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2 reviews or comments posted; 2 questions asked; 53 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (2)
A used laptop, laptop parts and repair shop right at the southern end of Ly Nam De.
The owner quoted me an adequate price, and than was amiable to being bargained down to a more than reasonable price for an upgraded used laptop, with three month warranty.
And when I came in a couple months later with an unrelated software problem, she fixed it free of charge.
...all with no're a Vietnamese friend in site, just my white foreign ass and my Vietlish. No attempt whatsoever to tack on a foreigner "surcharge".
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My go to guys for all my ticket and visa needs.
Honest, knowledgeable, fast, responsible prices; what's not to like.
Don't let the new name (had to change it twice now I believe, after yet another fly by night operation ripped it off) and less-than-spiffy office fool you, they've been in business a looong time, and are very protective of their reputation.
As well, they also have the three cheapest air-con, internet connected hotel rooms in the city at US $8 a night.
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Questions (2)
Does anyone know where in Hanoi I can purchase one of those old hotel counter bells?
Like this: http://www.candydirect.com/toys_and_novelties/HOTEL-COUNTER-BELL.html
You have no idea how useful they are for teaching.
Thanks in advance.
Any One Interested In a Writer's Club?
Answers (53)
Posted Monday April 14th, 2008.
You're in luck. Seems it's the season for mulberries from what I've seen.
The old ladies at the end of Tran Hung Dao are selling 'em for around 15K a kilo. You can go to any of the foodfruit markets like Hang Da or Cho Buoi.
Any one got some good receipes for making Mul Wine?
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can buy berries? I would prefer fresh ones but frozen would work as well. Thanks!...
Posted Monday April 14th, 2008.
Also pulled this off wiki ...
The ripe fruit is edible and is widely used in pies, tarts, wines and cordials. The fruit of the Black Mulberry, native to southwest Asia, and the Red Mulberry, native to eastern North America, have the strongest flavour. The fruit of the White Mulberry, an east Asian species which is extensively naturalised in urban regions of eastern North America, has a different flavour, sometimes characterised as insipid. The mature fruit contains significant amounts of resveratrol. [b]Unripe fruit and green parts of the plant have a white sap that is intoxicating and mildly hallucinogenic.[/b][1]
Interesting.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can buy berries? I would prefer fresh ones but frozen would work as well. Thanks!...
Posted Sunday April 20th, 2008.
The poor man's re-hydration drink:
Tang + salt.
It works quite well, and tastes good too.
In response to the question: Does anyone know the Vietnamese word for Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)? I'm feeling a touch of cholera. Also where I can get this...thanks! ...
Posted Wednesday May 7th, 2008.
Several of the bike vendors on Ba Trieu Street sell used, refurbished Japanese bikes.
And there is one shop that sometimes has used Japanese mountain bikes in stock or can order them. I don't remember the exact address, but it's easy enough to find; on the right side of Ba Trieu street just before the French Embassy. Run by friendly old man who only speaks Vietnamese and German.
In response to the question: Hi does anybody know where to buy a durable lasting mountain bike?...
Posted Thursday May 8th, 2008.
With the price of bottled water being so cheap, it probably doesn't much sense to go to all the trouble of install, maintaining, and changing the filters of a water filtration system.
30K to 35k VND for a giant 5 gallon jug delivered right to your door.
Bottled water is one of the few, very few, cost of living things that hasn't gone through the roof this past year.
In response to the question: Any direction to purchase a Water filtration system for the home? I am moving to a house for the next several years and want to increase the water qua...
Posted Sunday May 11th, 2008.
Haha, that's a new one.
Your landlord may be an 'stick in the mud'.
But the police could care less, they've much more serious things to worry about.
In response to the question: Hello there.. I wanted to stay with my girlfriend in an apartment together, but my employer told me it is illegal in Viet Nam for a couple to live ...
Posted Wednesday May 14th, 2008.
Do you want a quasi-legal 'P.I.' ... or a not-so-legal 'P.I.'?
For quasi-legal P.I., ask a Vietnamese friend with police connections.
For a not so legal P.I., ask one of the toutdrug dealers in the old quarter.
... or so I've heard.
In response to the question: Does anyone knows where can I find a P.I. here in Hanoi and if so, how do they charged?...
Posted Friday May 16th, 2008.
Organic?
As in being grown without the use of pesticides or other chemicals?
I don't belive such a thing exists here in Vietnam. But if it did, one of those minority NGO CO-OP programmes would know.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can find organic cotton or silk ? ...
Posted Saturday May 17th, 2008.
