natinnam's profile
natinnam's Posts
13 reviews or comments posted; no questions asked; 89 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (13) see all
I've not been to the new joint, so won't comment, but have visited R&R plenty of times over the years and never come a across a bunch of guys as described, maybe to odd one, but thats everywhere.
As to HanoiAnon post, please check out his web/blog address shown in his profile and you'll find out what sort of guy he is.
I guess we can add perverts to the list of people who go there now ??
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Iam bumping it back upto 4 stars, just because Hippo is allowed on here.
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posted about 2 months ago by natinnam
about the venue: Monument to Triumphant Frolicking Stallions - Gateway to Ciputra
Eyesore at first, now i don't even look at them.
My gripe is that their pointless, i live in Ciputra, and you cannot even enter the place by them. You have to drive down the side road, where if your not trying to avoid losing your bike or car down the potholes, your been run off the road by the buses.
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Right, enough reviews have passed since my last, it winds me up a wee bit when someone reviews 5 or more places in a row, with little or no information.
Anyway Jo Jo's !!
As the former owner of the Cow, i was a little miffed that it totally changed, when we was told they'd be tarting the Cow up. Well they paid the money so upto them in the end, and no bearing on the review.
I find myself coming to this place, maybe out of habit, also due to the location, that it is easy to park the car out the front after the drive in from golf.
My initial thoughts were "What the ****) since then it has grown on me some. The beer is cold, but does come in puffy glasses, and seems less than what would come in a mug type glass. Food wise, had some good and not so good there, so middle of the road. Service wise, not too bad, they have the Alfresco's spirit about them, and a new guy called Luke "i think" is running the place, and he's a decent guy. One other thing is the midget seats, not so good if your tall'ish, best get the wall seating then.
3 stars for now to sit on the fence, and see which direction it heads in.
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I came back home (Hanoi) for a week, and decided to give Daluva a try out, i'd had breakfast there before, and thought it was pretty good, but no one else around, so couldn't judge the place on that.
Anyway i tried it out with some of my golfing buddies, who i must say are not wine drinkers at all, same as me. Anyway they served beer by the bottle, and the way we drink, they did well to keep it coming cold all the time.
A friend had the garlic/cheese bread, which was excellent, and Alica (Who we know, but not biasing)got in a pizza which was pretty good too. So much so, i took the family back on Sunday lunch for another.
Thought the staff were very good for Hanoi standards. Couldn't remember the prices of beer, but certainly not a bill where i was suprised.
I can see why some people think it's not their cup of tea, but a few of my friends live in the area, so saves a trip into town.
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Questions (0)
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Answers (89)
Posted Tuesday December 18th, 2007.
I would second alpha's points, i've been here 7 years, and my wife is Vietnamese, so i have to endure Tet, but if you had the time and money, i'd get out of town for a little break.
Although this being your first time, it might be an eye opener, and persude you next year to definately get out of town.
As for shops, apart from the main Tet NY's day, a fair few start opening back up the day after down the centre of town, mainly for the tourist trade.
I remember my first Tet in 2001, this place was like a ghost town, luckily the few expat pubs stayed open.
In response to the question: I'll be a Tet first-timer in February. I've heard from some colleagues that practically everything shuts down for the duration except for a small n...
Posted Monday January 21st, 2008.
Victorty CD/DVD shop, 128 Hang Bac street in the old quarter, has a very good selection.
Also if your into CD/DVD's let them know you live Hanoi, ask them about the quality and they'll give you a straight answer.
Unlike the tourist who buy them, do a quick view, only to find the last 20 mins of the movie jumps all over, and cuts out when you want to know who did it !!
In response to the question: Has anyone found a shop that sells Western magazines or newspapers? ...
Posted Monday April 21st, 2008.
With a criteria like that, i hope you have deep pockets. Only the big villa's around west lake match, and they are few and far between, and snapped up pretty quick. Also the villa's are not big on gardens and outbuildings, space is money here.
Best bet, could be Ciputra where we live, the villas are decent, with little gardens, but this is a gated community, so free from the mad streets, plus has play grounds and free space to walk, also the apartments have a pool, which is good if you have kids. Its at the far end of west lake, but no lake view unless you live in the apartments.
As for websites, there are many around, iam suprised if no one has contacted yet from this posting.
www.movevietnam.com
http://en.metvuong.com
Just a few to get you started.
In response to the question: My family and I are moving to Hanoi for at least the next two years. I am looking for advice on who to contact and how to find rentals (houses or apar...
Posted Wednesday April 23rd, 2008.
If you had Vietnamese help, this would save you a fortune. Like my wife, most Vietnamese have a trusty doctor who they can phone or visit. They describe what your after, and the doctor refers you to the corrrect drug (Proberly not the same brand name) but does the same trick, that you can get over the counter for a fraction of the cost. If like me at first, your not 100% with the drug advised, go on the internet and research, you'll proberly find it recomended along with the named drug your use to.
BTW, $60 is cheap, try SOS, they'll take the shirt off your back also. On top of the consultation fee, you pay top dollar for the drugs, only to peel the sticker back, and find you can get the same stuff for 20 bucks cheaper over the road.
In response to the question: Hi could anybody recommend me to a Physician who doesn't charge $60 for a prescription? This overcharging is just preposterous! I need to buy my an...
