VietSam's profile
VietSam's Posts
23 reviews or comments posted; 3 questions asked; 39 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (23) see all
Man I wish my school had a highlands right now. :(
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I must add to the reviews here. I almost a regular at green mango. I have been to alot of events there in the last couple of months. This includes Sex in the City, How to Host a Murder dinner parties, Acting Workshops, Dinner for 10 ect.. ect...
I have never been dissapointed by the food.
THe blackened fish ( I can't remember which fish) was amazing... Spicy and delicious.
The Cesear Baguette.... as well as being fabulously fresh and delisious was the hit of the acting workshop...
I've had the green curry the nibbles, just about everything.
THe staff are absolutly lovely and it you take a second to have a chat it will make your night.
Mr.Hai has been supportive of so many events in this town and always knows how to throw a good party.... (the cosmo's were delicious)
Can't really fault it.....
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Only the place to go for lushing, DON'T go here if you are trying to be healthy and/or feel like a salad.
The Choc cake with cream cheese icing was divine! And the brownie was amazing!
WOuldn;t suggest the choc milkshakey thing though it was to coco and not particularly tasty....
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THis is a sneaky little place. They do the most amazing toasted sandwiches(or what feels like the most amazing at 2am in the morning), Nice staff, good drinks, prompt service... Think I will be frequenting this place more often!
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I had parents that expected me to go to the olympics aged 16. Apparantly i had good shoulders.
Swimming was very scary for me until I realised that if you don't do 20 laps NO ONE CARES!!!!
WOO HOO... So I started splashing around at Thang Loi... Perfect thing for a hangover + lemon juice, or a beautiful evening of laps (only 2) and cocktails...
It's clean.
On a nice day you could almost believe that you are on a tropical island (Ko Tao maybe??)
I don't thinks it's 25m though more like 20...
I am a happy swimmwer now!
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Questions (3)
THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer.
When I first arrived i hired a housekeeper for $100 per month. for 4 1/2 hours a day 5 days a week. She also works part time for another family. She is fantastic she cooks, she cleans, and is very trustworthy.
She has just asked for what i would say is a ridiculious raise in pay to $150.
Because i don't know many other people who hire a housekeeper I would love to know...
What is the going rate for a housekeeper...?? I have heard wildly different amounts here so I would love to see the difference...
I know inflation is insane.... But to anyone a 50% payrise would be a lot within a year....
I would love to hear some viewpoints.... PLease note that do know this seems a bit colonialist and ridiculious. I want to keep the peace, and be a good employer...
Cheers.
Sam
Weird question I know....
Is anyone or does anyone know of a good swim coach/stroke correction person?
I have started swimming recreationaly and looking at doing some more open water events and I would love someone who knows the know to give me some pointers, maybe only once or twice, maybe more ongoing dependig on schedules..
WOuld love to hear from you!
Sam
Ok... So my Minsk is georgeous, comfy to ride, and it was relativly cheap to buy, BUT it is particularly unreliable.
I find a Honda WAVE to small, but i like its ease and revieness.
I want a larger size bike (not nessassarily in cc's) ,comfy, that I can use for a little bit of off roading, that you can get parts for easily? and that is reliable.
I have heared a Bonus' are pretty reliable? Any other suggestions?
Not nessassarily where I can get an exact one but some other names of motobikes that might fit the bill would be great...
Thanks in advance.
Sam
Answers (39)
Posted Tuesday December 11th, 2007.
Unis Community programs runs a mens basketball.. can't remember what night.... Just search UNIS community....
In response to the question: Two questions: 1. Is there anywhere to watch US college basketball games. I'm a huge UNC fan and college basketball is my favortie sport. 2. Ar...
Posted Thursday May 22nd, 2008.
High five... Michal Oi! A truer word has never been spoken.
You could join HITS and become Glinda, run/come to life drawing classes (Starting again after summer holidays), play basketball and go on lots of holidays. All quite productive i think!
In response to the question: Okay...so I believe the ladies of Hanoi will not disagree with me that the ratio of men to women in this city does not work in their favour, and what ...
Posted Sunday May 25th, 2008.
I went to Fansipan a couple of months ago. We went with Vega Travel and the general consensus of my group was that we wouldn;t go with them again.
a) numerous miscommunications.
b)travel agents vega went through in sapa were not very helpful and blatantly rude at points.
c) not enough porters on the way up and therefore we hired another.
d)lots of white bread and pork spread.
