In Saigon these days, where ever you go you will see another new building popping up somewhere. In fact, the construction may be getting out of control. Vietnamese call this progress but I worry that a Thailand-like real estate crash may be on it's way to Vietnam. The media here seem positive about the economy in 2010 but the reality is quite different. That is all I will … [Read more...] about More new buildings in Saigon
Archives for 2010
Dogs do not howl at sirens in Vietnam
It just hit me today, when I was upstairs I heard an ambulance go by my house on the canal. For some reason a memory from my youth back home in Centralia, Washington, popped into my mind. Everytime the fire trucks, police cars or ambulance turned on their sirens, the dogs, I mean all the dogs, would howl at them. In Saigon, there are dogs everywhere, at least one per … [Read more...] about Dogs do not howl at sirens in Vietnam
Another Saigon Expat Blogger
It has been nearly 4 months since I last updated my list of Bloggers in Vietnam. Here is another one to add called Saigon in a Cup by Tung from the US. Give it a read. Please welcome Tung to the Saigon blogosphere! … [Read more...] about Another Saigon Expat Blogger
4 Year Anniversary in my house
It just hit me, I have now stayed in the same house here in Saigon for 4 years. My landlord collected the rent again. The way things are currently going, I may stay here until the summer or when I make the move to Japan. The condition of the house is still okay. The bottom portion below my room is always clean. Where my housemate lives, it tends to be very dusty. Expats … [Read more...] about 4 Year Anniversary in my house
Smoking Banned in Vietnam (for Vietnamese)
Many Expats may not realize it but smoking in public and work places is now illegal in Vietnam as of January 1st, 2010. As per many of the Vietnamese laws, though, it is not being strictly enforced. Many coffee shops and restaurants still have ash trays on the tables. I was at Highlands over a week ago and told them that there is a smoking ban. They had no idea and allowed … [Read more...] about Smoking Banned in Vietnam (for Vietnamese)