Posted Friday April 25th, 2008.
Don't even bother to try it for flights, absolutly no way. If you have a residence card, that is accepted, well it was 4 years ago, not tried it since.
Photocopy will be a hit and miss affair for the hotels as well, but if you stay at the medieum to low end places, they will bend the rules for the money.
In response to the question: I need to turn in my passport to get a visa to travel outside Vietnam. In the meantime I need to travel within Vietnam and need to know if I can do so...
Posted Monday April 28th, 2008.
With so many cars around now, you'd expect the cost to be relitivly low, think again.
A few people i've heard of now, set up a deal with taxi companys. Some use a pre-fixed rate, other use vouchers, and the total bill is settled at months end.
Another option is the bus, which runs past there, but will be over crowded at those times.
Really you shouldn't be a wimp, the bike opens a whole lot more than just going to work, and after the first few times, you'll fit in with the rest of the mayhem.
In response to the question: Hi - I'm moving to Xuan Dieu shortly and will be commuting to work near HK lake each day. I know, I know, I could buy a motorbike, but I'm a wimp!!! ...
Posted Thursday May 1st, 2008.
Firstly if your in a rented house, see if you have a voltage stablizer installed. This regulates the voltage and to some extent the frequency. If one isn't fitted, this maybe the problem, due to the national grid here in VN, the voltage/frequency is all over the place, which plays havoc with electrical equipment.
Also i would do yourself a favour and proberly get a UPS, sudden blackouts are not uncommon.
How do i know this ? Iam currently building/commissioning my 3rd power station in Vietnam, and see 1st hand what the grid is upto.
In response to the question: At home I plug my computer into an adapter and a power strip, but it is heating up quite quickly. Although I have lived overseas a number of times, th...
Posted Thursday May 1st, 2008.
Just forgot to say, check with what mnguyen said first.
If your from the US, your computer will be 110v/60hz and in Vietnam it is 220v/50hz. If thats Ok, proceed with what i suggested.
In response to the question: At home I plug my computer into an adapter and a power strip, but it is heating up quite quickly. Although I have lived overseas a number of times, th...
Posted Thursday May 1st, 2008.
Also read this article i just found:
http://buyersguide.bargainoffers.com/voltage_guide.shtml
Yes !! I am bored at work right now, as a national holiday and no one else here.
In response to the question: At home I plug my computer into an adapter and a power strip, but it is heating up quite quickly. Although I have lived overseas a number of times, th...
Posted Friday May 2nd, 2008.
Yep, Ba Trieu Street is the place, but you did mention "Durable and Lasting" which is not in the sales pitch for the bikes sold around there.
If your a well built person, be prepared to spend some time repairing (strengthing) your bike, and if you are really intending on using it for it's "Mountain" biking purpose, think again.
When i lived in the country side, those bikes fell to pieces at the sight of a dirt track.
In response to the question: Hi does anybody know where to buy a durable lasting mountain bike?...
Posted Tuesday May 6th, 2008.
Best go look for yourself, walked pasted there sometime back and most were still Chinese made from the quick look.
Also it seems your not the biking type, i use to do a little in my younger days. Don't be impressed by all the shocks (dampers) they stick on the bikes these days, these are only any use on better made bikes, made for mountain biking.
For riding to India, get a sturdy bike, comfortable riding position, easy maintainable as all your problems will have to be done by road side vendors and yourself.
In response to the question: Hi does anybody know where to buy a durable lasting mountain bike?...
Posted Tuesday May 6th, 2008.
If you want 100% fresh, you'll have to go native. I would say 90% of Vietnamese still go to their district or suburb street market or vendors, although the more affulent are going to the supermarkets now, mainly for convenience. My wife still drives the 15mins back to her district that she grew up in, and to the same people who have been selling there for years, as trust is involved.
Here the meat is that fresh, they kill the fish, chicken or duck right in front of you, if you like, and you know the pork was done proberly on several hours back (wonder round Hanoi at 5am and you'll hear the pig screams around).
As for fruit and veg, this is only 4 to 5 hours from the night markets dotted around Hanoi, so proberly only a day old, some of the fruits have to come a little more distance, but still fresh, i can vouch for that.
Still some of the supermarket stuff is still the same stuff, but packaged, and your charged twice the price.
So if your ready for a rumble down the local market, with hacking, slicing and chopping all around, that where you'll get the best stuff.
P.S. Best take a Vietnamese friend the first few times, get the prices per Lb/kilo sorted.
In response to the question: can anyone advise where will I be able to buy fresh vegetables, fruits and meat from? I find that all these from the supermarket does not seem fresh t...
Posted Tuesday May 6th, 2008.
Just forgot, if your an expat, who's not into the blood sports and pick and mix scramble with the fruit and veg.
Iam told Veggy's is a good place to go, far end of west lake.
In response to the question: can anyone advise where will I be able to buy fresh vegetables, fruits and meat from? I find that all these from the supermarket does not seem fresh t...
Posted Tuesday May 6th, 2008.
Yeah, forgot about 9-12, when out with my wife, we can never go past that place without her popping for something.
In response to the question: can anyone advise where will I be able to buy fresh vegetables, fruits and meat from? I find that all these from the supermarket does not seem fresh t...