On the good side our guide was amazing. Just the companies description of what we were to get, and what we got were very different.
On the first night day we got to campsite 1 at 1pm in the afternoon. The guide and porters wanted to stay there. The rest of us wanted to go to the next camp. We ended up going. IF AT ALL POSSIBLE GO TO SECOND CAMP! I believe if we didn;t do this in the first day there would have been some of us who wouldn;t have made it to the top.
It was definitly good having some guidance there. Know Buffalo have decent trips... may be a bit on the pricy side i think but worth it. I stayed at Mountian View Hotel on a different trip and trips were all well organised and nice guides as well.
It's hard, but definitly worth it, and the better company you go with the better time you will have.
In response to the question: Has anyone climbed to the top of Fansipan. I have plan to go there in the next July. I know that there are some open tours to go there but I think it ...
Posted Tuesday May 27th, 2008.
Dome has nice sheets and they only come in one colour. White...@>@@!! THere is a shop on Hang Trong i think!
In response to the question: Can anyone recommend a place to buy luxurious quality, pure cotton bed sheets - that are vaguely reasonably priced? Also, pillows? Thanks ...
Posted Tuesday May 27th, 2008.
THIS IS DEF the most central!!! Good paper.
Hoa Pham 22 Hang non 828 9801 Hoangson_art@yahoo.com
THis is definitly the most comprehensive!~!!
Ho Pham 39 Quang Trung 046240901 hphoangquan@yahoo.com
Here are some other shops that vary in quality!!
Lukas 6 C Ly Dao Thanh
Is near to Hoan Kiem Tel.: (04) 93 66 116
Block Printing Inks namhaico@surfeu.de
Art Materials 42 Yiet Kieu On Right side of entrance to fine arts museum Acrylic Paint
Art Rattan Shop
8 Ba Trieu 934 4331
Nam Son
22B Hai Ba Trung 826 2134
Infostones Bookshop Trang Tien Near Hoan Kiem Lake Design Books
Bookworm
Bookshop 15A Ngo Van So 943 7226 Engliah Language Art Books bookworm@fpt.vn
Xunhasaba 32 Hai Ba Trung 8254068 English Language Books
Art Workbooks 45 Cua Nam Street
Screen Printing Screens
42 Quang Trung Street
In response to the question: My partner is an author/illustrator of childrens books and is looking for quality art supplies and materials - especially paper. Local hand made paper...
Posted Tuesday May 27th, 2008.
I am actually an art teacher at an international school here. Does you partner have any books publshed? I am always interested in meeting people in the arts in hanoi. Some of my students are very interested in illustration!
In response to the question: My partner is an author/illustrator of childrens books and is looking for quality art supplies and materials - especially paper. Local hand made paper...
Posted Thursday May 29th, 2008.
I rather like the focus back on the origional topic. Wesmo i think i need to title you the SMF otherwise known as the Supportive Male Friend otherwise known as the SMURF. Cause i like the word.
imput is great.
bed time....
In response to the question: Okay...so I believe the ladies of Hanoi will not disagree with me that the ratio of men to women in this city does not work in their favour, and what ...
Posted Wednesday July 23rd, 2008.
Try the shops on Ba Trieu....
In response to the question: Hello all, my mountain bike is in need of a tune up. Anyone know of a shop that does such a service...
Posted Wednesday July 23rd, 2008.
I just went to Vincom Towers and they have heaps of cosmetics stalls on the bottom floor. Siam Spa brand and Le Occitane both do good mud masks... Try once a week not once a day otherwise your skin will dry out though!
In response to the question: Hi, does anyone know where I can buy a good, inexpensive mud mask for my face? I don't want the peel-off kind - rather, I'm looking for the mud kind ...
Posted Saturday July 26th, 2008.
Just to add to the forum.. We have employed our housekeeper for under a year...(september last year) We have a 4 bedroom house with two of us living here.... so no family no children... One dog who she dosn't look after....
Thank you all for your comments... still working on it.. More imput is welcome!
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Tuesday July 29th, 2008.
Ok Jimbo... there had to be one person come on here and have a dig..... I don;t think your comment really needs a response because if you have a quick look at the other posts you will find that we are we are not out of the norm and we are trying to be fair employers nothing more. But you do like stirring the pot a little don't you...
