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August Fun

With August half way in the book, it's time to get in touch with our ever-growing community and to welcome all the newcomers to the site. The August 12th meet-up at Dragonfly went off with great success. There was a healthy mix site veterans, curious arrivals who had heard about it by word of mouth, and those who just happened to wander into the fun. Everybody got themselves signed up, and then it was off to free booze! With such a chatty, mingling group, it was truly our pleasure to help make such a night possible. An extra special thanks needs to go out again to Dragonfly for sponsoring the event and making all those drinks happen. Those of you who had a good time there, don't be shy about dropping back in again and thanking Binh and Thao for their hospitality. They're true assets to the Hanoi scene. If you didn't make it out, then pay attention. Another will be announced for the middle of next month in another fine Hanoian establishment. To attend, all you'll need to do is be a member. The fun of being a member doesn't end there. Like every month, the users of our site are eligible for prizes from area businesses for the contributions they make to the site. Writing reviews, answering questions, entering new spots, and just generally adding to the overall knowledge of the community can get you all kinds of things...on top of some good old fashioned karma. At stake this month, we have a lunch time spread of fine Japanese food, a night of dazzling cocktails in Hanoi's newest lounge, and free reign in Hanoi's finest English language bookshop. That would just about fill a perfect day for me. The contributions of one of our site members is going to land he or she and three other friends in Ren for an all expenses paid lunch. The foursome will have their choice of this Japanese hotspot's diverse lunch set menus. More than just sushi or sashimi, Ren offers a wide range of Japanese culinary traditions under a single (often packed) roof. If you've never swung by this dignified little gem on Hang Chao before, you may consider making a reservation in advance. It's obviously no secret to the Japanese expat community, as finding a table is no sure bet. For our lucky winner, there will be no waiting. Lunch, tea, coffee, dessert...it will all be at their beck and call at Ren. For the night owls among you, perhaps this very generous offer from Tipsy Ultra Lounge is what will get your fingers clicking away on those keyboards. One distinguished New Hanoian and five friends will be heading to this chic new establishment on Hang Bong for the royal treatment. The group will start at the bar on the second floor where each will be treated to a cocktail of their choice. When this display of the Tipsy bar staff's top notch skill is complete, the group will move to the third floor lounge to make full use of its gregarious layout while polishing off a bottle of fine liquor. They'll have a choice of Remy Martin VSOP, Martell 12yrs, or Absolut Vodka. All you need to do to be in contention for this prize is get to work on those reviews and answers. Do that, and you'll be out and about in style...compliments of Tipsy Ultra Lounge and the skill of your own hand on the New Hanoian. Finally, for those who prefer to stimulate their minds rather than (or in addition to) their palates, we give you this treat from the Bookworm. One of our contributing users will be free to choose one new or three second hand books from any of their many jam packed shelves. For years the Bookworm has been one of the most frequent destinations for English language reading material in Hanoi, but their new ownership has really taken the shop to a new level. In addition to the constant arrival of new titles, the shop is now a full-fledged arts and culture center. Rotating exhibits of young Vietnamese artists can almost always be found gracing the walls of the gallery space on the first floor, and frequent events are hosted to bring various elements of Hanoi's creative community together. If you haven't been back to the Bookworm for a while, it may be time to drop back in and have a look at what's going on. It seems to be a little something different each time you go by. There you go Hanoians new and old, your call to arms...or contribution as it were. Enter some new spots, write about the places already listed, or help out your fellow community members by answering a few of their questions when they come up. It's all it takes to grab one of the coveted spots in the winner's circle. Before we sign off, however, it's getting to be that time of the year again. That's right, the KOTO bike ride is already on the horizon. Hanoi’s biggest annual mountain bike charity challenge is back and takes place on Saturday 1st December, 2007. This year, organisers are hoping to break last year’s record of 173 cyclists and raise in excess of US$ 25,000. The bike ride is organised every year to raise money for KOTO (Know One Teach One) Hanoi’s training restaurant for disadvantaged young people. Starting at the centre of Hanoi, the 80K routes sweeps past paddy fields, pagodas and lakes to reach Ba Vi national park. To keep weary punters peddling, KOTO provides cyclists with a light breakfast, lunch and refreshments throughout the day. Cyclists under the age of 16 can enter a 40K junior ride which picks up the main route half way to Ba Vi. Each cyclist must pledge to raise a minimum of $150 but Vietnamese nationals, NGO volunteers and under 16s have a fundraising target of $50. To enter, email kotobikeride@gmail.com or visit www.kotobikeride.com. It's a fun day and a great cause, so keep it mind as these last murderously hot days pass by and we can consider things like outdoor activity once again. Sign up early. Get your friends to join you. Really. It's a good time. Cheers all, The Staff of the New Hanoian

Written by alpha

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