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11 reviews or comments posted; 17 questions asked; 59 answers given.

Reviews / Comments (11) see all

posted about 1 month ago by Khumbu
about the event: FREE Acting Workshop by Hanoi International Theatre Society @ Green Mango

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I agree with Boothby. I came along not expecting all that much, however I was blown away. Very well facilitated, actually very productive. Gentle start to engage even the most shy of us, ultimately ending with some script readings that were great fun.
Another workshop was mooted as a possibility: yes please!

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posted about 2 months ago by Khumbu
about the venue: Yin Yang Salon and Spa

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Update:
Downgraded to two stars after bad experience yesterday (would have been three stars if I wasn't still so upset at my expectations being so cruelly dashed). Different skin technician, very different facial - still an OK technician, however the routine they used for the facial was only just passable. Not worth paying for, as far as I'm concerned. Will revert to doing my own at home.

Pretty decent deep tissue / pressure point massage - however what I was told I was paying for was a massage by a physiotherapist. I've had many massages by a physiotherapist before, and the Yin Yang massage was not one of them.

Plus, major issues with privacy. As I lay only in boxer shorts on the massage table, I had a number of staff wander into the room, look at me for while, chat amongst themselves, sit in the corner of the room and pick their noses (OK, I only saw this bit once, but it was enough), and then wander out again (repeat several times). Including a mid-20s male which, call me a prude, makes me extremely uncomfortable.

Then there were the three other clients who came in to the room I was in, chatting loudly, and had half hour fully-clothed massages, again including a male. Not exactly a tranquility inducing experience.

Last time another client's mates decided to come watch her have a massage - they sat in the corner of the room, 1 meter away from where I was having a massage and chatted and played on phones. When I raised an objection, the staff asked the male to leave the room, however allowed the female to stay. I thought this transgression was a once off event - it appears not. Perhaps this is the Vietnamese way - that would be fine if they weren't trying to capture the expat market. I don't attend massages to be part of a spectator event.

Yes, the management are very aware that I was unhappy with their services. They have offered me a free massage, to make up for it. However, they've lost my trust and respect now, so I will not be going back.

Nevertheless, for someone who does not have the same privacy needs as I do, perhaps worth a shot? It is a lovely new premises and I think they genuinely try to please.

I will be emailing the link to this review to to Yin Yang, so they have a chance to comment publicly. And with any luck, the next person who attend Yin Yang will not have the same disappointments that I did.

+++++++++++++

Just brilliant!

They do facials and massages (including by a physiotherapist apparently - I'm booked in for one of these 'professional ones' later in the week), and I think also haircuts (not the service I got).
More of a review later, however let me say quickly that this is the best facial I've ever had and I've been to some quite swanky places in Australia. And the swedish massage was pretty decent too.
Going back again in a few days time - will reconsider my review then, and post updated info. I'm fairly confident my adoration will not be shattered, however I guess one never knows.



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posted about 3 months ago by Khumbu
about the venue: Vu Doo Salon

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The new digs of Mr Vu, Executive Stylist. Very pretty - both the place and the staff.

Not the cheapest place in town - at the beginning of June, a short hair cut by Vu for a female was US$25 / 400,000 VND - however I was happy with it. If you don't want the man himself, I understand that rates are cheaper.

It's not that it's an exceptional salon, it's more that it's a western standards salon - it was like being back in Melbourne, without the stylist directing all that annoying gossiping at me. Plus they give the best head massage I've had to date in a hair salon. Will be going back in time to try a colour as well.

They also have waxing (not by Mr Vu himself). Rates when I asked were:
Full leg - US$20;
Underarms - US$5;
Eyebrows - US$5;
Bikini - US$8.

No idea of the quality - I was not denuded.

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posted about 4 months ago by Khumbu
about the venue: VIP Bike Rentals

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I just had my bike serviced and repaired here. I found Andrew (& crew) to be thorough and honest. And the service is great - they picked up my bike from home (and are going to drop it back when it's convenient for me), and took the time to go through in detail with me the necessary repairs, explaining what each widget did and why it should be repaired, in a way that I (not a mechanically minded person) could understand. Can they really be mechanics?!

Am even tempted to dump my (old) bike and rent one of their very pretty, shiny new ones... especially because the idea of having the equivalent of emergency roadside assistance, as well as free monthly safety checks and bike washes, really appeals to me!

And, sure, it's also for a good cause. However, given the (unrivalled, as far as I can determine) quality of the service, I don't think this really needs to be factored in as a selling point...


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posted about 4 months ago by Khumbu
about the event: Wizard of Oz (4th Showing) by Hanoi International Theatre Society @ Nha Hat Kich Theatre

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Right from the start, let me point out that I'm biased - I've just become involved as crew on this production.

