The President of Vietnam recently made the first visit to the United States since the end of the war. It was really big news here among the business community and we all hoped that the trip would spark a more definite answer about when Vietnam would join the WTO. It seems the trip went very…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – Ah Vietnam
Category: Journal
My life journal.
Saigon Stories – Saigon Fashion
Every morning I ride my motorbike to work and it never ceases to be an adventure. Here in Saigon most inhabitants use a motorbike to get around which creates a lot of pollution. After 8 months of breathing in burning fossil fuels I finally decided to go with a mask no matter how ridiculous I…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – Saigon Fashion
The Apprentice
Here in Saigon, when I have absolutely nothing else to do, I may wander into the T.V. room and let myself vegetate for a while. In Vietnam, the main source of Television entertainment comes from HBO, BBC, NHK, and for regular sitcoms, Star TV. Star buys most the the shows that do not do too…… Continue reading The Apprentice
Star Wars
I just saw the new Star Wars move “Revenge of the Sith” last night. As it plays in the theaters in the USA it’s already out on DVD in Vietnam. The movie was excellent and some of the lines really stuck in my mind. It appears George Lucas is paralleling the political environment of our…… Continue reading Star Wars
Saigon Stories – Thoughts of the day – Communism and Capitalism
When I was a kid, there were times when explanations were given that just didn’t make much sense. At that time I simply thought I was not smart enough to understand. However, as I have gotten older and traveled, I’ve found that many adults have an answer but really do not have a good understanding…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – Thoughts of the day – Communism and Capitalism
Saigon Stories – Experiences in Saigon
As I sit here typing this entry, it is pouring buckets just like it does everyday during the rainy season. Many people do not like rain, and neither do I, except for these types of thunderstorms we get everyday. I love a good storm and this is the first country I have lived in where…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – Experiences in Saigon
Japanese Youth and Manners
Japanese Youth and Manners By tok_matthew June 3rd, 2005 @ 12:13 PM Life in Tokyo Everyone knows that the Japanese are the politest people on the face of the earth. I was completely amazed when walking into even a McDonald’s in Japan and having the employees bow to me. In the trains I quickly learned to not…… Continue reading Japanese Youth and Manners
Saigon Stories – The expatriate life in Saigon
Living in Saigon as an ex-pat has almost always been a pleasant experience for me. Yet, when I go back to the USA and tell people I live in Nam, they look at me like I have three heads. On the other hand, nobody has ever asked me why I live in Saigon while in…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – The expatriate life in Saigon