Tag: Ho Chi Minh City

I lived in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) from 2004 – 2006. It was a wonderful time to be there. The economy was just beginning to open up, one could theoretically know every other foreigner and we were all big fish in a small pond. A historically significant city just starting to wake up.

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

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

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

Saigon Stories – Why I like Saigon

As I’ve mentioned in my previous posts, my batteries are a little drained and I need a vacation. During this time, I’ve also been thinking about which country I would like to go to next. I was thinking Tokyo or somewhere on the west coast of the USA. However, as I was riding my motorbike…… Continue reading Saigon Stories – Why I like Saigon