Posted Friday May 9th, 2008.
I've wondered round many places in Hanoi, and seen many strange and unusual things for sale, which you wouldn't expect here, but i've never seen a Kayak (Canoe) for sale.
My Mum and Dad went to Halong bay once and did the kayaking around the big rocks in the sea thing. They came back with the useful info that they imported their kayaks, maybe they forsaw this question coming !
Anyway, the best bet would be going with a Vietnamese friend to the Hanoi Boat Club, at the far end of West Lake, near Ciputra. I have see a few guys out in Kayaks there, but their main thing is 1 to 8 man rowing boat, as like Oxford/Cambridge race type. So maybe they have a used one there for sale, or maybe point you in the right direction.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can buy a one-person kayak?...
Posted Wednesday May 14th, 2008.
Are you meaning Private investigator (P.I) ? As in Tom Selleck, Magnum P.I ?
If so, i am also curious how he manages to find work. The Vietnamese i know, seem to know everything about everyone, some times even before they happen.
On a serious note, i'd be careful, if there are people in this line of work, they will have been police or still are, and will definately move in the murkier side of Hanoi.
In response to the question: Does anyone knows where can I find a P.I. here in Hanoi and if so, how do they charged?...
Posted Thursday July 31st, 2008.
I have bought NF stuff here some time back, and my wife who is Vietnamese grilled the shop owner, and she was convinced that they were original, but with a minor defect. The woman in the shop even pointed out the defect for us, which to most is imposible to find.
If it was fake i couldn't tell as i used them just for the cold winters here. My friend who bought a load of stuff to go skiing in NZ never had any complaints either.
My view is, if your only buying for the name, and not using the clothing for the correct use, I.e. Mountain Climbing, artic expedition. I'd proberly buy them and take the chance, if you intend to use for correct purpose, it's not worth risking at all.
In response to the question: I've seen posts re North Face clothing at Tolia Shop, Hanoi Towers and visited there today. North Face Gore-tex jackets for 950000VND is very cheap an...
Posted Thursday July 31st, 2008.
Yeah, there's quite a few, but it doesn't always mean they are better run than Vietnamese places, although getting your point or view across to them is easier i guess.
Off top of my head, all Indian restaurants(Indian Chef) except Food Shop 45, but that does a damm good curry.
Finnegans, owner is Moonie but has expat bar staff. Daluva run by expats, same with Jafa at Ciputra.
Half the Italian joints in town, alfresco's chain/group run by Aussies.
I could go on, but if you, like Alpha says, give us your insight to why you'd like to know, i could be more specific.
In response to the question: Hi a question here: Could anyone adress any Hanoian restaurants and bars that are run by expats? Any Italian Pizza done by Italians? Any French croiss...
Posted Tuesday August 5th, 2008.
Would need to know your ages, what your into, do you have kids, you have a choice where to live by your company, or you just plonking yourself somewhere for a while ?
In brief then:
Hanoi - Has 4 seasons, although Spring and Autum are only a month long. Can be roasting in the summer, bloody cold in the winter. Hanoi is pretty quiet these days, compared with say 3 years ago, police keep an eye out on the bar scene, not saying everything shutsdown at 12:00, but you must know where to go after, and the after hours places are spread out.
Museums, more than it's Southern counter part, Hanoi is the administration and Goverment centre of VN, and some say quiet, plenty of green spaces and lakes in the centre compared to HCMC.
HCMC - Has two seasons, rainy and dry. Nightlife, has everything you want, areas of the city do close at 12:00 which funnels alot of people down the backpackers quarters, and discos where they don't bother the locals. HCMC is the financial centre of VN, and you can tell, although the North keeps a close eye on the place. Not so much green spots as Hanoi. More expats doing things down here, and seem to mix better than Hanoi.
That is very brief, try www.newhanoian.com it gives you loads of info and write ups for Hanoi, more so than this sister site,which is only just got going (Very slowly, HCM expats must be too busy to give any input)
In response to the question: We are moving to Vietnam in 2 months. I was wondering which city would you choose to live in given the chance? Hanoi, Ho Chi Min or a city 1/2 betwe...
Posted Tuesday August 5th, 2008.
Temple of literature also has a entrance fee, well last time i went some time ago.
The smaller Pagodas/Temples you may come across while walking around, usually have a collection box, just stuff what you think in there.
In response to the question: Does anyone know if any of Hanoi's temples or pagodas have an entrance fee? Which ones? Cheers!...
Posted Wednesday August 6th, 2008.
Cannot help with the first request, but your second and third questions, are pretty well covered in reviews on this website, spend some time reading through some and you'll get a good picture of each venue.
Wesmo7583 has his preference, I'd have mine, then you'll proberly get a dozen other peoples choices soon, all diferent.
I keep an eye on all the reviews and when i come back to Hanoi (In Saigon now) i try some of the better ones out.
In response to the question: Please do feel free to recommend me on a good spa( ie. one that do nice and firm swedish massage or hot stone massage). I'm a qualified Alternative th...
Posted Tuesday August 12th, 2008.
I notice every answer has been given an "Utter Rubbish" wonder who would be doing that ?
