Now officially spoilt
I’m settling very nicely into the new place and into my new life.
I must admit when I handed over the deposit I thought I had a pretty sweet deal considering the spaciousness of my new pad. (Later, paying three months advance rent in Vietnamese dong was a wheelbarrow job).
Then I got home yesterday and found the place cleaned and dirty clothes taken for laundry. The clothes I had slung into the cupboard were now folded. Turns out this place is “serviced”. I had no idea.
I guess I have made the complete transition from slumming it volunteer to spoilt expat.
It’s not hard to see why so many foreigners here are somewhat removed from reality. Thinking about it, if I hadn’t done my two-year stint with KOTO , I might have had no idea of the poverty that still exists here.
As I write this I am sitting in air-conned loveliness, I’m streaming Six Music perfectly and I’m about to have lovely long and hot shower. No more boiling water for bucket baths.
After Cameroon I still can’t get over these luxuries. I hope I never take them for granted.
The pic? That’s another plus point for the new pad – a banh mi trung (egg butty) place across the street. It was washed down with iced coffee this morning. Even having a fridge again – one that works without being kicked – seems incredible.
Nice gaff, hope the neighbours don’t have chickens, dogs or the Vietnamese passion for perpetual knocking metal things with hammers. Enjoy, you deserve it after Bamenda.
BTW- thirstything blog in yr sidebar is in Saigon still I think.
That’s the best part – this is a rare thing – a double glazed house. Yesterday I read about a storm in Hanoi via Twitter – I had no idea.
Actually the neighbours is an, ahem, massage/foot spa place. Though it seems quiet.
Thanks for tip re Thirsty
New place sounds sweet! I don’t think you’re likely to start taking such luxury for granted, you’re far too aware and sensible. Can I send my dirty laundry over to you?
No you can get Radio 6, listen tomorrow Goodman is going to be on, being interviewed about Depeche Mode.
Shut up shut up shut up shut up
Never mind me, I’m just jealous.
Abby – not so much taking it for granted but certainly relying on it. I am no longer capable of looking after myself. However I balance this with the knowledge that although I know I am now hopeless I do know that things don’t magically clean/tidy themselves. I am grateful to be enjoying such luxury.
Dames – he always did have crap taste.
Mosh – you know you want to come back. Just make it happen.
Just recently found your blog and your Vietnam tweets – wow. It makes me want to at least visit Vietnam (I am Vietnamese but born in America) and who knows – maybe move there one day!
Amy, can I second anything you read on here? I’ve been to Vietnam five times in the last 3 years or so and fell in love with the place. If there’s a country you must visit – especially if it’s in your blood, so to speak – then this is it!