Saigon: around the city

My initial reasons for coming to Viet Nam were to find a new work contract and tour around a bit.

I set up some interviews before I left Korea and went interviewing on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday I got a job offer for probably the most promising job. I was really happy about that.

So basically it only took a day to land a job ( after emailing my resume and contacting the school before hand and before the interview).

If you are going somewhere other than Korea to work internationally don’t be afraid to search for a job AFTER you are in country. And you can always use a recruiting agency 🙂

I used the website “airbnb” to book my accommodations for the first few days. Its similar to “couch surfing” but you pay a fee. I thought this would be a great way to meet new Viet Namese friends. I basically chose the place that had the best reviews and look decent from the pictures. I learned from this experience NEVER trust the pictures!

The first host was really nice and her house was great. It did look like the picture. She was a young girl and I guess the family rents out 2 rooms for extra income. I enjoyed hanging out with her and going out at night on her motor bike.

We even had lunch and dinner at her house. She told me I am the first black woman her family has met so that is why everyone kept looking at me ha ha.

Dinner at Linh’s house.

The second home stay I can’t say was very great. I arrived to a dirty apartment with dirty dishes everywhere. There were even towels thrown all around the place. And the apartment did not look like the pictures. Maybe the host took those pictures when she first moved ha ha but WTF!! The first thing I did once she showed me the room was sweep that sucker out. There was long strands of hair and dirty everywhere. The bathroom was pretty dirty too. But I am grossing myself out thinking about it so I am not going to type anymore about that 🙁

Take a look at the listing here.

And then look at my pictures below.

The Kitchen

Living room

The only thing that was captured about right from the hosts listing was the picture of the view from the living room.

River view in Saigon

Buyer be ware if you use “airbnb” thats all I have to say about that 🙂

I had a good time walking around the downtown area. But once you see all the touristy sites there is not much left to see in Ho Chi Minh City. Its still a developing area and most of it is really run down. Given the history of the city and the fact that its only been about 37 years since the end of the war its understandable.

I was so confused about all the new construction going up against all these run down busted building. Then I had dinner one night in district 7’s “Phu My Hung” area. This place is referred to as the New Saigon. Its a new development that is catered to rich expats. I learned the area used to be all farm land about four years ago.

Where did all the farmers go?

I did take some pictures but they came out pretty dark. Just think of your local western modern development project that includes restaurants and luxury apartments.

Anyway here are a few food pictures and some touristy sites 🙂