New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018

Immune01 Today 08:13:12 Report #163
8 posts

"Lol...sport spots..."

   No one is immune

Lotsa spotty spellers here     

Bazza139 wrote:

Immune01 Today 08:13:12 Report #163
8 posts

"Lol...sport spots..."

   No one is immune

Lotsa spotty spellers here     

Oh, it's a misspelling?  I couldn't figure out what it was.  Slow in my old age.

Note that I didn't ask if she truly meant what she said, "wanna get acquainted with all guys."  I can be circumspect when occasions call. 

Thanks Mike

Ciambella wrote:

JaneHoang9 wrote:

P/s: I love spots and English

What are "spots"?

Oh, you know, like this:


"Would you care for a spot of tea, Gertrude?"

"Yes, that would be splendid, Isabel."

gobot wrote:

"Would you care for a spot of tea, Gertrude?"

"Yes, that would be splendid, Isabel."

" I can be circumspect when occasions call."     

I can easily empathise.  Fred's weird, wild and wooly wiles
often carry suspiciously risky spots in uncaring quotes...

..but (sigh!) we all live in dangerous times...     

Hello,

I am a French woman with a 4 year old daughter. We have been in Vung Tau for the last three months.
I choose to unschool my daughter which means that she is with me all the time and is free to learn what she wants when she wants.
I would love to meet other families who practice attachment parenting and non violent communication.
I am also looking for activities (dance, gym, music, art classes) that my daughter could attend in the evening or weekends to meet Vietnamese children.
I am happy to travel to other parts of Vietnam if it means that we will be able to find like minded people.
In Vung Tau, we love the people, being in a place where there are not many tourist yet with the proximity of the beach.  Vung Tau feels very safe and very secure. Also, so far, the weather is perfect for us. Warm with enough wind not to feel uncomfortable.
On a plant based diet, I find plenty of quality fruits and vegetables on the market and on street shops.
Looking forward to replies to this post

One thing is that you and your daughter are fortunate that at 4 years old, she still can become fluent in Vietnamese if she has enough contact with Vietnamese children her own age.  It is unfortunate that foreign children are not allowed to attend Vietnamese schools, particularly at the elementary level.  The costs of so-called international schools are ridiculous.  I know some people would be concerned with political indoctrination but that should be minimal before middle school.

Hi all!
I'm Tom an English expat from London. I've been here in Saigon since March 2018. I actually came to Vietnam in December 2017, traveled the country for three months and decided to stay. I rented a motorbike in Siagon and drove to Hanoi. It was an amazing experience and the mountain views made the long driving hours worth it.

I'm currently a football coach at an academy here but i'm also looking for a full time or part time teaching job. It would also be good to meet new people and make some new friends.

I'm loving the variety of craft beer on offer here and last week I find a place in D2 that does a 'pukka' Sunday roast. I'm always looking for recommendation for new restaurants so give me a shout if you know any.

Thanks
Tom

.

Hi, everyone! I am Janice from Beijing, China. I want to move to HCMC in the future. I have been to Vietnam in 2017.

I like the lifestyle here. It makes me feel relax and comfortable. And the Vietnamese people are very friendly and their culture is similar with Chinese.

I hope to move to HCMC soon.

Did you find any good one yet?
If not, i can suggest some of mine.

Vietnamese boy in Ha Noi here. Looking to make new friends.

Hi all,
   After considering several countries in South America, then several in the Pacific I've picked Vietnam specifically Da Nang.  I figure either way it will be a great base to check out other places if I don't love it there.

bigsquirrel wrote:

Hi all,
   After considering several countries in South America, then several in the Pacific I've picked Vietnam specifically Da Nang.  I figure either way it will be a great base to check out other places if I don't love it there.

