About a week ago I took this picture in District 2 (An Phu Ward) just after crossing the Saigon River Bridge. For many of you it may not mean much but for me this very photo illustrates the speed of Saigon's development. When I first arrived in Saigon back in May, 2004, I spent over three months in Thu Duc District. I used to commute on this same highway back and forth to … [Read more...] about New Saigon (2012)
Turkish Baklava in Saigon
For those of you that like Turkish baklava, the Berru Turkish and Coffee Restaurant in District 2 has them on the menu. Nice and sweet, you can even order with some ice cream. Even better … [Read more...] about Turkish Baklava in Saigon
Tet in Saigon
These Tet gifts, made up of coffee, cookies, tea, etc., are sold everywhere before the Tet holiday starts. … [Read more...] about Tet in Saigon
Tet Tree in Saigon
Vietnamese are now celebrating the Year of the Dragon during their Tet celebrations this week. Today is Day 6 of Tet. Right before Tet, Vietnamese bring their Tet trees back into their homes. Most of these trees will stay in the home for Tet but a service will later pick them up and take care of these trees until the next Tet. … [Read more...] about Tet Tree in Saigon
NHK and Aussie Channels replaced by the Army Channel
Last month subscribers to SCTV, one of the leading provider for cable television in Saigon, were surprised when many Australian channels and NHK, from Japan, were removed. No explanation was given. Another big surprise, a new channel run by the Army, some say the police, has been added. ANTV, the army channel, provides around the clock programming related to the Vietnamese … [Read more...] about NHK and Aussie Channels replaced by the Army Channel