Back From Saigon

2nd time around I have to say Saigon is much easier for me to handle.

The 1st time.. issues were
- intense traffic
- intense heat and humidity
- pollution and poverty
- got a nasty stomach virus/flu

This time... I think I was prepared for all of the above, and found a nice gym/pool to relax at and spent alot more time getting my hair/face washed and a massage. It helps because its so fricking hot that getting a nice 3pm wash really refreshes you. Also staying around the swank Sheraton area is much nicer.

The good/bad of the situation in Vietnam is...
- prices are rising fast. Probably +30% from when I was last there. Hotel rates have doubled.
- side effect 1 of prices/inflation/growth -- more expats, english speaking locals
- side effect 2 -- there is going to be a further divide between rich/poor


There is still alot of fucked up shit in VN that Boo refers to as "TIV" (This is Vietnam). Like how pricing is variable.. taxis like to charge you whatever they think they can rip you for, everyone is trying to sell you shit, every taxi-motorbike seems to think I want to go for a massage w/ 2 girls, etc.

I witnessed a tourist get her handbag grabbed by a motorbiker. I had bought an imitation Mont Blanc work briefcase/bag and was thinking.. shit if I walk around Saigon w/ this, will a thief try to rip it off ? But then he'd be ripping off an imitation created by his own people!! But I suppose he wants the stuff inside not the bag itself.

Anyways time to sleep, I am fricking beat down.

If I got nothing going on over xmas I think I'll spend 2-3 weeks in Vietnam next time and really live the VC life.