Good choice, very clean open city, beach and hills, modern and older parts. Too much building going on though, and you might catch a wayward typhoon. Must be less crime than Saigon based on the observation that there are no motorbike guards. [Wait, there was one at KFC.] It worried my wife so much, you just park the bike, lock it, and walk away. Really! like in Western countries. In Saigon, just about every business has a hired guard in blue uniform who watches vehicles, and often you have to pay for parking and guarding.

Ruthon wrote:

I choose to unschool my daughter which means that she is with me all the time and is free to learn what she wants when she wants.

Wow, so interesting, I didn't know that was a thing. I hope it is ok in Vietnam. In the US, that would be called truancy or child abuse. Even 'home schooling' has government regulations, subject requirements, assessments. So a child's success is based solely on their curiosity and motivation? Luckily your daughter must be exceptional, and you must be a teacher.

I know that I would have avoided hard subjects like math, literature, foreign language, etc. I probably would have graduated with an art, skateboarding, or video game major, or dropped out. Very curious how these experiments turn out for preparing new adults. What did she think about vaccinations?

Hey thanks! 

   Seems like a lot of construction is common across a lot of the region, great news for the locals.  I'm thinking Da Nang will make a good base as I check other places out.  I live in Albuquerque right now, I'm pretty sure crime/danger wise Da Nang is going to be a significant step up. 

   Albuquerque is consider by many publications as the most dangerous major town in the US.  Our murders doubled last year and is on track to double again the highest per ca pita of any major metro area.  That's not all, we're also #1 in car theft by a huge, laughable margin.  I don't think they even track motorcycle theft, you's have to be an idiot to but one.  I've been stabbed in this town, twice.  It's the wild west out here now.  You get into more rural towns in Southern New Mexico your a damn idiot not to bring a gun, I have my concealed and carry although I only carry a gun in more rural areas.

From what I read, correct me if I'm wrong Da Nang safety, violent crime wise looks like heaven compared to here.

gobot wrote:

Wow, so interesting, I didn't know that was a thing. I hope it is ok in Vietnam. In the US, that would be called truancy or child abuse.

It wasn't in the past, but it is now. 

Public schools in Vietnam today is a misnomer because they're not free to the public.  They come with all kinds of charges which the parents have to pay monthly -- mats and pillows for the children to lie down at nap time; cups/bowls/spoons and cubicles for them to use; required books; optional literature such as copies of children magazines (think Highlights, the free magazine for elementary students in the States); A/C for the classroom, etc and etc.  And that's not counting their meals (students have the choice of half board or full board, unless the parents take them to school in the early morning, pick them up at noon, take them back 1.5 hrs later, and pick them up in the late afternoon/early evening.)

Aside from the magazines, those tools are re-used year after year, but they're mandatory charges to the parents as if they're new and the students' personal belongings (no, the students are not allowed to take those things home at the end of term.)  Parents cannot save the money by buying the mats or cups for their own children to take to school unless they're willing to cart those accessories back and forth daily.  And no, electricity to run the A/C doesn't come out of the school's budget. 

My great nieces/great nephews are paying between 1M to 1.5M/month for their children to attend public grade schools.  The high schoolers are 700K/m, but only because those teenagers go home for lunch and come back for the afternoon session instead of spending the entire day in school. 

A Vietnamese family with 3 children often pays at least 4M/m for the children to attend school, an expense that doesn't exist in many countries where basic education is compulsory.

Vietnamese children (now, not in the past) as young as 9 or 10 years old can be without formal education, as long as the parents have a legitimate excuse.  Not having money to pay for the expenses is a very valid one.

For middle and high schools, there's an option for parents who cannot afford to pay: night school for the students.  The charge is much lower, the length of courses is much shorter, the subjects are much more limited and without depth.

Indeed, being still young she should be able to pick up Vietnamese quickly.
Which is why I am looking at ways of meeting up with other children/people other than at school.
School is not on the agenda ( wherever we are in the world) as I feel that it takes away the freedom of the child and the innate joy to learn.
I realised that there is a small unschooling community throughout Vietnam so we gonna try and connect with them.
Would be very happy to meet up with like minded people. We are currently in Vung Tau but happy to travel.

