Sign In or Sign Up To Be A Member

Search Hanoi's for

The Year of the Rat's First Winners

Greetings New Hanoians! Everything is back in full swing in these parts, and you might have noticed some new developments have been rolled out. First of all, we've launched a sister site for the New Hanoian in Saigon called So Saigon. Those of you who currently spend or have spent considerable time there are welcome to visit it and do your thing. There's only a little content there at the moment, but it's sure to grow with the same enthusiasm as we've seen from our little project here. Currently, the map covers districts 1, 3, & 4, but that will be expanding shortly. There are over 350 business entries, but I'm sure that collectively you all probably know at least that many as well. Don't be shy about helping out the rest of the community by entering those unlisted spots into the database and reviewing away! The account you've been using on The New Hanoian will work fine there as well, so there's no need to sign up for another account. Simply sign in here on TNH and use the city selector you see in the header. Enjoy! Second, we've also launched an early version of a multi-language interface that will be going through many changes. Be patient. The French and Vietnamese is not fully translated yet. We thought we'd go ahead and get it up and active since the language savvy among you will probably have some great insights into how to make this as user friendly as possible. If you have any suggestions or would like to volunteer to help get these translations up to speed, feel free to contact us at info@newhanoian.com. You may have also noticed that the url of the site has changed somewhat. Your tried and true www.newhanoian.com will still always get you where you are going, but it will be redirected to newhanoian.xemzi.com. Xemzi is the name of the larger project that will be allowing you to use your account to participate on the sites of multiple cities in multiple languages. Later this month, Xemzi will be making its first foray outside of the comforts of Vietnam with a site launching in Taiwan. Those of you who have lived and worked in Southern Taiwan can be looking for that option in the city switcher very soon. Not long after that, Chinese speakers may have the option of enjoying The New Hanoian (and all Xemzi sites) in traditional Chinese characters as well. Exciting times. All the work that has gone into the New Hanoian may be taking the project far afield, but that doesn't mean that things are any less exciting in the very city that started it all. We've seen quite a couple months of user contributions here in the capital city. And, as you know, things like that don't go unnoticed from us. As a matter of fact, they get great free stuff sent your way. The winner of our first contribution prize for the new year goes to a newcomer to the Hanoi scene. She's only been here a few months, but she's kept us posted with many steps of her exploration of the city. Sonia's outstanding list of reviews has earned her a night heavy in drink from Bar 38. She and two friends will have an entire evening's drinking absoultely free. Three people, eight hours, no money...at Bar 38. Beer, cocktails, mixed drinks, whatever she and her mates can manage to call out to the waitstaff that will be at their beck and call. Sonia may even want to bring along a few extra friends to document the evenings events, as memories of such an occasion might turn out on the fuzzy side. As many as she may bring, Bar 38 will be up to the task. With a large downstairs bar area, upstairs seating, and a private room for groups less inclinded to mingle, they'll have ample room to stretch out and enjoy the libations they have coming to them. Next up, we have a repeat winner. In fact, it was just during our last round of prizes that her name was called. Having won once already, she was anything but satisfied. Instead, she went on a reviewing binge that made her previous award winning efforts seem paltry in comparison. For her remarkable efforts, 4inhanoi will taking it easy for an afternoon. She and a companion will be getting the full spa treatment from [comfort zone] space. Over the course of four or five hours of worry free pampering, they'll be getting the head to toe treatment with authentic Italian cosmetics. A facial designed by their on-staff skin therapist, intensive anti-aging eye treatment, lip blooming treatment, their choice of a wide range of full body treatments, some time in the sauna and jacuzzi, manicures, pedicures, and finished off with some nail art. [comfort zone] space will ensure that this New Hanoian member of the most distinguished quality will have an afternoon of a standard she's proven herself to enjoy. Finally, the New Hanoians have spoken. What they have said is that quality, even in the absence of a quantity of contributions, can get your named called in these circles. Ai-hun may have only written two reviews in his days as a New Hanoian, but one of them earned your praise more than any other over the last two months. With a stellar review of the Cheo Hanoi Theatre, ai-hun earned himself and three friends dinner for four at Casa Mia. Having made a recent splash with its elegantly designed street front, Casa Mia now strives to prove that it is the restaurant of choice among the many options lining that stretch of Kim Mã street. Our traditional theatre enthusiast and three friends will get a chance to see if they make the grade. Their complimentary dinner can be chosen from a wide ranging menu of European and Asian dishes and enjoyed in a setting that is simple and relaxing. Many working in the office complexes surrounding the Daewoo have already made a regular lunch destination. Ai-hun and his pals can let us know what else it can offer. Ahhh. It feels good to be back handing out free stuff to the people who really make this site hum. Keep up the great work bringing us the most up-to-date insights into what make's Hanoi what it is, and we'll do our best to keep getting you the sort of recognition you deserve. And, for those who'd like to give these folks a slap on the back in person, might I recommend we seek them out at the next meet up? It's just a couple weeks away. On Saturday, March 15th from 8pm~11pm, Bar 38 will be hosting the latest meet up complete with three hours of free draught beer and a wide variety of mixed drinks. Don't miss out on a chance to come out to enjoy Bar 38's hospitality and hang out with Hanoi's most active online community. Thanks Everyone, The Staff of the New Hanoian

Written by alpha

Send to a friend add Add to Favorites tag Tag This Place write review Write a review
Log in or create an account

Viewed 405 times