Hello New Hanoians, one and all. We're back. No, we didn't forget about you. We just waited to make sure that we had everything together before coming back with all the big news. September only has about a week remaining, but an exciting week it will be. We've got user prizes to announce, a new sort of meet up to take on, an outstanding community fundraiser you won't want to miss, and a C.A.M.A. party on the horizon. Hanoi is definitely back in full swing after that bit of a summer lull. Let's take it chronologically.

H.I.T.S. Party at Green Mango

First off, H.I.T.S. (Hanoi International Theatre Society) is all set to turn Green Mango into a madhouse once again. Hundreds will be heading down Hang Quat on this Saturday the 27th to show their support for H.I.T.S. (and their upcoming production of Blood Brothers) as well as for the very deserving NGO, REACH. 100,000 VND gets you in the door (with a welcome drink), and then party the night away while enjoying sneak previews of the upcoming production, raffles, door prizes and much more. Proceeds will go to cover the H.I.T.S. Blood Brothers production (50%) and REACH (50%), a Hanoi non-profit working to provide vocational training and employment for disadvantaged youth. With 300+ heading that way, be advised that parking will be a problem. It's recommended that anyone with the means to take a taxi to the night's event should do so, then enjoy themselves in a manner that makes the foresight of taking a taxi seem like a stroke of genius.

The New Hanoian Meet Up with a Lebanese Flair

Next up is our monthly gathering, only this time it's going to play out a bit differently. Rather than overwhelming a place for three hours of drink inspired revelry, we'll be taking it a bit more leisurely. As mentioned in the last newsletter, we'll be dining Lebanese-style. Ya Beirut, Hanoi's first home of traditional cuisine straight from Lebanon is in the process of opening its doors to the general public, but it's not quite open yet (so don't go stampeding that way until the official opening in a couple weeks). You, however, will be getting the royal treatment well in advance of the rest of Hanoi. As part of Ya Beirut's week of invite only events, an evening has been set aside for the New Hanoian community. And by an evening, I mean a whole evening...five hours worth of evening. On Tuesday, September 30th, from 6pm~11pm, any and all New Hanoian members will be welcome to explore their full range of Lebanese delicacies. While everyone may already know hummus or baba ghanouj, you'll be getting a chance to familiarize yourself with aspects of Lebanese dining that the casual restaurant goer just doesn't get. Get on over to the event page to click on "I'm attending" and stayed tuned for further details of what promises to be our most palate pampering night yet.

When we took a month off, we knew the competition for prizes would be intense when we returned. But, I don't know that we thought it'd be like this. New members and site veterans alike have been absolutely tearing up the review pages with contributions ranging from elegant to outright hilarious. It's going to be a long day on October 1st, pouring through all that writing to decide who gets this month's prizes, but when you all put out that kind of effort, we're more than happy to match it ourselves. Here's what's at stake:

A Lucky Six Head to Fusion

First up, Truc Bach Lake has its newest destination for kicking back and watching the sun set over the waters. With huge windows, comfy seats, chill music, and a lakeside location, Fusion covers all the bases. One of our esteemed community members and five of his or her friends will be heading there one evening for the full on, participatory tour. The sextet will be treated to complimentary wine and dinner from their kitchen serving casual cuisine that ranges from stalwarts of the local fare, to Western and Middle Eastern dishes that dovetail nicely with the overall vibe they've set up. After dinner, the remnants of the feast will be whisked away and replaced with the slow smolder of the shisha. They can ruminate on their good fortune (their being in the good graces of one of our fine contributors) and sip the night away on rounds of complimentary cocktails. Fusion will present the complete experience, but only one of you and your writing holds the key to being a part of it.

Lunch Thali for six at India Palace - Dakshin

Second, it's again a lucky six heading out to indulge in some lakeside dining. This time, rather than dinner, lunch is the order of the day. India Palace - Dakshin is eager to remind everyone that a lunch experience beyond the rice and noodle standards can be had without breaking the bank. They also want the community to know that they have heeded your previous comments about their establishment and have rededicated themselves to winning you back. Additionally, the space itself is getting a new look, regular events are being hosted, and the vegetarian menu of their previous establishment, Dakshin, has been selectively incorporated into the new menu. Our winner and five friends will get to sample it all in the form of their specialty lunch Thali. Treats from both northern and southern India will round out a very filling lunch meal from a perch overlooking West Lake during this incomparable time of the year. Get in some last reviews, and give you and your friends a chance to see the changes happening at India Palace - Dakshin.

Spa La Madera's Foot Reflexology for Four

Finally, we've got some relief for all those aching feet, tired from stomping all over Hanoi to discover the best this city has to offer. For your frequent hikes (and reports back to the community here), we'll be sending you to the newly launched Spa La Madera. You and three fellow invitees will be getting their full foot reflexology treatment. Their operations center on environmentally friendly use of local products and traditional Vietnamese relaxation techniques. For your particular treatment, they'll be using the ancient technique of "inching" where they stimulate thousands of pinhead sized reflex points on the feet that correspond to your body systems and organs, helping to relieve stress, improve circulation, and facilitate the natural healing process of the body. Spa La Madera is just the sort of place we like to send our hard working New Hanoians. The body is a temple, and we aim to keep our sources of local wisdom (you) in top form.

Wow. That was a lot. Before we sign off, we just want to mention that everybody ought to head over to the C.A.M.A. page to see what they've got cooking. The American Club will once again be rocking, and we'll have more about their upcoming event in a newsletter the first week of October. In the meantime, let them know you're down with the plan by getting to their page and noting your attendance status.

Keep up the great work. That fantastic Autumn weather is on the way.

The Staff of the New Hanoian