As i have said.. she is very good, efficent, cooks great meals 2-3 times a week and the house is always clean...
The problem was sorted with a fair pay rise to $130 per month and 3 monthly reviews.
THank you all for your imput...
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Tuesday July 29th, 2008.
Market behind Lieu Giai on Ling Lang
Vegies... on Yen Phu ( I think that's the street)
In response to the question: Howdy! Does anyone know where to buy mushrooms? Like buttons or swiss browns? Cheers!...
Posted Monday August 4th, 2008.
Umm do you want my honest answer... or do you just want me to be nice. Because honestly i found all of your comments unhelpful and ignorant. And actually i don't have many nice things to say about someone who is like that.
Excuse me and sorry to all others who have to read this..... and in the future i'm sure if i post a question there will be more innappropriate and ignorant feedback from our number 1 inflamatory poster jimbo....... . From now on i shall not bite and just ignore... but this once... I love the word ignorant and it suits sooooo well....
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Wednesday August 6th, 2008.
Hmm at the moment I am loving The Top Spot just of Nha To..... If cathedral is on your left take your first right and it's about 500 mt down on the right hand side.....
When I first went there I actually didn;t go in because basicly I thought my bike won't fit and it looks tiny!!! But there are lovley english speaking therapists..... And everyone always comments on my wonderful painted toenails!!!
I have had many a pedicure and waxing here.. THey are very thorough... The downside being everything takes a long time! But give it a shot... I think they are fantastic... (am copying this to add to review them! ) I have also seen alot of well dressed (well off) vietnamese women in here which might make your girlfriend a bit more relaxed about the whole thing.
70,000 for a pedicure..
In response to the question: Any recommendations for a good pedicure place in Hanoi(hopefully with not exquisite pricing)? For my girlfriend I swear! She's worried places here wil...
Posted Tuesday August 12th, 2008.
Thang Loi Hotel... Was open all last winter!
Also Sao Mai pool is 50 mts but a bit grubby....
In response to the question: HEllo...looking for a good pool to swim laps/exercise in near Truc Bach lake... as close as possible! ...
Posted Wednesday August 20th, 2008.
Is there any male housekeepers?
Would you call them a house boy, or male maid or a cleaning man or our boy?
Hmm just a thourght...
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Thursday August 21st, 2008.
Oh come on Nick!!!! I was just stirring... I don't really mind what you call your helper, housekeeper!
I think we are in a privilaged situation YES...... I believe I am paying a fair rate.... But it's not really about that anymore is it.
NO I am not very rich... I am not covered by my parents wealth.....
Anyone who knows me, also knows that I treat everyone, male female, spanish, english australian, vietnamese, cleaner, teacher, president in the same manner. They are all people and they all deserve my respect unless they do something worth disrespecting..... But this is not really about me is it.....
I think we really need to look at the rest of Expat Hanoians response to this....
Everyone struggles with the idea of employing someone to do something that in most parts of the world you would do your self.
I struggle with it, but i appreciate it... I treat Ms. Huong well, I always chat to her about her kids, buy her small gifts on her birthday, pay her fairly and raise her pay when it is appropriate. I love coming home to a beautiful clean house and dinner in the fridge.
I actually hope we do run into each other.... It would sure be an interesting conversation... But perhaps you could learn to have a laugh at yourself too...
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Wednesday August 27th, 2008.
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/venue/show/2135/Song-Huong
I don;t know if this will help, but i just saw your message and it at the same time....
Cao Lau is from central vietnam right?? Central vietnam restaraunt???
In response to the question: Know if any restaurants in Hanoi are serving Mi Quang or Cao Lau? They're noodle dishes from central Vietnam, near Hoi An. Went to a Hue restaurant ...
Posted Wednesday August 27th, 2008.
ok so you can just ignore that one... I just realised you were the one who posted the review..
:)
In response to the question: Know if any restaurants in Hanoi are serving Mi Quang or Cao Lau? They're noodle dishes from central Vietnam, near Hoi An. Went to a Hue restaurant ...
Posted Thursday August 28th, 2008.
hmmmmm.. I am an art teacher at Hanoi International School and I run an IB Art Show in APril and UNIS does one at about the same time.. It is possible to pick up some nice pieces at these shows just by chatting to the students..