Hmmm ... not sure if a man is allowded to post here or not,
But I should point out that the "certain battery operated devices" that you are looking for are actually illegal, extremely illegal, as in classified by the Vietnamese government up there with drugs, pornography, guns, and anti-government literature. A man here in Hanoi was just sentenced to 20 years in jail for trying to smuggle them in from Australia.
In response to the question: Okay...so I believe the ladies of Hanoi will not disagree with me that the ratio of men to women in this city does not work in their favour, and what ...
Posted Tuesday May 20th, 2008.
Thanks for the kudos for answerin yur question, MissHanoi.
... was going to add, if it's illegal, there is no doubt, there's a hidden underground market for it somewhere. Via la Vietnam.
As well, going to add, it cuts both ways, MissHanoi.
True, I agree with you and the other VietDivas ... good man are hard to find. However, it is also true that True Women are also so so hard to find.
At the moment I am exploring my celibate side, and I have to say ... lucky you with your 'battery powered' devices.
In response to the question: Okay...so I believe the ladies of Hanoi will not disagree with me that the ratio of men to women in this city does not work in their favour, and what ...
Posted Wednesday May 28th, 2008.
No-one? ...
In response to the question: Does anyone know where in Hanoi I can purchase one of those old hotel counter bells? Like this: http://www.candydirect.com/toys_and_novelties/HOTEL...
Posted Saturday May 31st, 2008.
Yes, there is a huge demand for teachers, especially business/corporate teachers as your qualifications lend to ... and a plethora of schools to work for, some good, some not so good, and some very not so good.
"high standard of living" By western standards, far from it; by local Vietnamese standards, not too bad. Let's face it, teachers have never been,and never will be able to enjoy a high standard of living. Question the sanity of those few like me who make teaching their life long profession.
A major cavat though ... by your post and signature, I'm going to guess that you're overseas Vietnamese. This'll through a major obstacle in your way getting premium jobs, but not an insurmountable one.
In response to the question: Hi, I have just returned from Hanoi to the UK and am interested in spending more time there. Are there any jobs there for qualified teachers tha...
Posted Saturday May 31st, 2008.
So far, there really isn't a dedicated website for EFL teachers in Vietnam. (a major opportunity for someone with the right technical skills, connections,and free time)
The closest thing at the moment is this:
http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewforum.php?f=14
In response to the question: Hi, I have just returned from Hanoi to the UK and am interested in spending more time there. Are there any jobs there for qualified teachers tha...
Posted Saturday May 31st, 2008.
and this:
http://www.saigonesl.com/
In response to the question: Hi, I have just returned from Hanoi to the UK and am interested in spending more time there. Are there any jobs there for qualified teachers tha...
Posted Monday June 2nd, 2008.
You have a PGCE, British Citizenship and are an experienceed maths teacher?
Forget English Teaching.
The International Schools will sell their first born and/or their left nut to get their hands on you for their Maths and Science Departments.
Granted, you're not going to make £30k in Vietnam like you could possible do in Hong Kong. But the cost of living is lower here ... for now ...
In response to the question: Hi, I have just returned from Hanoi to the UK and am interested in spending more time there. Are there any jobs there for qualified teachers tha...
Posted Monday June 2nd, 2008.
The one (international school that follows the British system and teaches towards the IGCSE's) that springs to mind is Hanoi International School.
www.hisvietnam.com
If you're at all familar with the IB system, there's UNIS. United Nations International School.
www.unishanoi.org
... and lots of links to International schools throughout Vietnam from this webpage:
www.english-schools.org/vietnam/hanoi-international-school.htm
Email anyone of those schools and they'll be more than happy to connect you with their current teachers, who then can fill you in.
Maths Teachers are a rare and valuable commodity for the International Schools.
In response to the question: Hi, I have just returned from Hanoi to the UK and am interested in spending more time there. Are there any jobs there for qualified teachers tha...
Posted Sunday June 8th, 2008.
Thank you farside for reminding me why I continue persist this 'profession' despite the laughable pay, high-stress work environment, the alcoholicKhao San road workmates, etc ... and why I continue to reject the so-called normality of a 9 to 5 job back in the 'real world'.
In response to the question: Hi, I have just returned from Hanoi to the UK and am interested in spending more time there. Are there any jobs there for qualified teachers tha...
Posted Sunday June 8th, 2008.
There is one substance, the only substance, I've found that will totally kill all the mold in your house ... anything biological actually.
A Korean beverage called Soju.
Not sure where one could find it in Hanoi though.
In response to the question: I have major issues with mould. I don't like it, it doesn't like me (I can tell); basically we don't co-exist happily. I have just moved into a h...
Posted Monday June 9th, 2008.