Jimbo is right, it should stay, as in general the people who use this site know, when a con is going down. I see Cant & Green gave Green Mango a right pasting, these are 2 first time reviews, who must have gone together, as they both joined NH on the 11th Aug, if you go down the list of reviews, you see that long timers have given the place good reviews, so understandable, that their reviews got so much "Utter Rubbish".
As for PhillipeP many "Utter Rubbish" reviews, that can only down to the 1 or 2 lines he writes, i know i'd give it so. Espesially when there are so many good reviewers on this site, no one wants to read "Place nice, beer cheap" Five stars !!
It's one reason i don't write that much, iam just a engineer, men of few words, but when you read generally what the teachers write, they put alot of effort in, so anything under 2 or 3 lines, doesn't cut it these days.
Just my thoughts anyway, sure i'll get shot down at some point :-)
In response to the question: Can we do something about the utter rubbish section. It seems that there are some people who are playing with this click. I agree with all the others ...
Posted Tuesday August 12th, 2008.
That's a new one !! Been here a while, but never heard of that scam before.
Don't know how much your bike was worth to you, but with that many witnesses, a flash of a $100 to the first person to bring it back can sometimes work.
In response to the question: WARNING! For those of you looking for housing to rent, steer CLEAR of Pho Van Cao, at the end of Lieu Giai! On Alley 33, house number 3, there is an ...
Posted Thursday August 14th, 2008.
Finnegan's Irish Bar used to show them last season, although the time i was there, you couldn't hear the commentary well.
In response to the question: The new EPL season starts Saturday - any suggestions for a good venue to watch the games?...
Posted Thursday August 14th, 2008.
Don't "Utter Rubbish" a Utter Rubbish Review. You'll upset the writer, and be hunted down like a wild animal.
In response to the question: Newbie in Hanoi - Any 2 cents on things to watch out for? Appreciate the tips. Thks. ...
Posted Thursday August 21st, 2008.
The rubbish collectors (Bin Dippers) will have someone lined up for them, it's not cos their enviromently friendly or pro recycling, it's just everything has a price for it.
I know a guy who was speaking to a landfill expert over here from the US. As usual this guy was talking in jargon, and said the primary filters in Vietnam have by far the best efficience rate he has ever come across. When asked what the hell is a primary filter, the guy just said the "People", not much gets to landfill.
In response to the question: Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows where you can dispose of batteries responsibly? I've developed quite a stash over the year and was hoping I...
Posted Wednesday August 27th, 2008.
HSBC all the way, noo hassle what so ever.
www.hsbc.com.vn
Even their website is pretty good and straight forward.
108 ATM machines now, and they even put cash in them, unlike several VN banks and their machines.
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend a hassle-free bank where I can start a bank account (either dong or dollars) and make deposits and withdrawals without showing do...
Posted Wednesday August 27th, 2008.
Never heard or come across any expat swimming instructors in Hanoi. There is the Vietnamese instructors which are found at most 4/5 star hotels, and public pools, but only good for basics. I had to re-train my wife once she had learnt by their methods.
I use to swim loads till i came across alcohol and cigs. And open water events (Lakes/rivers/sea) are a total different ball game to the pool, and don't think the locals could teach you about that.
Hope you find a fitter swimmer than me.
In response to the question: Weird question I know.... Is anyone or does anyone know of a good swim coach/stroke correction person? I have started swimming recreationaly an...
Posted Thursday August 28th, 2008.
All that for a $100, i can see why your having trouble ;-)
In response to the question: Hi, I'm having trouble finding a part-time, Vietnamese House Keeper who, can cook, shop, clean, speaks English, German and Chinese (max. sal. USD1...
Posted Friday August 29th, 2008.
Aye, please clean up, and keep it under control, i nearly got one stuck under my wheels last time i was back.
Come to think of it, keep it out of sight, my son wants a pet, and we've told him no one else has one in the towers :-)
In response to the question: We are toying with the idea of renting an apartment in Ciputra. Anyone living there know if its ok to have pets?...
Posted Thursday September 18th, 2008.
Your mate doesn't actually smoke. The cigarette does all the smoking, he's just the sucker!
In response to the question: good buddy (not me - really!) is trying to quit smoking and I am fully behind him. But he's pretty much unbearable without his daily fix and the rest...
Posted Saturday September 20th, 2008.
There is a very good one in Leeds in the UK, also my wife swears by the one in Singapore, but take your visa card its quite expensive ;-)
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend Toni and Guy Hairdressers???...
Posted Monday September 22nd, 2008.
The post office here, is manned by a bunch of lazy theiving ba**ards. Same as above, either missing all together, or items taken out of package.
We tell friends now to TNT, FEDEX etc anything to us.
My parents forgot the last time (This May gone)and sent by normal means. Anyway we got the notice card off the post office to come and collect package. My wife went down and they said it was a mistake, as they couldn't find the package any more. Anyway knowing the towrags that they are, she went to the manager, and demanded to see the logs. Low and behold it had arrived but gone missing, not their fault fault apparently !!!!!!!!
In response to the question: I got here a few months ago. I've been using ebay for years. I wanted some old camera equipment--50 year old cheap Russian cameras and 30 year old N...
Posted Wednesday October 1st, 2008.
Maybe RIKI should re-phrase that, "Decent" bars cafes & nightclubs.
