Viet Nam, on-the-ground

Making a trip to Sai Gon next week.

A friend and my sister are encouraging me to write more.

Will try to start a compilation of on-the-ground observations on apparent simple differences between Viet Nam and the Philippines. Will not get into politics, economics or anything pyrotechnic.

For example, in the 1990s(when i lived in Viet Nam), most Vietnamese were on bicycles and motorcycles. When i was growing up and aware of my surroundings in Manila in the 1960s and 1970s, the Philippines was already fuel-dependent for our cars, jeepneys and buses.

Of course, by the time i left Viet Nam (1999) after working in a successful car assembly factory, Viet Nam's streets started seeing more cars.

When i returned in 2005 and started making regular visits to Sai Gon, the streets were starting to experience grid-locks due to an increase in the use of motorcycles and cars, aside from a growing metro population.

Manila 2008, with gas prices sky-rocketing, started seeing motorcycles dangerously trying to navigate and fit in Manila's streets. Of course, we still have gridlocks, more cars and the never-say-die jeepneys; and an ever-growing population.

Simple but telling differences?

Ha Noi traditional music

At the Sai Gon Opera House (right outside Caravelle and Continental hotels) a play of traditional Ha Noi music was on.

Mushrooms at Sai Gon market

Aside from so fresh and so cheap veggies ( celery @ P24/kilo! Australian celery at the supermarket here is P240/kilo!!!), had a look at the mushrooms. The small ones look like shiitake and the big one they call chicken mushroom.
At one time, was taken to a hot pot resto where you hot pot nothing but mushrooms.

From a photo exhibit in a Saigon plaza, outside the Opera House. International Trade Union Congress held in Ha Noi in 1965. Wonder if Mr. Johhny Tan was here?

To Sai Gon 22 July 2009

Next week, off to Sai Gon w/ sister Candy and husband plus niece Mavis who will be staying behind for immersion and more. Brave soul in the brave new world of Viet Nam. Candy wants to trace the footsteps of Graham Greene, visit the art galleries, shop and eat. Coup de grace will be the tartine lunch @Sofitel Sai Gon; this you cannot miss when you are in Sai Gon.
And eat some more. Vietnamese home cooking @19 Ngo Duc Ke in District 1, across Grand Hotel on Dong Khoi - fresh spring roll, sour fish soup, lotus chicken salad, grilled prawns, long vegetables. Best chicken curry w/ baguette @Pho 2000; Bill Clinton has pics eating there. My Vietnamese friend always takes me to a Chinese seafood resto - scallops, crab, king fish including roast pigeon, turtle soap and black chicken.
Oh, and i have work to do. 2 new clients who want to explore biz in Viet Nam. Will set up the groundwork for their trips 1st week of of August. The brave new world of Viet Nam needs businesspersons with brave hearts.

Sai Gon - March 2009:Crisis?

Was in Sai Gon for a week. Noticed a reduction in tourists in hotels, restos and the streets. 1 friend in construction seems to be in a wait-and-see mode. Another has recently down-sized his travel agency office and his 3 art galleries were consolidated into 1 site. A legal and financial consultant-friend, though, is so bullish, she's increasing her staff to meet demands of nw clients from Thailand and the Philippines.
Personal notes:
1. A fave chinese seafood resto is not full as it used to be.
2. My favorite vietnamese home cooking place, 19 Ngo Duc Ke, is still as good as ever.
3. Shop n Sai Gon for local coffee, which smells so good and is less acidic; much cheaper than Starbucks, too; imported stuff like french jams and pate- cheaper than Manila, just look at the expirations dates.
Would you believe there is a french goods store on Hai Ba Trung St. in District 1 that sells 1st class pate for US$60 a block. Yes, the more affluent locals can afford it.
Of course, the climax of all my meals is the tartine lunch at Cafe elysee of sofitel saigon. This US$16 meal is to die-for. You wouldnt think you are in Vietnam.
Still looking forward to visit Hanoi, come fall- mua thu.
In the meantime, may have to go back to replinish my stock of coffee and jam.
Hen gap lai.

Tet 2009

Welcome to the Year of the Ox. Viet Nam is 1 country that takes the Lunar New Year very seriously. It is the biggest holiday in Viet Nam and is a time to go back to your hometown, spend time with family and friends and enjoy the countryside and nice weather.