Ah yes, I was serious about the use of Soju as an anti-fungal agent. Something about it's high sugar content makes it delicious to mold, according to one of my nerdy teenager students back in the Republic of the Not Quite Right.
Pour it into one of those plastic spray bottles and lightly hose down the moldy spot. Just don't put too much on, as Soju also makes a very effective paint stripper. As well keep it far, far away from any pets as they will be attracted to it's sweet taste.
Oh, and make sure to get the Ajoshi Saturday Night Special Soju that comes in the green bottle.
Oh,
In response to the question: I have major issues with mould. I don't like it, it doesn't like me (I can tell); basically we don't co-exist happily. I have just moved into a h...
Posted Saturday June 14th, 2008.
The "dual price" system is just one of those life of whitey-in-asia things you either get used to, or roll up into a little ball until it explodes.
Kepp it in perspective ... shure you're paying double or triple the "Vietnamese Price", but that price is still far, far lower than what you'd pay in a Western country.
Myself, I shrug it off and have a laugh with my Vietnamese friends that I have to pay double for everything even though as a teacher I actually make far less than them.
In response to the question: I have been in a running discussion with the French Hospital in criticism of their maintenance of a dual pricing policy for Vietnamese and foreigners ...
Posted Saturday June 14th, 2008.
And in this case ...
the whitey "Dual Price" system subsidising health care for poor Vietnamise Hanoians.
I'll sign up for that.
In response to the question: I have been in a running discussion with the French Hospital in criticism of their maintenance of a dual pricing policy for Vietnamese and foreigners ...
Posted Saturday June 14th, 2008.
Option 4: Go native and buy Gold.
Sure you might set off all the metal detectors at the airport, but with the skyrocketing price of the stuff it'll probably go up in value by the time your plane lands.
Option 5:
Canadian Dollars, the exchange rate is pretty good, certainly far lower than for Euros and Pounds, and you can exchange 'em back to greenbacks fairly cheaply at American Banks.
(It's a sad, sad commentary on America's economy that Canadia has a stronger currency than the USA)
In response to the question: (See my "Short" history lesson if you don't know about the current currency situation in VN - it's after my question) My question: In September,...
Posted Monday June 16th, 2008.
Oops. My bad. Had heard from the Viet grapevine that CND was where it was at. Guess no longer. The search goes on.
In response to the question: (See my "Short" history lesson if you don't know about the current currency situation in VN - it's after my question) My question: In September,...
Posted Monday June 16th, 2008.
As an aside,
1) Why is Vietnam, and the Viet Kinh, so obessed with yet another devaluating currency, the US $ dollar? Thanks to El Presidente Bush, the American economy is rapidily flushing itself down the toilet, along with its currency.
Why not tie itself to a stronger currency like the Euro or the Chinese Yuan?
2) For the George Soros among us, there is currently a wide open opportunity to make some bucks for those with large stacks of US $ on hand. Viet kinh and foreigners alike will pay anything to get their hands on US dollars at the moment.
Alas, I am just a poor ass English Teacher.
In response to the question: (See my "Short" history lesson if you don't know about the current currency situation in VN - it's after my question) My question: In September,...
Posted Wednesday June 25th, 2008.
If anybody else is in the market for one,
I've got a Chinese multi-region player with USB, SD Card reader, etc. (you name it, it plugs into this thing) ... and not one, but two karaoke microphone inputs. Thailand elect. plug.
Just gathering dust on top of one of my bookshelves at the moment.
Yours for VND 500K, or US $250.
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a DVD player with a USB jack. Any ideas where I might find one? I saw the recent post and responses re. Big C and Metro, but I'm a ...
Posted Wednesday June 25th, 2008.
I meant US $25 ... oops
Why no edit of posted messages??
In response to the question: I'm looking to buy a DVD player with a USB jack. Any ideas where I might find one? I saw the recent post and responses re. Big C and Metro, but I'm a ...
Posted Wednesday June 25th, 2008.
The current Black Market rate is 18 and a half K ...
However ... and a very, very big However, is that the current long range economic Viet news is good, exteremly good.
The latest rice crop is above expectations, 20% above ... petroleum production, above expectations, foreign investment, above expectations ... ETC.
so ... Vietnam is currently in a hole, but the future is bright
In response to the question: Dear all, Just a quick question-- what is the current black market rate for VND-USD? Has it risen above 18500 to even higher rates? Or has it sta...
Posted Wednesday July 2nd, 2008.
Well, if you're a poor ass teacher like myself ... it's hard to beat Matchbox's 'Steak Night' on Saturday nights.
"200gr Aussie Scotch Fillet Steak with Demi Glace sauce on sweet potato mash for VND99,000"
Check out the details in the Events section.
