widepanoramas's Posts

2 reviews or comments posted; 2 questions asked; 3 answers given.

Reviews / Comments (2)

posted about 2 months ago by widepanoramas
about the venue: Dinh Hair Salon

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Dinh cut my floppy, unruly hair last week and has done a great job. It hadn't been cut for two months and was a mess, but he cut it very carefully, texturing it so that it sits well after a shampoo with no need to use a hairdryer to tame it into compliance. Another happy customer!

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posted about 3 months ago by widepanoramas
about the venue: The gioi nghieng 23o5

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I stumbled upon this gem on my way back from a swim at the Aquatic Centre. The appearance of the restaurant was attractive and casually "laid back". I had my fingers crossed, as I was wearing shorts, t-shirt and sneakers, and wet hair, and had only a limited amount of money in my pocket. I was made to feel like a treasured guest.

The menu was in Vietnamese only, but with the help of very friendly, good-natured waitresses (university students by day) we managed. I had noodles with chicken and rice and a really cold Tiger beer. Total cost? 46,000 dong.

I've been back twice (in the two weeks I have been in Hanoi) and been more adventurous with the food. I've tried their fish, beef, cai lan zao nam and enjoyed their beer. With several dishes and a couple of beers, it seems good value at 120,000 to 130,000 dong.

The manager/owner Luu Son is most welcoming, the staff efficient and friendly (they enjoy practising their English), the customers (young people, families and larger groups) are Vietnamese (and also very friendly), the ambience is lovely, being an outdoor/indoor place.

It's quite a "find" for me, and I'll be back on a regular basis. If any newcomers would like to accompany me, please contact me.

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Questions (2)

• Can anyone recommend a place to get a leather bag repaired? The bag was the victim of an obviously highly-skilled thief...at Big C. The design should allow it to be repaired invisibly. It has sentimental value, so it would hurt to have to discard it.

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• Has anyone been to Tam Coc on a day trip? Is there something available that is in between a private tour (too expensive) and a "stuffed into the back of a minibus" (too uncomfortable) tour?

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Answers (3)

• Posted Monday August 11th, 2008.

  I have just found two good swimming pools that are open to the public and reasonably priced.

  Try the Sao Mai pool on Tay Ho Street near West Lake. It is big, quiet and in an attractive setting.

  Also, try the Aquatic Palace near the National Stadium. It has two outdoor pools. One is suitable for kids and beginners. The other is seriously deep from one end to the other, so it is only suitable for proficient swimmers. The cost is 20,000VND. There is also a good indoor pool which costs 40,000VND.

  Both pools were clean, warm and inviting.

  In response to the question: HEllo...looking for a good pool to swim laps/exercise in near Truc Bach lake... as close as possible! ...

• Posted Sunday August 31st, 2008.

  I am teaching in the Vietnam-Australia School. It's not a public school, but all the students here are Vietnamese, and it's co-ed. The school is associated with PLC in Sydney. I've been here in Hanoi, working at the school for a month, and love it. I think they will be recruiting soon for 2009. If you want to know more, please message me.

  In response to the question: Is it possible to teach english in public schools in Hanoi? Hoping to spend next year there. Am trained, experienced Secondary teacher from Australia...

• Posted Thursday September 25th, 2008.

  Thanks everyone for your input! I like the idea of a weekend trip, but I will probably go with a friend, and the only day off that coincides is Sunday.

  Work gets in the way, eh?

  In response to the question: Has anyone been to Tam Coc on a day trip? Is there something available that is in between a private tour (too expensive) and a "stuffed into the back...

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