The past week part 6: On top of the world

Perhaps the best view of all. 

        I've always wanted to do this. I've always wanted to go on top of the Bitexco Financial Tower because it's such an iconic building in this city and I've yearned to do something exclusive and luxurious for a change. I couldn't dream of affording dinner up there and I heard there was a cafe up there so instead of forking over 200,000 dong (10 dollars ish) just to go to the observation deck to look at the glory that is Saigon underneath, why not use have a place to sit and sip on some coffee? The librarian at my school suggested that a coconut might cost 300,000 up there, which made me balked at the initial idea. However, I couldn't back down because I had already asked a girl out on a date there! So meet T, introduced to me by a friend and follower of my content. This date was meant for someone else, someone who told me I wasn't worthy of being their lover, so instead I ended up sharing this special moment with someone else might have appreciated it more.
        The Bitexco Tower sits in the heart of the commerce area of District 1 over looking the Saigon River and some of Saigon's most expensive real estate on Dong Khoi and Le Loi Streets. It's the second tallest building in Vietnam and the tallest building in Saigon. Supposedly, it's shape was inspired by a lotus, but I'm thinking the penis part of a lotus with a disc jammed into the head.

      With that being said, there's 68 stories and the observation deck is located on the 49th floor while Strata, the cafe, is located one floor above. Now, the observation deck allows for a 360 degree view of the city, while the cafe offers views of District 1, 2, 3, and maybe 5. In a sense, it was definitely worth the price. Drinks weren't even all that expensive. For two people, including smoothies and ice cream with mineral water served from a glass the bill came out to be around 24 dollars. I don't know where else in the world you can get such service and luxury on top of a city's tallest building for that amount. It was well worth it. Even coming into the tower was a grand ordeal. Mechanical doors and service from girls who pressed the elevators for you made the whole thing felt so upscale. Of course, I had to walk in and ask the receptionists how much coffee actually cost up there. I was worried that a cup of coffee might cost a million dong or something, so asking for the price made me seem a little bit ignorant and perhaps a cheap ass, but at the end of the date, I spent close to a million anyways. After the tower, we taxied over to Tokyo Deli on Dien Bien Phu for an awesome sushi dinner that was under 25 dollars for two. Once again, you can't beat these prices. On normal dates, I wouldn't spend this much, but first impressions are key and T is something I see some potential with. We're different, but she has an open mind and I would like to see her again. And I'm pretty sure I will. She's a charming girl with a laid back personality and perhaps most importantly, she wants to improve her English and expand her horizons.
     I definitely recommend coming to Strata. It's an awesome place. The views are nice around dusk to sunset. The prices are affordable factoring the location and service. I mean, we were so high up so quickly that my ears popped. I feel rejuvenated. I wouldn't be able to do something like this in America.  Enjoy the pictures.