Having said that, I'm confident I'm being fair in saying the following:

* the cast have amazing voices - just brilliant to hear them singing (unaccompanied by music);

* the show is short and broken up by an interval - perfect for kids' short attention spans. And the popcorn is delicious;

* the audience at all three performances (to date) has seemed to enjoy the production - the kids in particular seem to get a massive buzz out of the show. I've seen a few enthusiastic re-enactments of various scenes - the "I'm melting" wicked witch scene being especially popular - and many people seem to be humming one of the songs as they leave.
Not to mention the cast being swamped with requests for autographs and photo opportunities!

I don't know if tickets are still available for the last performance. Either way, I reckon plays by the Hanoi International Theatre Society may well be worth keeping an eye on in the future.

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Questions (17)

  • I have just moved to Hanoi and have already fallen in love with some of the stunning original modern paintings in Vietnam.

    I understand the art market here is still very undervalued, with excellent but emerging modern painters not yet recognised internationally. I suspect it may be worth me buying some art work now as an investment, whilst the market is yet to take off (having said that, the two pieces I currently want to buy cost US$1,400 and US$900, which for me seems like these artists are getting at least some recognition!).

    I've not entered the art market previously and thus I'm not sure how to best research what I should be paying for a piece of work now, and what its potential is likely to be in the mid to long term.

    Could anyone point me in the right direction for resources on assessing Vietnamese artists and artwork?

    I would be looking at the lesser end of the market, with artworks under about US$2,000.

    I'm planning to speak with Rob from Bookworm (a suggestion from a related topic's answers) - other suggestions would be gratefully received.

    Cheers

    Rik

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  • I'd really like to discuss this topic with someone who has an informed opinion (vet; pet owner; thoughtful and ethical person; etc)

    I've seen a lot of cats / kittens around Hanoi in conditions that break my heart - they are mangey, usually attached to a tree with a short chain, and underfed. I understand the need to restrain cats so they don't get hit by traffic, but not convinced that chaining them to a tree is a humane option. Interesting the small dogs I see around the place tend to be in better conditions, and less of them are chained up.

    I've been fighting urges to 'rescue' these animals (I haven't tried yet, but I'm thinking offering US$10 might get me the cat, or at least the owner valuing the cat more highly). However, I'm only going to be here for two years and thus can't commit to taking care of a cat for life.

    If I did succumb to temptation, would it be unethical of me on any of the following grounds (or others - if you can think of them, please add them):

    1. That particular cat might be 'saved', but it may encourage the former owner to breed more kittens on the hope they can be sold also;

    2. The cat would need to be rehomed after two years. I expect it could be difficult to find a willing expat / Vietnamese family with the same pet care standards. And I'll be going to another developing nation & won't be able to take a cat with me. The idea of putting the cat down after two years makes me sick. However, is it better for the cat to have had a shorter than optimal lifespan in good conditions, or live a maybe longer (maybe not) life in less nurturing conditions?

    3. I can only adopt one or two cats (I'm not going to become a cat lady). Is it then just self-congratulatory behaviour to adopt a cat and feel all morally justified? Is this just another form of charity designed for self-gratification?

    Your considered opinion would be appreciated.

    Rik

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  • Lately I've found myself being attacked rather vigourously by mosquitos whilst I'm sleeping, which I'm not enjoying. I can't seem to locate the insects responsible (although I'm pretty sure they're mosquitos rather than bed bugs or fleas), and the idea of using a net makes me feel a bit claustrophobic. I heard that there's some kind of effective electronic mosquito deterrent / zapper that one can plug into a power socket - does anyone have details on this product, or know where I could buy one?

    Thanks

    R

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  • Does anyone know what Vegy wash actually does to ones fresh produce? I know it's supposed to clean the veggies so they are 'safe' to eat - what exactly does this mean?

    At home I just soak my vegetables in water with a few dashes of vinegar - I'm wondering how much more effective Vegy is? And what nasties it may actually add...

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  • Can any one recommend a good (reliable, trustworthy, not too expensive) handy person for home maintenance work?

    Looking at getting assistance with things like a leaking light sockets in the ceiling and white ant infestations of door jams...

    Thanks

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  • Is there a benevolent web (and / or brochure) designer out there who may be willing to offer some pro bono design services to a newly established Vietnamese NGO, ambitious in the field of developing Vietnamese civil society through ICT? They can afford to host a website, but not yet pay to have it designed for them (and sadly this isn't one of my current talents).

    Would be very grateful if someone could put their hand up to assist (and you'd be contributing to the greater good of our society, etc, etc).

