After the first day in Vietnam I began to adjust to the humidity. The air didn't seem as heavy, and I could almost breathe. Vinh's dad decided to take us to Bien Hoa, a city not too far from HCMC, to visit some relatives. After dining on an eel soup that fed all ten of us- and over 400,000 Dong later (less than twenty-five bucks including beer and appetizers)- we headed over to visit a family friend at Bửu Long Park.
Bửu Long Park
Bửu Long Park is probably best known for the peaks and 'islands' that loom over the manmade lake. "Hidden Dragon Lake"- perhaps better known as "Mini Ha Long Bay"- is most likely the closest thing to a scenic waterfront that you can find anywhere remotely close to Ho Chi Minh City. An abandoned resoivoir, Hidden Dragon Lake was created from years and years of digging and carving with the intention of getting water in to the city. For whatever reason, the project was eventually abandoned and the resevoir was made in to an attraction instead. 
As it usually did in the afternoon, the clouds rolled in. We saw a groom running with his bride in the distance (one of the ten couples I must have seen getting married in the two weeks I was there... I suppose weddings are more of a public event). Despite the rain the lake was still beautiful. The hidden dragon made a very obvious appearance, and I wondered what inspired somebody to work a dragon in to a cliff in such a way.
Zoo and Dino Park
Many people come to Bửu Long Park for the lake. Most leave without even realizing that there is a lot more to Bửu Long than an abandoned reseviour. As we walked farther in to the park we came across a small zoo. At the entrance of the zoo was a monkey. As we approached it, the monkey ran towards us- surely looking for something to steal or a leg to gnaw on. Caught off guard, we jumped back. Nobody had any desire to get bit by a monkey that day.
There was a variety of animals- from birds and peacocks to an array of monkeys. We even witnessed a 'monkey jail break!' As we continued past the zoo we were transported to a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth. A T-Rex loomed over us- no doubt wondering what white people taste like. Another lizard-looking dinosaur appeared more than happy when he saw baby was on the menu!
Bửu Long Park no doubt instills peace in to the visitor- even the air seems lighter. The hustle and bustle of the city surrounding the park vanquishes and- despite the occasional stalking photographer- you can take a minute to breathe. As we said goodbye to the friend, we packed ourselves back in our car and cautiously merged in to the swarms of swerving motorists. It was hard to believe that such chaos existed around a place filled with peace and tranquility.
Have you ever encountered a wild monkey?
Where do you go when you need some peace and quiet?