Thank you for your thoughts and the opportunity to share a different perspective.
There is a large unschooling community in the US and yes a lot of people who have been brought up to believe that school is the place where human beings learn will have serious concerns for unschooled children.
Just like every human being my daughter is indeed exceptional. I am fascinated to watch her learn everyday. Not sitting at a desk with a pen and paper and parroting someone standing in front of her but just by playing, going through her day.
I am not a teacher and do not wish to be one. I try and provide her with an environment that will be stimulating and fun.

I don't believe that there are subjects or areas harder than others or more valuable than others. We are just all different and I think anyone can master anything as long as it is their choice to learn.
My focus is to meet my daughter's needs and wants through love.
I do not feel that vaccination meet her needs for a healthy body.
I still breastfeed her on demand. I trust that the breast milk, a plant based diet and plenty of sunshine and time in sea water will build a strong immune system.

Ruthon wrote:

I do not feel that vaccination meet her needs for a healthy body.

I sincerely hope that your daughter is able to avoid infection the next time Vietnam has another widespread outbreak of Measles or Chicken Pox.

Hi Guys,
I am Mahendra . I am an Indian Expat. I am moving to Ho chi Minh city for my Business for 2 months (in -June 2018) and then I will be in Ha Noi  for another 2 months. These trips will be frequent If my work plans succeed.
I can listen to the people for hours. I paint. I write in Indian regional language literature. this is how i feel my Art hunger. Music and Dance is kind of meditation for me. I like to meet new people who shares happiness.
Looking forward to meet new friends from Expat Group. I firmly believe " Life should be spent for earning and being with Good friends and loved ones. Money can be side product.

Ruthon, so you don't believe in eating meat, nor sending your daughter to school, nor protecting her health with vaccinations. Be careful, don't levitate too high.

Ruthon wrote:

Indeed, being still young she should be able to pick up Vietnamese quickly.
Which is why I am looking at ways of meeting up with other children/people other than at school.
School is not on the agenda ( wherever we are in the world) as I feel that it takes away the freedom of the child and the innate joy to learn.
I realised that there is a small unschooling community throughout Vietnam so we gonna try and connect with them.
Would be very happy to meet up with like minded people. We are currently in Vung Tau but happy to travel.

Homeschooling is not feasible for the masses. If everyone home schooled their kids there would be serious problems with productivity. Not enough workers, no productivity

..Ignoring the obvious..?

Contrasting values are necessary for Appreciation

Allowing (most of?) us to live in balance: able to choose

Extremists provide the lessons we learn from, and it is choice, not chance
that decides our destiny.   We are all free to choose...

..but we are not free to escape the consequences...

Ruthon wrote:

I do not feel that vaccination meet her needs for a healthy body.

A very good reason to keep your kids away from school in countries where child vaccinations aren't always carried out.
Measles only infected a few tens of thousands in the 2014 outbreak, and only killed a few hundred kids, nothing to shout about in a well populated country of 92 million people.
I expect all the mothers have stopped crying by now.

If you don't want to vaccinate, I strongly suggest you avoid Asia.

Hi fellow Expats,

Got in to Saigon on the 19th April. Learning to teach English TESOL. Currently living in Saigon courtesy of the training school. Planning to live in Vietnam and run my online business from here for at least 6 months.

I have a particular interest in natural health and fitness and I am a heart coherence biofeedback specialist.

Another sideline project of mine is to make and sell Colloidal Silver. This stuff is a great natural remedy to prevent illness and stop insect bites from itching!

Interested in meeting like minded. Currently just settling in.

All the best,

Rob

Bazza139 wrote:

Extremists provide the lessons we learn from, and it is choice, not chance
that decides our destiny.   We are all free to choose unless we are powerless and dependent on our guardians because we are too young or too old ...

..but we are not free to escape the consequences...

FTFY 

Trust you to look for the easy exit...