Bookworm just had a lovley exhibition of small sculptures, but you may now need to contact the artist directly.....Chat to the guys in there I'm sure they will sort you out...
If i think of anything else I will let you know.
You could go to the fine art university on Yet Kieu and see what's going on there. Often they have student shows.
In response to the question: Does anyone know where I can buy fine art sculpture in Hanoi? I'm looking for metal or wooden sculptures (not ceramic or other fragile materials), of ...
Posted Saturday August 30th, 2008.
There is only one place that has remotly larger cup sizes...
Can't remember the name, but on Nha Tho with your back to the cathedral walk to the end past highlands and turn left.
About 3 shops down there is a bra shop... I've not had any luck, but they go up to bigger sizes. It is a french brand.. They are mostly pretty and girly, not really practical.
In response to the question: Not holding out much hope here but is there anywhere in Hanoi to buy larger size bras i.e D cup and above. Help!! ...
Posted Saturday August 30th, 2008.
Oh i's suggest mail order by the way... Check the brand and size of your favorite ones, and have them sent...(I got my mum to send mine, only practical....nothing sexy!!!)
I'm pretty sure you can just google to find a good site.
In response to the question: Not holding out much hope here but is there anywhere in Hanoi to buy larger size bras i.e D cup and above. Help!! ...
Posted Saturday August 30th, 2008.
That's a very specific question, for a town that is full of english teachers.
In response to the question: Where is the best place to meet expat teachers? ...
Posted Thursday September 4th, 2008.
Hi there..
I was running a life drawing group last year, and am keen to start it up again.... THe main problem with it was that I wanted to draw and I ended up teaching! So if people are just keen to come along and draw I even have a couple of models and venues in mind...
Let me know what you think...
Sam
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm looking for life drawing classes/groups (that is drawing nudes, in a no-happy-endings, strictly art kinda way!) Does anyone know if...
Posted Thursday September 4th, 2008.
Well. If we were not just covering the same old tracks, I would respond but honestly it would be like running around in circles. And people are just not having a dig for having a digs sake... really.
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Thursday September 4th, 2008.
or perhaps just having a dig for digs sake. really...
In response to the question: THis may be a question more for older hanoians than younger hanoians... Or at least ones who have been here longer. When I first arrived i hired a...
Posted Tuesday September 9th, 2008.
SOunds great.. See you at Puku! Roman it is great to know you want to do some modelling here because the model I usually use is away at the moment, and it;s great to have some variety!
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm looking for life drawing classes/groups (that is drawing nudes, in a no-happy-endings, strictly art kinda way!) Does anyone know if...
Posted Tuesday September 9th, 2008.
It's getting exciting!
In response to the question: Hi there, Need help.... Does anyone know of a tailor/designer/shop where I can get a wedding dress made?? Any help will be much appreciated...
Posted Wednesday September 10th, 2008.
AHHH sorry sylvia tried to get in phone contact through emma and couldn;t make it!!!!! Sorry...I am stuck at school!
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm looking for life drawing classes/groups (that is drawing nudes, in a no-happy-endings, strictly art kinda way!) Does anyone know if...
Posted Wednesday September 10th, 2008.
Where Can I get the following items?
1-Milk -Dan's shop, Western Canned Foods or any supermarket, Fivimart, city mart
2-Philadelphia Cream Cheese Dans SHop. Sometimes
3-Triffle Don;t even know what this is!
4-White/ Blue Tack-Impossible. Australia. Bribe someone at Uniworld Hanoi Towers.
5-Sexy looking Lingerie - called Anamai on Hang Trong. Maybe???
6-Collection of Sue Townsend's books. -Bookworm...
7-Women's magazines (Cosmo, Instyle, Glamour) that isnt 2 months old and at ridiculous expensive price. Any help would be much appreciated!!!Try Victory on Hang Bac but they are a bit overpriced and outdated.
In response to the question: Where Can I get the following items? 1-Milk 2-Philadelphia Cream Cheese 3-Triffle 4-White/ Blue Tack 5-Sexy looking Lingerie 6-Collection of Sue Towns...
Posted Thursday November 6th, 2008.
Never made it to Puku! With all good intentions... we never actually formed a group... Did speak to Sneaky though... I'm really keen! Just no time to organise it!!
