pippasweetie's profile
pippasweetie's Posts
2 reviews or comments posted; 6 questions asked; 24 answers given.
Reviews / Comments (2)
I just had dinner here and I agree that the French men seem charming and helpful and in the evening light the decor was quite enchanting. I really did not enjoy my main course as much as I had hoped though.I had ham in sapa honey with mashed lotus seeds and a lentil bone, nor did I think the overall presentation matched the prices.
My fellow diners enjoyed their meals more,however.One had Vietnamese pancakes, the other the imported lamb rack (one of the ingredients listed is orange "tang" -not sure if that is an unfortunate translation for "zest" or they really mean the powdered drink available here ?...) My partners also felt that the desserts were worth the visit with one selecting a plate of 5 delicacies "you won't want to share", and the other a merengue with passionfruit creme. I chose the passionfruit sorbet with almond nougatine, which was satifactory.
I won't rush back, especially with so many other great restaurants to choose from, however my partner says the lunch menu is nice and more reasonably priced.
I don't know if there have been more vegetarian meals added since a previous review however they did mention a tofu lasagna, and a few other dishes. Also I noted a child nearby being served chicken tenders with tomato sauce/ketchup, which clearly wasn't on the menu,so they were obviously trying to be more accomodating with requests.
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I have always loved quilts no matter where I have lived and I love this shop! I have recommended it to friends,tourists and groups. The products are extremely high quality and the fabric is prewashed so they can easily be cleaned at home without fear of the dyes running. I love returning to see what new work they have created. Even though some designs are repeated, each quilt is unique in that the fabrics used vary or are laid out differently. The style of the products also appeal to non-viet tastes.The products are tremendous value, and in my home country I could never purchase such work at these prices. Also, as a person who has made craft myself I understand how many hours go into creating these items.I have purchased 6 quilts so far, as well as Christmas decorations, and I intend to buy more.
I have found the volunteers helpful and willing to unroll quilt after quilt for me to examine. This is great service as folding them up again is the hard work!
It is a win win situation as far as I can see-I can access terrific products at reasonable prices and, in turn, my purchases assist Vietnamese women in a regional area to train,develop skills and therefore help them to help themselves and their families economically. Go in to the shop rather than look at the website-it just doesn't do the products justice!!
Vietnam Quilts is special.
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Questions (6)
Hi, my Aussie sons think they will expire soon if they don't get their hands on a Halo 3. Where can we buy a good legit copy?
Thanks for your help
pippasweetie
Christmas Celebrations
I am trying to find a restaurant with childrens /entertainment for my Australian family including four children ie. Santa or singing for Christmas Day as well as the food. The best I have come up with so far is the Hilton. I have tried the Sofitel, Melia, Jaspers,to name a few,with no luck and am waiting to hear from Jafa. Has anyone got any suggestions?
pippasweetie
I want to buy some "real" art work and have visited galleries in Hang Gai and Hang Bong. Does anyone have any hints about purchasing art? Do you bargain on price? Alot of pieces seem quite expensive with some I like from $2500 upwards -more than I want, or can afford to pay! I admit I am a novice and know little about the Arts scene in Vietnam, the highly regarded artists, or how to judge "good value" for money. Are there other outlets or ways of accessing quality works eg visit artists in their studios? I suspect the Galleries I have seen are mainly aimed at the quick purchases by the passing tourist trade ? I am interested in some work by Nguyen Van Cuong, Co Chu Pin and Tran Thanh to name a few.
Any advice or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance
pippasweetie
I want to look into getting some decorations made for an upcoming event.I would like banners made, like the vertical bali"banana" flags where the longest side of the long skinny triangle slides onto a pole (not printed, just different colours) and maybe some metres of bunting- the type made up of colourful triangles of waterproof material, similar to those seen in western car yards or at sports events.
I think I know someone who could make them if I could find the right material (like synthetic kite material not proper $$$ national flag material) and get bamboo poles cheaply ?Can anyone suggest where I should start my enquiries or point me to "banner street" or a contact?
