Saigon Stories – Dragon Ladies

When one things of the term “Dragon Lady” the image that comes to mind is that of some old, rich, powerful Chinese lady puffing away on the long black filter holding her cigarette. She is cunning, cruel and calculating, but has become this way due to the hardships endured as she scratched and clawed her…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – Dragon Ladies

Adventures in Saigon

Here is just a brief update of interesting things in Saigon for the week. 1. Valentine’s Day has caught on in Saigon! The streets were completely jam packed with motorbikes and the pollution was atrocious. Since it was Valentine’s Day I planned to take my girlfriend to the Saigon Town Club for a special Valentine’s…… Continue reading Adventures in Saigon

Saigon Stories – Moving to District 4

Last weekend we made the move to the dreaded District 4, Saigon, (Ho Chi Minh City), is a pretty safe place compared to other world cities, but among ex-pats, District 4 has always been a place to be avoided. Apparently, in the past it was a major Vietnamese mafia neighborhood. After hearing this, I asked…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – Moving to District 4

Move back to the USA?

At this time, I’m contemplating a move back to the USA. There are many factors contributing to this decision but perhaps the main one is to simply get some American work experience before I hit 30. After living and becoming accustomed to Asia for the past four years, it is impossible to re-adjust to the…… Continue reading Move back to the USA?

Saigon Stories – Long time No entry

I write now from the Pham Ngu Lao district in Ho Chi Minh that now is home to Saigon’s only decent “Starbucks-like” cafe. Saigon doesn’t have Starbucks yet but this place is darn close. They have enough selection that even an American would be satisfied although I’m sure the staff won’t understand what a “skinny”…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – Long time No entry

Friends

Sometimes you have friends. Sometimes you don’t. Time always tells.

Saigon Stories – Winds of Change

Last night my good buddy and roommate packed up his stuff and left Vietnam, perhaps not to return. Axel was the guy I discovered Vietnam with as we both had studied in Tokyo together. He left the language program earlier than I, but we kind of understood that we would probably both see each other…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – Winds of Change