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  • I've found a list of the top ranked spots in Hanoi but not a list of the ones to avoid like the plague ... and having read a recent review of Bobby Chin's it entered my mind that it might be helpful to have this kind of list.

    Would NH readers be kind enough to share the places they'd place on a black list and why?

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  • Can anyone recommend a place to buy luxurious quality, pure cotton bed sheets - that are vaguely reasonably priced?

    Also, pillows?

    Thanks

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  • Which brand of dehumidifier would people suggest buying? I want something that works very well indeed. In another post, the name "Delongui" was dropped, but that's all I've been able to see - are there any other good brands?

    Also, for DVD players that will play all regions, which brand would people suggest? And where's the best place to buy it? My housemates recommended cheap & nasty at Metro, however there are quite a few C&Ns to select between.

    Thanks

    R

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  • 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 house on West lake. Here, there is mould.

    I would be grateful if people would comment on the effectiveness of the following methods for removing / preventing mould, and suggest other possible solutions. I know there's a certain level that I'll just have to tolerate - I want this to be as small as possible though!

    Mould destruction methods:

    * cross breezes - have windows open as much as possible, fans on;

    * dehumidifier;

    * dissicants - such as 'damp rid' and 'tinkling grandma' (local brand - loving the name);

    * scrub walls and ceilings with sugar soap;

    * pray to the fire Gods to rid this scurge from the earth - or at least my house.

    Not sure about the effectiveness of the last method ... willing to give it a chance though.

    Other recommendations would be most appreciated.

    Thanks

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  • Is there somewhere in Hanoi where I could buy a 'surface spray' insecticide? Ie something one sprays onto hard surfaces and it hangs around and kills insects in contact with it / deters them for months afterwards? They're readily available in Australia, however I suspect I can't bring a can over on the plane - think it'd be classified as an explosive as it's an aerosol.

    Also, ant baits?

    I can find immediate effect insect sprays and rat baits, but not the surface spray or the ant baits.

    Thanks

    R

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  • Related to maliusmaximus' recent post, yet different- where should I currently go to get the best rate on converting VND into US$?

    I just closed down my Vietcombank account, and they would not give me US$, no matter what: the bank had issued a decree (decision number 19/QD-NHNT.HDQT) that from 3pm May 28 they will not sell USD until further notice. I assume other banks currently have something similar in effect.

    I want out of VND - suspect rates on the black market are going to really suck though.

    Any advice in the next day or so appreciated.

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  • Before I do a metro run and just buy the first thing I see, can anyone recommend the brand / model of a good basic microwave?

    And where the best place to buy it / any microwave would be?

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  • What do people think of the condoms one can buy in Vietnam?

    ie. Are they of sufficient quality to be trusted? Are they likely to cause their own special rashes from allergic reactions to impure ingredients?

    And where does one buy them? I did come across 'vietcondom world' (or something like that) once, however can't remember where.

    Should I just bring a two year supply back with me from Australia??

    (tricky to estimate).

    Thanks

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  • 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 PM / email me.

    Thanks.

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  • Anyone have an idea as to why my ipod would have just hit a 'white screen of death'? That is, the screen light comes on and the ipod plays, however no writing / symbols whatsoever come up on the screen. It's an 8GB mini (no video), about 2 years old.

    Problem came about when I connected it to my Mac & aborted syncing the ipod, then tried to import my music from it (without having first installed the special software on my Mac).

    I reset it to factory settings & offered to update software (didn't need it, apparently), however this didn't fix the problem. Also tried recharging it, and randomly shaking and yelling at it, however all to no avail.

    Before I go to the Mac repair shop here, was hoping someone may have a tip.

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  • Does any one know where I could find a NGO database for Vietnam? Am interested in a complete-ish, up to date-ish list of all NGOs working in Vietnam, their mission / vision, and their actual projects / activities.

    I know the VUFO- NGO resource centre has a list, however it's just for INGOs that are members, so it's very partial (only around 140 organisations, I understand).

    I'd like all NGOs, including local ones.

    I suspect there might be some kind of government body with an NGo database (I think all NGOs have to register with some department), however I don't know which one it is, and whether I have any chance of accessing NGO information from them.

    Suggestions for how I might locate this info gratefully received.

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Answers (59)
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Well-Written (9) Funny (6) Accurate (11) Useful (12)

Real Name

Rik

My Blog or Website

Not Listed

Email

carcharodon@gmail.com

In Hanoi Since

Wednesday April 16th, 2008

Here Until

Wednesday April 14th, 2010

New Hanoian Member Since

Saturday April 19th, 2008