I would be interested to find out more about those helium filled spheres that were suspended over Hoan Kiem Lake over TET too, or any other big inflatables.
Of course I have to do all this on the cheap!!
Thanks for your suggestions
pippasweetie
Can anyone explain why the cost of Bega Cheese (Aus) has increased in all local stores, and a 2 kg block of Anchor (NZ)has DOUBLED since before TET! I paid 200 thou and something before TET for Anchor cheddar from Metro and my maid bought the same from Big C yesterday for 400 thous
Why? Why? How can local inflation affect these imports????? I cannot fathom the macro economics either....
This is ridiculous.
pippasweetie
Currently I cannot find these breakfast cereals that I have been able to purchase previously for my kids.
I want to avoid cornflakes, frosties, milo flakes, cocopops- which seem to dominate the shelves and am seeking something more healthy - without going to mueslies.
In the last week I have been to fivimart and metro (totally bare!)with no luck.
Has anyone seen (very recently- like yesterday)these products - Weetbix (santitariam or any really), Sultana Bran (Kellogs), Just Right (Kellogs)or similar?
Thank you in anticipation
psw
Answers (24)
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
At someone's house last week I saw they had made their own kitty litter box out of a large plastic storage box which had a lid, and catches at each end to secure the lid on. For a door,they had cut a semicircle out of the wall of one end, with the straight edge positioned about 10 cm from the ground which kept the litter in the box.
Hope this idea helps.
In response to the question: Is it possible to find a decent litter box anywhere in Hanoi? The only ones we've seen are these tiny, shallow little rectangles. I'd really like ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
You may like to look at the Hanoi International Womens Club website as they provide some good information about what to bring etc.(google it, but something like www.hiwc.com)
I agree with Annett and Sandy and to extend- although there certainly is a reasonable selection of products in Hanoi it depends on what you items you want/need sooner, rather than later (if you are staying in a hotel), and how long you have to source items ( before starting work?) and also you may have more flexibility and patience with these things if you are not bringing children with you. It can be extremely time consuming finding the items you are looking for and even more of a hassle if you have to return them for any reason (explaining fine details can be hard with the language barrier). Some items are not very high quality. I sometimes find it disappointing to pay high prices for items I need that are not to my taste. Furniture can be bought "off the floor" however many companies have catalogues from which you order and this can take some time for them to be built. On the other hand (as Mike said) there are heaps of furniture shops (mostly wooden, but also rattan, and some faux leather, and I think even leather) if you are ready for a furntiure makeover.
There are plenty of electrical shops-big tvs are a thing here, and kitchen things-knives, pots, rice cookers, microwaves, melamine, pottery, wine glasses, ironing boards, irons, blow dryers, fans,electric kettles, water coolers, heaters, etc, .but you may have to go to a few places to find them. If you like to bake, I have only seen very small food processors and hand mixers (cake) . If you have a family who likes toast bring a BIG (4 slice) toaster, you - can find an occasional small toaster. Many houses do not have ovens so you either have to negotiate this with the landlord or buy a benchtop oven. I do not think alot of electrical and furniture items are cheap, however you can buy many utensils cheaply. Although there are lots of mattress shops (and a couple of better ones) it is not that easy to find the ideal mattress for "western" tastes (or sheets for really big beds). If you don't bring one perhaps you could bring a fleece style underblanket-unless you like your mattress really firm. You can get nice quilts and blankets etc. An idea i had while my icecream was melting today was to bring some soft insulated (eski) bags to get your cold items home from the supermarket on a hot day.
Good luck.!
In response to the question: My husband I are moving to Hanoi in December. My company covers shipping, and we're trying to decide what/how much to bring. Are there certain househ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thanks de2facon, that party looks fun we might check it out!
To clarify my search further - we are are happy to celebrate at any suitable venue with any group or nationalities.
I would like to find a fun function on the day of December 25th if possible, to give our family something festive to do on the day (that doesn't involve me cooking!!)