In response to the question: Can you all reply & help build a summary of all the "bars, cafes & night-clubs" that stay open extra late (ones where the police to NOT go to to do "d...
Posted Friday October 3rd, 2008.
Right, i thought you was taking the p*ss at first, but i dont do witty replys without checking first, as this is Vietnam and stranger things have happened.
Anyway checked around, none that i can see around Hanoi, but if you head down the Nha Trang, they have this company:
http://www.raftingvietnam.com/main.htm
Who says they do Fly Fishing courses
In response to the question: Strange question, but does anyone know of any good fly-fishing spots in Vietnam (or in the region more generally?) Thanks in advance. Misha...
Posted Tuesday October 7th, 2008.
Agree with SoViet, there are much bigger worrys in VN, infact SE Asia as a whole, than a few muppets on Minsks who don't know how to get the fuel ratio right.
Traffic is a pollutant factor, but its the most visable, and easiest to point fingers at. I just spent the last 30 mins checking a dozen websites on this, just to be sure.
I work in that Devilish industry that is mentioned above, and if any of you are eco-mad, friendly, you'd pass out with what i've seen, this is not restricted to Vietnam, all developing countries go through this, and most developed countries went through this also, they just seem to forget that these days.
Btw: Also not a fan of iam a trendy minsk owner, for the record.
In response to the question: The other day a Vietnamese friend and I watched some guy putter through Hanoi traffic on his Minsk, cutting a wake as other riders veered away from th...
Posted Wednesday October 8th, 2008.
totally agree, just when the discussion is getting interesting, it gets to the bottom and disappears off the main page. So, if like me you don't add any further, cos out of sight out of mind sets in.
Like other message boards i go on, if the thread is attracting replies it stays at the top, and those who dont attract any response slowly go down the table.
In response to the question: I'm not sure whether it's a growing phenomenon, but I'm noticing increasing numbers of "questions" posted here that are really inviting a discussion o...
Posted Wednesday October 8th, 2008.
HCMC does have a sister site:
www.so-saigon.com
In response to the question: I'm not sure whether it's a growing phenomenon, but I'm noticing increasing numbers of "questions" posted here that are really inviting a discussion o...
Posted Tuesday October 28th, 2008.
Can only speak about HSBC, they have a Credit Card in a sense. It's a Visa Card, but you need your credit limit backed up by money in another account.
So we have a $4000 limit, say we spend $1000 in BKK, that $1000 then comes directly out of my savings account to pay the Visa, thus having $4000 ready to splash again.
So there is no chance of spending which i haven't got, which suits me fine.
In response to the question: Has anyone gotten a credit card while in Vietnam, and any recommendations?...
Posted Friday November 7th, 2008.
I just emailed her, i hope she replies !
In response to the question: Do people get much spam in response to things they post here? I just asked a question two days ago and just got the following spam message (the funni...
Posted Saturday November 8th, 2008.
Cannot help you with any start ups going on, or the business side of things, but can give you some advice in general.
Be very careful when it comes to your Vietnamese partner, which you have to have for a business, unless your thinking big time venture. I've seen a few expats get turned over by their VN partner, best of buddies at the start, expat puts all the effort in, becomes a success, VN partner doesnt like to share profit, bye bye expat !!
Iam sure this happens in most Countries that you have to have a local partner, just here they seem to smile at you when your getting stiffed.
Hope there are new rules to help avoid this, iam sure AmCham will let you know if there are.
In response to the question: Hello NewHanoians, I'm going to living here for at least the next six months and I was hoping to learn about and maybe get involved with some st...
Posted Monday November 17th, 2008.
Hard to avoid, and your right most can be spotted a mile off.
I asked something similar to Alpha (Iam sure he'll be on soon with a explanation).
Anyway if it's just a one off, from not a regular poster, the review doesnt effect the star rating. Regular posters have a high degree of sway with the ratings, mainly cos their trustworthy.
I just utter rubbish them if it's obvious.
In response to the question: I’m not sure if this question has been addressed before but I’ve met others who feel strongly about it. It’s in regard to the guideline that mem...
Posted Tuesday November 18th, 2008.
OK who "Utter Rubbished" me ? ;-)
In response to the question: I’m not sure if this question has been addressed before but I’ve met others who feel strongly about it. It’s in regard to the guideline that mem...
Posted Tuesday November 18th, 2008.
Yep, get a expat NGO consultancy job, you'll get a overpriced rented accomodation in either Ciputra or Tay Ho (West Lake). A driver and a Toyota Innova car to drive you the 175 yards to your office. You'll get a immidate place in UNIS for your kids, if they have grown up, make some up and claim the expenses anyway.
Finally you will get 6 weeks a year holiday, a 2 weeks for sick leave, and your accountable to nobody.
You'd be stupid not too
In response to the question: My wife has 2 - 3 year work contract in Hanoi, starting end of 2009. Accommodation included. The issue: I need some interesting work or I'll go nut...
Posted Thursday November 20th, 2008.
Was sent here by my 1st company in Sept 2000, loved the place. Got married had a son, bought a place for family. Work finished in 05, went to Qatar, crap compared to VN, so jumped at the chance to come back in 06, and still here working.
So answer to question, family and money is why iam here.
In response to the question: Not: I’m traveling Southeast Asia. Not: I’m teaching English. Not: Because my parents screwed. Why are you here?...