In response to the question: Where might a fella go to eat the best steak in the city? ...
Posted Saturday July 5th, 2008.
It's not so much "balancing out" ... as the value of the US dollar has been falling even faster than the dong as the American economy collapses.
In response to the question: My rent contract is in USD but I pay in VND, I think this is pretty standard and wasnt a problem at all until last month. At that time my landlord...
Posted Tuesday July 8th, 2008.
Check out the Events section ... lots of Happy Hour specials out there for the alkis.
...speaking as a former member of tribe.
In response to the question: Hot summer days make me so parched around noon, I mean 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Where might one find the best happy hours in this wonderful city? I'm ...
Posted Monday July 21st, 2008.
http://www.aahanoi.com/
In response to the question: Is there a branch of Alcoholics Anonymous in Hanoi? I'm asking on behalf of a friend (no, really). If you know of one that welcomes expats, please...
Posted Sunday September 14th, 2008.
And therein, as the previous poster stated, lies one of the beauties of the Minsk ... you could leave it running here in Hanoi with the keys in the ignition ... and nobody would touchsteal it, as it's far too "uncool" to seen near.
In response to the question: Hi everyone, I'm in the market for a motorbike and would like some advice. I'm going to be in northern Vietnam for about 5 months, and then sout...
Posted Sunday September 14th, 2008.
To anwer your question ...
Myself, I'm 6'1", and long and langy as they say .. the Honda Wave feels like a toy ... more than 30 mins on it, and i start getting cramps in weird places.
The best price.reliability.vietnamroadworthiness. that i have come across is the Honda NeoFuture.
If you're looking for a combination of city and far-field ... thats the bike for you.
In response to the question: Hi everyone, I'm in the market for a motorbike and would like some advice. I'm going to be in northern Vietnam for about 5 months, and then sout...
Posted Sunday September 14th, 2008.
Aha, you and me both Riki, sigh ....
[the above poster climbs into a giant flame suit, and prepares to make giant generalisations, beware ...]
Vietnamese girls date for the money .. the higher their educational level, the higher your income better be ...
Educated Western girls date for guys with both money and "western values" (meaning someone who is both responsible and who can relate to them)
If you are lucky enough to meet one.both of these criteria .. then here you go: http://hanoigrapevine.com/
In response to the question: Okay people...don't bash me too hard here (he-he): Since I have been in Hanoi, I have only met the WRONG types of women. Either they don't speak Engli...
Posted Sunday September 14th, 2008.
As usual, the techno-weenies on wiki have done a far better job ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Autumn_Festival#Vietnamese_version
....than I, or others, could do explaining the Vietnamese version of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
In response to the question: Hi all, I have been registered with this site for some time and I have found that it is a useful tool for connecting with other foreigners. Ho...
Posted Monday October 27th, 2008.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/group/show/117/Hanoi-Writers-Club
In response to the question: Any One Interested In a Writer's Club?...
Posted Monday October 27th, 2008.
myself, I am a hack writer and journalist at best ..
but I have a love of prose and poetry,
and have over a decades experience in shooting the [expletive deleted], and helping others write and compose better than I ever will ...
In response to the question: Any One Interested In a Writer's Club?...
Posted Tuesday November 4th, 2008.
Got to love the enterprising citizens who found a way to make money off the biblical-esque flooding.
Stupid enough to try using your motorcycle as a submarine? There was a small army of people out and about ready to resurrect it. For a price of course.
And friends of a friend cobbled together some wooden pallets, flattened cardboard boxes, a few plastic drums .. and opened an impromptu ferry service.
Viva la Vietnam.
In response to the question: I am on Van Ho Ba, near Dai Co Viet and Ba Trieu, and am MUCH better off than the Le Duan side of Lenin Park. Wow, went over there today when it wasnt...
Posted Tuesday November 4th, 2008.
Though I personally wouldn't recommend going anywhere near those flood waters.
It's not just water in there, and the brown colour isn't entirely from mud.
If you do accidentally come into contact with the water, DONT touch your eyes or mouth. Take a long shower with a stiff brush and some strong soap or bleach. May even want to start a course of antibiotics just to be on the safe side.
Probably won't catch anything worse than acute, bloody diarrhea or a really nasty skin rash, but better to err on the safe side.
In response to the question: I am on Van Ho Ba, near Dai Co Viet and Ba Trieu, and am MUCH better off than the Le Duan side of Lenin Park. Wow, went over there today when it wasnt...
Posted Tuesday November 4th, 2008.