Cheers and Thanks!
pippasweetie
In response to the question: Christmas Celebrations I am trying to find a restaurant with childrens /entertainment for my Australian family including four children ie. Santa or s...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
To ease your symptoms I recommend watching some Australia Network to see glorious blue skies. I became unusually interested in the broadcast of Womens Golf yesterday just to enjoy the panoramic views of the Gold Coast in Qld, Aus!! Also, the skies in the Antartic Docco were an amazing blue.
I understand how you feel though - I have been naming and grading the shades of grey........what do the eskimos say about snow?...
Anyway, if we don't see the sky soon it won't be my fault - I spent a good time beating a temple drum today to entertain a dancing 3 year old, so thats gotta count for something!
pippasweetie
In response to the question: Does anybody know an arcane ritual, occult ceremony, special dance, etc. that will make the sun actually come out for once during this dour, depressin...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Whoa, I was going to head to Vu a.s.a.p. (he is still on holidays, I think i woke him up this a.m.!)based on the recommendations of this site and another friend-I am curious can you provide a few more details of the concerns you had about Vu?
I went to Lancy Spa in To Ngoc Van St, Tay Ho,and the cut was OK and the colour looked nice, but didn't last. So wanted to try somewhere new.
I have heard Bellisimo is good but haven't been there.
pippasweetie
In response to the question: I am still getting over the loss of Alex Salon (ha has moved back to Laos)...does anyone know where I can get a good quality haircut from someone who ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thank you Cheapie and Grubby, it feels better to discuss it (I'm pippasweetie, and I am a cheese addict). So,now I guess I will just get off the couch and...suck it up !!
pippasweetie
In response to the question: Can anyone explain why the cost of Bega Cheese (Aus) has increased in all local stores, and a 2 kg block of Anchor (NZ)has DOUBLED since before TET!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thanks v.much for that info I will try the KIWI shop, I haven't been there. Also need Anchor butter for cooking (salted of course!!)which has also really risen in price.
The Big C cheese had the description and sticker and bar code on it, so I don't think it could have been my maid . I hope it was an anomaly or just for that shipment, but that is still a 100 thou rise from before.
How do you bargain for cheese-per kg or on the whole piece you want to buy and what kind of a discount would you expect to get?
Thanks pip
In response to the question: Can anyone explain why the cost of Bega Cheese (Aus) has increased in all local stores, and a 2 kg block of Anchor (NZ)has DOUBLED since before TET!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Ask at "Craft Link" in Van Mieu they have a lot of well made ethnic gear that they sell to expats and tourists. There are some English speaking expats who coordinate the Vietnamese volunteers and they would best understand your query - as some vietnamese helpers I have encountered there do not have much English. Try on a week day.
Failing that, washing in heavily salted water is often recommended for items with unstable dyes. I have found it can help but you still lose dye.
Good luck!
pippasweetie
In response to the question: We bought a Hmong bed covering in Sapa, at the market. It really needs to be cleaned now, but I'm worried about the dye running. Does anyone know ho...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
You can try "Maid in Vietnam" situated in Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho District.They have a web site you can google.
Also check out the notice boards around the shops in Tay Ho and Ciputra (Ls Place, Mini Foors Shops) Cooks/maids etc often post signs there and should include referees.
There is a notice board at UNIS that lists this type of thing. When families leave (all the time but especially at the end of terms) they often promote their helpers there.Do you know someone who could check for it you?
If you know anyone from The Hanoi International Womens Club? Their magazine "Lotus News" sometimes lists helpers looking for work. Maybe you could send a message through their website (sorry you will have to google that too).
Pippasweetie
In response to the question: I am looking for a full-time cook that can do both western and vietnamese. Any recommendations of individuals or agencies are greatly appreciated!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thanks, the cheddar is for the kids. I am sure I would love Au Delice!!
Again with BIG C. Went yesterday as it was convenient and it is 193 000 vnd per kg -the same as last time (the blocks weigh differently) so 400 000 or so. I don't know why your price was different in the middle of those trips, especially if it said 2kg. However I think we have established that Big C is not the best place to purchase cheese!
To answer my own question a bit further I was surprised to see a story on TV which informed me that the drought downunder has caused the cost of producing cheese to rise and the supply to dimish. Some companies are not supplying new companies at all and shipments bound for Asia are being plundered.