Posted Thursday November 20th, 2008.
I wouldn't say iam a sad expat, far from it, had shit loads of fun in VN with the mates ive made here.
I've seen some of the members on here in the flesh, and i certainly wouldn't coddle their nuts.
Although your right on the last point, discussion boards do need there ar*eholes, or they do become stale.
In response to the question: Not: I’m traveling Southeast Asia. Not: I’m teaching English. Not: Because my parents screwed. Why are you here?...
Posted Wednesday November 26th, 2008.
Maybe iam missing something here, but was the DJ (Ms. Ferrari ?) actually topless ?
In response to the question: Well?!...
Posted Wednesday November 26th, 2008.
Oh reet, i'll stick to Bar 47 & 51 on Hai Ba Trung in HCMC, drinks are cheeper ;-)
In response to the question: Well?!...
Posted Wednesday November 26th, 2008.
Iam living in HCMC right now (6 months) but my home is Hanoi. I sincerly hope Hanoi doesn't go the way of Saigon. The girly bars are a pain in the arse, when walking around Hai Ba Trung area.
Thats on the girly scene, Hanoi could take a few notes in the bar and social scene. Although if you look at the So-Saigon website (Sister of TNH)you'd think nobody lived down here.
In response to the question: Well?!...
Posted Friday November 28th, 2008.
It's a total dump of a port city, been there several times, and couldn't wait to get out, worst thing is, i maybe moving to a job there next year :-(
A fair few Japanese and Koreans there, my old boss is living there in Sun Flower Village, which is the best place to live if you have the wedge like. He keeps him self sane by going 1.2 hours away to play golf at Chi Linh.
He has told me, that a guy who use to work at Al'frescos has opened a copy place, which is quite good (Hai Phong standards anyway).
If your going there in a few months, so Jan/Feb time, take something warm, as it turns from a dump, to a miserable cold dump.
Good luck might see you there next year, iam bringing a noose if you already havent.
In response to the question: Hi I'm moving to Hai Phong in a couple of months. Can anybody advise on whether there is an expat community there? Where is the best source of informa...
Posted Friday November 28th, 2008.
Live with them you wuss, scars make you look hard !!!
In response to the question: Ok, so I now know that mosquito bite scars form from scratching, and I've sworn it off. Could someone please recommend something tried-and-true to us...
Posted Friday November 28th, 2008.
Lisa, just joking, but while your there, ask if they have any cream for a sense of humour bypass.
In response to the question: Ok, so I now know that mosquito bite scars form from scratching, and I've sworn it off. Could someone please recommend something tried-and-true to us...
Posted Saturday November 29th, 2008.
Pagoda, if their such important friends, why dont you try and phone them, to see if their OK ???
As for the Ads, if you dont like it, go elsewhere, been here quite a while, and there is a list as long as my arm of things that boils my piss, but i get on with it.
Yes this is a forum which helps out with questions on Hanoi/VN, and generally it does, but it would be a boring place without a bit of humour. Some peoples humour is not others, but once again, been an expat you have to have a bit of a thick skin to get by.
I only say this as i made a wuss remark on the scar thread, and got a PM of the poster that i was the most evil person that walked the plant.
If it becomes that humour is removed from Ask ANH, i'll get my coat !
In response to the question: Wonder if anyone is as p..d! as we are .... for sometime now the cable TV channels switch to silly Vietnamese adds right in the middle of a programme ...
Posted Wednesday December 3rd, 2008.
Do your homework first, and be home by 10pm or your grounded !!
In response to the question: I've been to Hanoi since little.....But to be honest, living in a Viet family and staying miles away from Hoan Kiem District didnt help me finding Han...
Posted Wednesday December 3rd, 2008.
With Hippo on this one, Atomic is far too clued up to fall for this scam. Prob just fishing to see if there is any mugs out there ?
In response to the question: Why would a prospective landlord claim the electricity in their beautiful hou came with a 20% foreigner surcharge? And how could they get away with ch...
Posted Wednesday December 3rd, 2008.
Iam not a well educated teacher like most on here, what the hell is "meh" or "mneh" ??
In response to the question: Well done guys, I applaud your addition of a less inflammatory button. I don't want to be a nit-picker or seem ungrateful but when it comes to this 'w...
Posted Wednesday December 3rd, 2008.
Iam still clueless to what "meh" is or means, iam getting too old !!
In response to the question: The first person who whines about the "meh" button, that's who. STFU!...
Posted Wednesday December 3rd, 2008.
Iam with granteralus on this !! "Whatever" is a poor American'ised put down.
Bring back good English put-downs !!
Total Bollocks !!
In response to the question: The first person who whines about the "meh" button, that's who. STFU!...
Posted Thursday December 4th, 2008.
You know 100% the Chef doesn't dip his balls into the marinara sauce ?
In response to the question: The first person who whines about the "meh" button, that's who. STFU!...
Posted Thursday December 4th, 2008.
You don't need them, if your only off for 2 days and proberly staying in some sort of accomadation with a fan or A/C.
Now if you tell me your going to be staying in stagnanting swamp, naked, and sweating like a dog in a Chinese resuarant, i might tell you different.
In response to the question: I'll be going to Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, and Phat Diem in a couple of weeks for a 2-day trip and was wondering if I need to take malaria medicatio...