THe classes at the Fine Arts School don't suit me because I work 7-4 mon-fri...
I would still love to do some kind of life drawing, the rainy nights are getting me a little more artisticly inclined...
ANyone else keen to organise it??? Happy to help with supplies and I would definitly turn up....
In response to the question: Hi all, I'm looking for life drawing classes/groups (that is drawing nudes, in a no-happy-endings, strictly art kinda way!) Does anyone know if...
Posted Tuesday November 25th, 2008.
Koto does a great chicken curry.
In response to the question: Where can one find the best chicken curry in Hanoi?...
Posted Tuesday November 25th, 2008.
I wanted to go overseas and have an adventure. Vietnam seemed a good place to start.( applied in mongoli, vietnam, china and korea) And I am a teacher but a "career" one, where I love my job, and I wanted to start teaching in international schools.
I stayed because..
Good House,
Good People,
Good job,
Good food,
Good life,
Good money.
So even though I have a long distance relationship thanks to the use of skype i am still here after 1 1/2 years and another 1 1/2 is looming.
Maybe I just love Hanoi!
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 December 3rd, 2008.
CHeers for everyones suggestions....Does anyone know anything about the...
Honda GL Pro Neo-tech 4-stroke, 160 cc (Is this the honda future neo someone suggested?)
Suziki GN 125 also looks interesting....
I'm not interested in a scooter as I want something to take on longer trips....
Yes yes i understand how unattactive the Minsk is when I'm wheeling it down the road, believe me experiencing it 8 times in the last 3 months has taught me that, but damm i have had some good times too..
Candide's humour and wit have once again added an insightful yet totally irrelevant twist to the question at hand. Perhaps we could discuss the up and downsides of the minsk in a forum is more relevant...
http://newhanoian.xemzi.com/en/aska/answers/qid/1204
Cheers
Sam
In response to the question: Ok... So my Minsk is georgeous, comfy to ride, and it was relativly cheap to buy, BUT it is particularly unreliable. I find a Honda WAVE to small,...
Posted Thursday December 4th, 2008.
LOL...... Just make sure you don't bump into the hens on the same night.. "buck rogers" your as subtle as a whack in the head.
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 Wednesday December 10th, 2008.
I have a pair that i was given as a prize that i will never use and never want! You are welcome to them. Actually they are from koto... just give me a mail and I will tell you where to pick them up from.
Cheers
Sam
In response to the question: Hi, I'm wondering if there are any shops that sell cycling gear - namely, padded bike shorts!! I'm trying to track some down before the KOTO ride on ...
Posted Wednesday December 24th, 2008.
Muji baby muji!
In response to the question: I know this is a HUGE long shot, but if anyone happened to take home with them a navy blue Muji trenchcoat from Roots on Friday night I would love to ...
Posted Tuesday January 6th, 2009.
Try Dan's shop......
Different shapes styles flavors....
Maybe even monkey size?
GLad i'm not the only one confused by that comment.
Vizero.... Where did you get that info from? It sounds quite official... But i'm still dubious....
Some vietnamese men have long lengs.. I think?
In response to the question: Can anybody explain why the condoms you can get in Hanoi are kind of "tight"? And what's so "OK" about them??...
Posted Tuesday January 6th, 2009.
I would love it if this started up! I'd be the first member....
Only thing is the Vietnamese goverment aren't so crash hot on nudes... Either being drawn or in drawings.. If you have a look at the fine art gallery (cr Cao Ba quat and Nguyen Thai Hoc) there are NO nudes in there at all... There was an article in the Vietnam Times about it.. I'll see if i can rustle it up....For this to run as a legitiamte business i think (don't know) that it would need goverment support/backing....and i think that would be hard to get....
That said...... I have a contact with close party links and art ties that might be very handy for you if you do go ahead with this venture.... EMail me if your interested...
oh and see previous threads about life drawing classes!
I know sketchies isn't all about nudes... but still i think a consideration...
Cheers
Sam
In response to the question: Anybody interested in starting a DR. Sketchy's in Hanoi? I think Hanoi is in need of interactive artistic fun- but hey, I am new and maybe there is s...
I want to explore, meet people, have fun. Perhaps make some art, and some drinking and dancing would be quite fun too!
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Sam
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New Hanoian Member SinceMonday August 13th, 2007
