awesome people, have the coolest off-the-beaten-path experiences, and gone out of his way to make our hang time super terrific.  Who brings bahn mi kebab sandwiches for breakfast to people he's met one time?  Gabe does.  He's the best thing that could have happened to us in Vietnam.

One of our extra special dates included our first motorbike rides (I want!) to the peninsula across the river where some seriously space age plans for development have been laid.  Riding on Gabe's bike on dirt roads along the river, past fields of leveled homes, canals where fisherman catch shrimp, and countless shacks with laundry hanging outside was surely one of the most memorable mornings of our 5 months away from home.

Before coming back to lunch at an amazing fish noodle joint, we hit a fruit stand where Gabe introduced us to the local varieties.  In the afternoon, the three of us enjoyed massages and fish tacos at Gringo's, a must-visit for anyone coming to Saigon.

The fact that someone who was a stranger only a few days ago went to so much trouble to plan our days and navigate this hectic city for us was unbelievable; that fact that we've made a new friend is even better.

Our favorite citizen of Saigon:

Motorcyclin' (with aforementioned fruit):