Posted Thursday December 4th, 2008.
Your quite correct !!
Although having the Luna d'Autunno's chef's balls as the first thing that came into your head, you may have more pressing issues than the "meh" ;-)
In response to the question: The first person who whines about the "meh" button, that's who. STFU!...
Posted Thursday December 4th, 2008.
I bet you wish you could edit that comment !
In response to the question: I'll be back in Hanoi soon, and I'd like to avoid spending a high amount of dongs to get to the Hoan Kiem area. I've heard about taxi coupons, and I'...
Posted Thursday December 4th, 2008.
I like it !!
In response to the question: I'll be back in Hanoi soon, and I'd like to avoid spending a high amount of dongs to get to the Hoan Kiem area. I've heard about taxi coupons, and I'...
Posted Thursday December 4th, 2008.
Is a buck's night like a English Stag Night ?
Like going round bars, getting pissed with a bit of fun with girly's ?
In response to the question: Hello Hanoians, I hope this is not an inappropriate question to ask on a forum like this, but I thought Id give it a go and hopefully nobody gets o...
Posted Thursday December 4th, 2008.
I would consider changing to HCMC, iam working down here at the moment, and is more suited to stag nights.
If your stuck with Hanoi, then i have had 2 Stag nights out there. Basically both times we got wasted round the City, then ended up in a private room for Karaoke with some hostesses.
Proberly a bit gay by Atomics standards.
In response to the question: Hello Hanoians, I hope this is not an inappropriate question to ask on a forum like this, but I thought Id give it a go and hopefully nobody gets o...
Posted Thursday December 4th, 2008.
Iam with Hippo on this, the moderators of this site have given in to the whingers.
Meh and fail dont hit the note that UR reaches !!
Ive proberly got more UR's after Hippo and Jimbo, but dont lose sleep over it.
In response to the question: The first person who whines about the "meh" button, that's who. STFU!...
Posted Friday December 5th, 2008.
I wouldnt bother replying Buck Rogers, fall on deaf ears, a group within here just love each other and the stuff they spout, so what ever you write, you'll get "Meh" or "Fail" from them.
Understand the Stag "Buck" night thing totally, been on many myself. Hanoi proberly isn't the place, but with the crap you've got on here, would you want to come now ?
In response to the question: Hello Hanoians, I hope this is not an inappropriate question to ask on a forum like this, but I thought Id give it a go and hopefully nobody gets o...
Posted Tuesday December 9th, 2008.
Don't get involved full stop if they are strangers to you.
Every job ive been on in VN, our drivers have knocked people over or off their bikes, you are to stay in the car and say nothing.
Out in the Country side is even worse, ive seen lynch mobs trying to get at drivers who tried to help out after accidents.
In response to the question: Hey everyone. This might sound like a strange question, but does anyone here know of any legal issues surrounding first aid in vietnam? As in, if y...
Posted Tuesday December 9th, 2008.
Well another blinkered and rosey view from Virezo !!
I guess our handbooks and personal security advice, given by the Vietnam traffic police is total bollocks then.
I aint saying don't help, that is a individual choice, and we was told not to, it's served me well in the time ive been here.
In response to the question: Hey everyone. This might sound like a strange question, but does anyone here know of any legal issues surrounding first aid in vietnam? As in, if y...
Posted Tuesday December 9th, 2008.
Got knocked out in Pha Lai after a bike accident, no body helped in fact while i was unconsious the locals tried to steal my bike.
Got knocked off big time in Ca Mau centre, had a huge crowd round me, had to right the bike myself and hobble home pushing it.
I think your missing the question, of course we've all helped up someone who has just come a cropper with no real damage.
But if you read the question, it says horrible bike accidents and mentions CPR. Obvously these are situations which only few forigners are equipt to deal with for a start, but the police advise not too. Ive seen my fair share of bad accidents, and you don't see many Vietnamese helping in those situations either.
Obviously you have met better foreigners than me, i just say it as it is thats all.
In response to the question: Hey everyone. This might sound like a strange question, but does anyone here know of any legal issues surrounding first aid in vietnam? As in, if y...
Posted Wednesday December 10th, 2008.
Had a decent time at Jaspa's last year, but to be honest, most are all the same, i find it's the people you have the meal and get pissed with makes the day.
In response to the question: I'm curious about xmas day buffets and got as far as calling the Sheraton who quoted me $55p.p. for food only. I'm guessing the usual suspects will be...
Posted Wednesday December 10th, 2008.
I think you have a obsession with Hippo ;-)
In response to the question: Let's face it. Most of the positive reviews on this site are simply thinly disguised attempts to gain favor amongst all the businesses around town. ...
Posted Wednesday December 10th, 2008.
keep it as is, iam a firm believer the more you put in, the more you should get out of it. Its proberly only the freeloaders complaining anyway.
Btw. Iam not sure if i should be Elite, i just like been an arguementative tw*t in the ASK T.N.H section.
In response to the question: How does the TNH community feel about our designation of Elite Users? I'm asking because there seems to be some bitterness toward it, and I think it ...
Posted Wednesday December 10th, 2008.
I think Stosskraft recognised maybe cos he read it all ?
