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
saigon
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)
Sara Halal Food Restaurant – Phu Nhuan District
I finally got some pictures of the halal restaurant, Sara, I visit at least twice a week. The food there is really good and inexpensive. I spend roughly 20,000-25,000 VND for each meal I get there, mostly a different variety of fried rice. Oddly enough, I just found out the name of the restaurant today. The service is great, one of the best in the city. I will add Sara … [Read more...] about Sara Halal Food Restaurant – Phu Nhuan District
Xmas lights still up – Phu Nhuan District
The power went out in my alleyway last night for about 30 minutes. Went the lights came back on, I was able to take these pictures. For 3 years in a row, they have put on Christmas lights in my alleyway. They will stay up until the Vietnamese New Year in mid-February. … [Read more...] about Xmas lights still up – Phu Nhuan District
Long wait to pay my water bill
Last Friday I went to the water company to pay my water bill. In the last 4 years, it never took more than a few minutes to walk in and pay for my bill. Their system was very efficient. On Friday, things changed. Their computer system was not working so the staff were filling out all the receipts by hand. It took about 20 minutes to get to me and another 3-4 minutes to … [Read more...] about Long wait to pay my water bill