Ditto granteralus' words. The responses to Canadide's "advocatus diaboli" post show that the use of this oratory technique to reveal flaws in an argument is a non-starter in our hyper-pc modern world.
As for the original question, goggle "internet troll".
In response to the question: A person I know complained that she cannot trust ANY local people because she has enough bad experiences about Vietnamese people during her 2 years st...
Posted Wednesday November 5th, 2008.
whuu ...
Forget the election, CNN just channelled Star Wars and had one of their correspondents reporting in as a hologram. Princess Leia lives!
Groundbreaking debut of a valuable new journalism tool, or a cheesy technological overkill? Time will time.
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Wednesday November 5th, 2008.
And that's it.
21 months in the making.
Barack Obama is the next President of the United States of America.
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Wednesday November 5th, 2008.
Yes indeed, a puppy is coming to the White House as Obama just revealed in his acceptance speech that he had promised Malia and Sasha a puppy if they were good.
One Hell of a Speech. Good damn. It even got through my cynical skin.
Lets hope he governs half as well has he talks.
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Wednesday November 5th, 2008.
... more than the New York Times Square naked singing cowboy they interviewed earlier about his thoughts on the election and candidates, I am sure.
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Wednesday November 5th, 2008.
... more than the New York Times Square naked singing cowboy they interviewed earlier about his thoughts on the election and candidates, I bet.
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Wednesday November 5th, 2008.
http://vietnamnews.vnagency.com.vn/showarticle.php?num=01TAL051108
In response to the question: I am on Van Ho Ba, near Dai Co Viet and Ba Trieu, and am MUCH better off than the Le Duan side of Lenin Park. Wow, went over there today when it wasnt...
Posted Friday November 7th, 2008.
Spam PMs, forum trolls and sock puppets.
The New Hanoian has truly arrived.
In response to the question: Do people get much spam in response to things they post here? I just asked a question two days ago and just got the following spam message (the funni...
Posted Friday November 7th, 2008.
And Obama's announced his choice for Chief of Staff.
A Harvard educated African American, a devout Jew, and a Roman Catholic will soon be in charge of the executive branch of the American US government.
... and a Hispanic is on the short list to be the next Secretary of State.
No wonder American Republicans are curdled up into tight little balls under their beds, whimpering.
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Sunday November 9th, 2008.
Barry White.
You can never go wrong with Barry White.
In response to the question: Guys, I know already some of you will think i am turning insane... ACTUALLY I AM SEARCHING FOR A GOOD HYPNOTIC TREATMENT FOR A FOREIGNER -OF COURSE-...
Posted Monday November 10th, 2008.
Giving the exponential rate of inflation in both prices and cost of living in Hanoi over the past year or so, I seriously doubt you're going to be find any hotel rooms with private bathroom, tv, fan and fridge near to downtown for US $8-$12.
However, if you can give up the tv and fridge, these people have rooms with private bath, hot water, ac-heat and internet right in the middle of the Old Quarter for US $8 a night.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/2017/Vega-Travel
Vega Travel
In response to the question: We're looking for a relatively cheap guesthouse to stay in while we continue our search for housing. The hotel section seems to be missing a "sort by...
Posted Tuesday November 11th, 2008.
Other than candies, especially chocolate ones (made with milk and eggs), which are almost all 'made in china';
Most diary products here in Vietnam, milk and yogurt, are made from 'milk concentre powder' (what ever the heck that is) from New Zealand and Australia.
If you have to worry about any Viet food products, I would worry about fresh vegetables and fruit, which are grown, usually grown with 'human fertilizer' and hosed down with pesticides banned with western countries ... in a country struggling with outbreaks of cholera and acute-diarrhea.
In response to the question: Hi all! I'm wondering how you guys are reacting to the melamin scandal, started in China some time ago? I hear that the stuff can be in bread, cand...
Posted Thursday November 13th, 2008.
As well,
America's First Expat President
In response to the question: 2 years in and it's almost over. Kinda unbelievable really. I know of the AmCham party on Weds am and the Fusion one at noon. Is there anything else h...
Posted Wednesday November 19th, 2008.
An a propos question, and one that has intrequied me as well.
Almost all of the tay or người nước ngoà I've come across in Vietnam, this is the first Asian country they've every travelled to or lived in. Heck, a great deal of them had never even left Australia, Europe, or North America before.
... and yet they all felt drawn to Vietnam, which is far from the easiest non-western country to adjust to, and still at fairly low level of economic development.
Why?
In response to the question: Not: I’m traveling Southeast Asia. Not: I’m teaching English. Not: Because my parents screwed. Why are you here?...
've decided to give this ye olde blogging thing a try.
It's a work in progress.
Be gentle.
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Murphy
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