In response to the question: Let's face it. Most of the positive reviews on this site are simply thinly disguised attempts to gain favor amongst all the businesses around town. ...
Posted Thursday December 11th, 2008.
Iam a TNH-er living in Saigon and my insight for here - It's f*cking crap !
In response to the question: It looks half dead. What's wrong with it?...
Posted Thursday December 11th, 2008.
Cheers for that, you've just wasted 23 minutes of my morning. I have a slow internet connection and Dictionary.com kept crashing while looking up "Arbitrarily".
In response to the question: How does the TNH community feel about our designation of Elite Users? I'm asking because there seems to be some bitterness toward it, and I think it ...
Posted Thursday December 11th, 2008.
Scroogekraft you'll find some do, but in general they don't for run of the day things, like meals, taxis, motorbike taxi and down the shops. The culture is to get a bargin deal so why would they tip after screwing the price down.
On the other hand such services as salons and spa's as an example, my wife leaves a little extra to the ones that she uses regulary.
In response to the question: Okay, the end all question to tipping in which scenario do you tip here in Hanoi? And how much? 1. You are eating at Luna D'Autunno and the bill c...
Posted Thursday December 11th, 2008.
Haha, brings back memories of when we was working in Pha Lai power project. We all use to have motorbikes with hardly any tire problems. One day a repair guy sets up business outside the gate, then suddenly all the expat bikes tires use to puncture, especially nials.
We got rid of him after a week, and the problems went away.
Btw - i think you paid over the top for the tube like !!
In response to the question: hello all, i was wondering if anyone has heard of a tire slashing scam in Ha Noi? i was eating somewhere around Cau Gaiy and when we left we notic...
Posted Friday December 12th, 2008.
Your stuffed already, you asked for high quality.
That guy is the road bike guy around Hanoi, these bikes aren't suitable. Best bet would be go on the internet and some tour groups do organised moutainbike tours in the north, i guess they would have some hanging around.
In response to the question: I'm asking this for my boss. He wants to rent 6 mountain bikes (good quality) for 1 week. It seems that he has some plan in Ha Giang and will bring...
Posted Friday December 12th, 2008.
I just typed in "mountain bike tours vietnam" into google, and theres a few out of Hanoi.
I am sure you can maybe strike a deal with one of them.
Your lucky its Friday, any other day i would have told you, your boss is a tight bast*rd.
In response to the question: I'm asking this for my boss. He wants to rent 6 mountain bikes (good quality) for 1 week. It seems that he has some plan in Ha Giang and will bring...
Posted Friday December 12th, 2008.
Ditch the boy racer bikes and get a real mans bike.
Honda Cub 50 !! Run for ever on a teaspoon of petrol, you can get a mid size pig on the back, and you can repair any fault with a pair of sissors a tin can and a plastic bottle top.
In response to the question: Hi I plan on buying a brand new motorbike next week. I've been renting a Future Neo for almost a year and half, and I was thinking I should really ...
Posted Tuesday December 16th, 2008.
Chris, get yourself a motorbike, ride like a tw*t, raise your conversational voice by 30Db, and piss where ever you like.
You'll fit right in.
In response to the question: Hi, I will be living in Hanoi for at least 6 months, and whilst I am there I want to try and get involved in the Vietnamese way of life. Obviously...
Posted Wednesday December 17th, 2008.
No thanks, staying in Hanoi.
In response to the question: BKK for Tet for $50! KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Southeast Asia's leading budget airline said Tuesday it will give away 100,000 plane tickets as par...
Posted Saturday December 20th, 2008.
I think i have one in the wardrobe.
In response to the question: Wanted Aluminium Diecaster in Asia .....Business Potential I need a big Aluminium Diecaster with upto 800 ton machine capacity and CNC machining w...
Posted Monday December 22nd, 2008.
Teacher's + Free drinks = Bring more money.
In response to the question: I am thinking about coming to Vietnam in the next couple of months. I do not have a job lined up or anything like that so I will be flying by the seat...
Posted Wednesday December 31st, 2008.
You look a bit of a tool re-posting with a copy of someones PM, although i've read 8 or so pages of HanoiAnon blog/chats from his link and he's a bell end, so i wouldn't take notice.
I've stopped posting here in the ANH (Unless stupidity arises), as most go with the desciples views anyway, and you get PM'ed if you don't. Only ever posted Hippo and concurred some of his findings, oh and Alpha about the So-Saigon site.
In response to the question: So a few days back I wrote what I thought was a fairly innocuous ad-more a statement of opinion really-and posted it on the personals section of the s...
Posted Wednesday December 31st, 2008.
Sorry typo: Only ever PM'ed Hippo and Alpha, not posted.
In response to the question: So a few days back I wrote what I thought was a fairly innocuous ad-more a statement of opinion really-and posted it on the personals section of the s...
Posted Thursday January 8th, 2009.
Just when teachers were going up in estimation with me, along comes this thread, oh dear !
In response to the question: Well I am pretty sure that this question has been asked a multitude of times so you lovely forum regulars will be tired of it. But, what the hell, her...
Posted Thursday January 8th, 2009.
Faith restored, Loominpapa, cheers !
In response to the question: Well I am pretty sure that this question has been asked a multitude of times so you lovely forum regulars will be tired of it. But, what the hell, her...
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