Hmmmm
psw
In response to the question: Can anyone explain why the cost of Bega Cheese (Aus) has increased in all local stores, and a 2 kg block of Anchor (NZ)has DOUBLED since before TET!...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Where are you, so we can work out if ours is closer to you?
Pippasweetie
In response to the question: I am looking for a seamstress/tailor that could copy dresses for me for less than 100,000 each (I'll supply the fabric). Preferably someone who can un...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Yes
Yes
In response to the question: This is a survey i know it's not a place to do it but i really need your opinions, so the more answers you give, the better my survey is. Thank you in...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
An update on Hanoikiwi's info -
When departing from Vietnam, pets now have to be quarantined for a minimum of SIX Months !!!!! in a country - such as Singapore - before going to Australia. The pets are then quarantined for a further 30 days at least. They have limited space and bookings must be made.
(This helped me decide whether to adopt a pet here in Hanoi!)
The website of the Customs Department of the country you are heading to should be provide a fair bit of information.
In response to the question: Anyone have any experience moving pets out of Viet Nam? Or know someone who does? I'm looking for information on where to go for all the necessary ...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
I couldn't agree more. It breaks your heart. My family would love a cat and or dog, however having already broken my kids' hearts by leaving one behind already I don't want that to reoccur when we return to a country where we cannot take our pets. I have tried to numb myself to these scenes.
I don't know all of the details but the HIWC did run a project where they resupplied cats to a regional area that was having problem with rats/mice eating their rice. They did not have enough cats left because they had eaten them all. I think the plan was to use the cats to catch vermin and therefore assist the villages economic situation (and appreciate the value of cats working in a household, rather than on the dinner table).
Pippasweetie
In response to the question: I'd really like to discuss this topic with someone who has an informed opinion (vet; pet owner; thoughtful and ethical person; etc) I've seen a lot...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Just have to join in -
I do agree with you Misshanoi, and as my friend said only yesterday on the subject of eye candy for women in Hanoi "if you want good cooking you have to make it at home".
Partnered or not, a girl should have her own accessories!How optimistic of you, misshanoi, to come(to Hanoi) empty handed!
Yes do join the HIWC, but not for the men (there are almost none in attendance, and no singles)and I doubt you will have this type of conversation(unless you sit with me!)
I would "second" the tip about watching sport at UNIS on a Saturday afternoon - especially when there is some sort of meet or carnival. Recently I had the good fortune to encounter some fit football players changing in the open - a very nice bonus !(I have also been told that footballers often drop their daks after a few beers, and dance around, so if their behaviour doesn't put you off it may be some fun window shopping....)
Re :F&V -I have seen some large long marrows around (make sure you ozone them first)but can't vouch for their staying power.Try a marrow/toothbrush combo...
Name for such an item - Even if someone told you what it was, you may not get the tone exactly right when making your request-and we all know how that turns out....
Teacherman - Thanks for the heads up on the contraband. I will think carefully where to stash , um, items in case of a raid.....
Importing- Suggest you do not get anything like this posted - even door to door- into Vietnam for these reasons 1) You probably won't receive it, so that will be at least 100 bucks wasted 2)They WILL look 3) If you are not arrested (as per Teacherman's info) you will be summonsed to Noi Bai to pay duty.
For my 1000vnd worth on the whole Viet& Foreigner hookup thing, each is entitled to their own. I think that overall a greater percentage of foreign men are attracted to Viet women than the percentage of foreign women being attracted to Viet men. Also, aside from cultural differences,because of the fact that even average sized western women can seem "large" to a Viet man - accustomed to the small framed Viet women- I don't think they generally find western women as appealling. Equally, western women can find Viet men small (in stature). And finally, I know many many foreign men with viet women and only 2 foreign women with viet men.......
But, whatever, the point is - handy personal accessories aren't easy to find.
I hope you have some success soon. Failing that perhaps a kind (brave) friend could smuggle something in in their luggage.....and risk the Hanoi Hilton.
