20 Dec. 2011: A LOT OF DA LAT SIGHTSEEING STARTS ON FOOT #1 of 5

It's our last day in Da Lat, this city of floral and other surprises. Plus the weather is warm and sunny, like a spring day back home. So by the end of this day, I will have done as much plain old tourist sightseeing as ever in one day. I'm breaking up the day into 5 blog postings to make them feel as separate online as they were in person.

We walked a few km's to start the morning. Saw 2 classic cars! One was a 1962 Ford Falcon, probably abandoned here when the Americans departed. The other was an early Nissan which I think was imported from Japan because the rear view mirrors are way up on the front of the fenders, common in Japan. And there was a drag race of 2 other heavy rollers! 

Destination was the Da Lat Palace, the grande dame hotel built in 1922. The last emperor of Vietnam stayed here while he played at the course mentioned in yesterday's blog. Transplanted European/French elegance with claw-foot tubs, working fireplaces, crystal chandeliers and original gated elevators. Outside were 2 ways to arrive ---- some came by this beautiful 1950's Citroen. But even if you arrived by rickshaw, the fenders were chrome plated!