Independence Palace
Ho Chi Minh City, District 1
History:
It was known as the Governor's Palace from 1871 - 1887. and was named Norodom Palace. All French Governor - Generals were using it as their residence and work place.
During WWII, the palace became the Japanese HQ then the French HQ.
1954, the palace became the residence of the first President of South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam), Ngo Dinh Diem. The palace was then renamed as Independence Palace.
1962, palace was bombed. Ngo ordered a new palace to be built but he was assassinated.
So, it became the residence and work place for the next President, Nguyen Van Thieu.
1975 was the end of the Republic of Vietnam, ending the Vietnam War ~ The Fall of Saigon.
Later that year, Vietnam was unified as one country under the communist north's leadership.
The name of the city was changed to Ho Chi Minh.
Too crowded and we were too lazy to pay and go in together with the crowd. Luckily there was a food bazaar going on at the side of the palace, so we went to look see.
Cơm Lam
In Vietnam, it is called Cơm lam and found in the Northwest Mountainous Area. Originally, when the mountain people would prepare for long journeys, they would cook the rice, salt and add salted meat into the bamboos to cook.
The colors:
Red is from gac fruit.
Purple is from magenta plant.
Green is from pandan leaves.
Usually eaten with a mixture of roasted sesame, peanuts and salt. But you are most welcome to eat them with meat, curries or fruit.
Have never seen such huge Pomegranates before!
Lemongrass & pork stuffed snails
Pickled chicken feet
Octopus
Sea Urchins
Som Tum
Coffee time!
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