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Also the electrical shop in Syrena plaza in Tay Ho definitely has poppers. The same brand shop is in the Big C complex. (Sorry name escapes me-I am not in country at present) Also L'Oeuf has great funky beanbags. Showroon in Ciputra. They had an add somewhere on the New Hanoian site earlier in the year.
pippasweetie
In response to the question: I know the beanbag question has been asked before, answered, then answered again with there are no beanbags to be found... but has anyone found a sour...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Well, ebay might work, but not the postal system. I say don't use it , all above here is true. I still ebay but get sent to friends and family and ask travelling friends/work mates to bring the goods when they come, or pick it up when I am home.
My experience is the same, though one can only wonder what the locals would want with my missing items, including XL size womens nightwear???? Your camera gear would be perfect for someone to, um, find and resell.
pippasweetie
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 Thursday January 1st, 1970.
And we want to buy a seven seater.
pippasweetie
In response to the question: We are interested in selling our car here (2007 Nissan SUV) but have no idea what price to ask as we don't know much about the used car market. Anyon...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Regarding maihanoi's comment about the emotional blackmail, when we went a few years ago my husband said to the drink seller "Well I will give her (the rower) the money and she can buy her own drink". Of course she didn't buy a drink with the money! (I don't think I have never seen a local drinking a can of coke!) Also, as witnessed by us-if a can of soda is bought for the rower it is kept unopened until later and traded back to the seller (profit shared).Consquently the drinkseller does not like the money being given directly to the rower as she misses her cut.
Of course it is a very nice trip, and the amounts requested were not alot at the time, it is just the heavy sell tactics we object to.
Pippasweetie
In response to the question: Has anyone been to Tam Coc on a day trip? Is there something available that is in between a private tour (too expensive) and a "stuffed into the back...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
At one stage the Citimart at Vincom had actual duplo but the stock changes. Have you tried the Lego shops? There is one in Hai Ba Trung, and one in Kim Ma. I don't know how the prices are, they were high before summer but now probably horrendously expensive.I was looking at Lego today at Hanoi Towers. One bionicle for 400 000, ridiculous.!!!!!!
psw
In response to the question: Can someone tell me where I can buy chunky plastic blocks for toddlers. You know, the kind that look look giant lego. I think one brand name is Duplo....
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Join "Friends of Vietnam Heritage" for viet culture lectures, books, walks and much more. They will have all of the info you need.
http://fvheritage.googlepages.com for their program
Cheers
pippasweetie
In response to the question: Hi all, I have been registered with this site for some time and I have found that it is a useful tool for connecting with other foreigners. Ho...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thanks so much for your hair shots in your profile. I loved them.
Are you thinking of changing jobs/companies?
Sure seems to be a lot of expats who meet nice girls through work and pair up (yes, even though some are already married ).Guess you would then have something in common from the start, and as many people have mentioned the educated ladies spend a lot of time there.
Also my husband often gets approached when he goes to Hash House Harriers (the conversation cuts short when he mentions his wife and kids) and there have been lots of pairings from that group.
Good luck.
BTW Many western ladies I know aren't concerned about whether or not men have hair on their heads or not (just if it is sticking out of their ears or noses)
pippasweetie
In response to the question: Okay people...don't bash me too hard here (he-he): Since I have been in Hanoi, I have only met the WRONG types of women. Either they don't speak Engli...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Can I find good quality toys in the above mentioned malls/places. We are there for Xmas and one of the aims is to let the kids select decent toys (ie not flimsy plastic street crap)for their gifts?
(I can post this question properly if need be)
pippasweetie
In response to the question: Am headed on a short (1 week) vacation to KL in a couple of weeks and unfor will need to do some shopping while there. I am a rare woman, I HATE shopp...
Posted Thursday January 1st, 1970.
Thank you very much, just denuded L's of all weetbix ( but still need more-those little boxes don't last a week with our big family!). Signs looked good for restocking with other stuff , maybe a shipment has come in - I will keep looking.
In response to the question: Currently I cannot find these breakfast cereals that I have been able to purchase previously for my kids. I want to avoid cornflakes, frosties, milo ...
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Philippa Wood
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