When I was living back in Manila, my happy place is National Bookstore. I can go ’round and ’round the store for hours and not get tired going through the books, smelling the papers, looking at notebooks, and trying different pens.

Here in Saigon, the bookstores are not as well-stocked in the English book department so I don’t get to spend much time in one. But since I still consider myself a tourist parading as a temporary resident here in Saigon, I love going to souvenir shops. Saigon Kitsch is one of my happy places. I visit every now and then to mentally take note of what I’d want to buy when it’s time to say bye bye to this city.

I am in love with their coasters.  If we leave and if we have a bon voyage party, can I put up a registry and ask friends to get me stuff from here?

I’d dedicate a fridge for all the fridge magnets they sell. 😛

If you’re not the souvenir-y type of a person, they also sell coasters designed with your favorite TV show or movie.

I love the above coasters. The only place I haven’t been to in those that are designed is Ha Noi.

The propaganda coasters just screams Vietnam.

They’ve got stickers too — this will go on my luggage. 🙂

These are just a fraction of what this little shop is selling. Hope I get to bring some loot home! 🙂