..but those days are long gone for you...   

UFTFY  (UnFixed That For You)   ..yet again...

Hello expats in Vietnam, I'm Stella from Singapore. I'm looking for international working experience outside of Singapore. I'm interested in Sports Management, as well as digital marketing and I have experience in both. I'm interested to work in Da Nang. I'd greatly appreciate if the community can point me in the right direction for employment opportunities in your areas of expertise!

I was living in Thailand for five years. Now in Cambodia for five years. Thinking of visiting Vietnam with the thought of making it a prolonged visit. Anyone familiar with a  "temporary residency card" for retirees? I hear it costs $800 for two years. Other than that, information on banking, rentals and helpful advice would be nice.  Does Vietnam have a one month visa on entry? I am a US citizen.

Captnw4 wrote:

Anyone familiar with a  "temporary residency card" for retirees? I hear it costs $800 for two years.

Visa for retirees doesn't exist in Vietnam.  TRC is only available for businesses or spouses of Vietnam nationals.

Captnw4 wrote:

Does Vietnam have a one month visa on entry? I am a US citizen.

Yes, it does, as well as 3 month, 6 month, and one year visa.  Depends on the visa, the maximum length for each stay can only be 90 or 180 days.

Hey, everyone! My wife and I moved to Hanoi last month (Hai Ba Trung area). We are currently doing an in-class TESOL program and hope to teach part-time here in Hanoi. I love the malls! (also, I love that we can mosey the alleys at night.) I haven't been on a motorbike, yet. Its the cheapest and fastest way to get about so I'll just have to double check my "death and dismemberment" clauses and go for it.

Hi all expat community,

this is my first post here, currently staying in Hanoi for the next few month before moving south to Nha Trang
it would be great to network and find some like minded people in Hanoi, Nha Trang to share experiences, about the new life over here, either on the net or in person, for coffees dinner or other kind of activities.
I am in general a very active person that enjoys the outdoors, not necessarily beaches, a more active person, adventures for trips and exploring cities and others, I am known as a real foodie. That's enough for now 😉, feel free to get in touch for more infos or any kind of activities. And would like to take up playing a bit more golf then the last few month

Cheers
H.

There are three golf courses in the Nha Trang area. Around of golf will cost you $70USD, according to their websites. Note: it is illegal to advertise prices in USD.

Thanks for your reply and info, good to know.

cheers,

Hi! My name is Akanksha Bose and I am a Journalism student from India! My dad is currently living here for the span of 3 years and I am currently working at The Saigon Times newspaper as an intern for the span of 2 months! My main reason to join expat.com is to find insight on the experiences and travels made by international tourists, especially Indians, as I am currently working on a story focusing on international communities in Ho Chi Minh city.

I barely understand the language here, but have stumbled upon some great food and beautiful culture! I I guess I'm here to share the experiences stated here on a public forum to provide Vietnam with a better insight of it's foreign travellers!

HI!

I'm an expat from the USA and this is my second time moving to Vietnam.

I managed and launched an advertising/travel resource last time I lived here. Then moved to NYC to sell Enterprise SaaS solutions for 2 years.

Now I'm back In Ho Chi Minh City and I'm looking for exciting startups or tech companies where I can showcase my skills. I'd like to learn what people are doing and add value to their mission.

Best,
Nathan

Hello! Can you please provide the name of the dentist you found and performed dental work on your wife? I am new in Ho Chi Minh City and I have been looking for a goo dentist. So far all the dental offices I visited have been a big disappointment and I was not impressed. Please help, thank you

Hi, as a health professional, I checked many dentists in both Da nang and Saigon. I have made a number of posts on the subject. Check there websites, if doing tourist dental, avoid, $ makers. I checked each for hygiene practices and all were sadly lacking.
We chanced upon a Dentist in Saigon who's charges were more than reasonable and hygiene practices were excellent, I have posted the name and address before, if you can't find, let me know...
Mike