Under the bridge
Posted: November 2, 2009 Filed under: Hanoi, Pics | Tags: Hanoi, long bien, long bien bridge 5 Comments »
Our Man in Hanoi
expat hanoi blog
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Our Man in Hanoi by Steve Jackson is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at ourmaninhanoi.com.
I’ve been reading your blog since you were in Cameroon. Now I’m in Hanoi and am intrigued to find that you’re here. I’m not nearly as in love with this city as you are, and would like to hear more about why you love it so much. Let me know if you want to grab a beer some time.
Mike – I’m not sure I’m up for defending Hanoi. Most people love it – some don’t.
It’s that kind of place. Anywhere with such a strong identity will bring out extreme reactions.
Thanks for the answer. I’m not sure I expressed myself very well. I can see why a person would love Hanoi. My first experience in Vietnam was negative when I explored the country for 4 weeks back in April. But my return in October felt glorious. I felt adventurous and excited to return. Things were happening. I felt a pulse.
But after only a couple days as a pedestrian in the old quarter I began to feel nagged and pestered and my mood got worse and worse. I now live in Dong Da, and people stare at me regularly for being white. It’s both better and worse than the Old Quarter. Fewer restaurants, fewer conveniences, but less hassle. Also sometimes I have a sidewalk to walk on!
I guess I’m just going through some culture shock. I think a lot of the difference between our viewpoints could be explained due to your experience in Vietnam and your apparent knowledge of the language. If I could communicate better with the locals I bet my stress here would be much less.
Anyway, thanks for listening. All the best.
It’s a tough one – I certainly don’t think that the Old Quarter is a good place to live. Even in terms of walking through it I keep it to weekends. It’s a bit stressful during the weekends. Too noisy and busy.
It’s been very different this time as I have scooter whereas before I was a xe om passenger.
As for being stared out – it’s not like you’re out in the sticks but in a strange way I think I kind of like being the centre of attention. I just normally wish them a hearty ciao anh and move on. Smile first – it normally works. Make eye contact and stare them (but with the smile). If it’s kids make a face. If it’s a young girl wink and watch the giggle behind their hands.
As for language – I am pretty limited. I can argue over prices, just about give left and right directions home and a few stock phrases ie you’re welcome, no problem etc
But that’s it. Only advice I can give is enjoy the madness. Take a step back and look at yourself in the middle of it and laugh.
The trouble with Hanoi is that it can be a vicious circle – the worse it gets the harder it is to smile and the worse you get treated. But, grin like a moron and it mostly works.
Hi Ourman,
I’m Vietnamese journalist and it’s so nice to know your blog, and even better when you’re Hanoi lover. After having read through some of your posts and comments, I’ve generated an idea.
I’m now working for Costumer Guide Magazine (belongs to The Vietnam Economic Times) (Hope you heard before). We’re preparing the issue celebrating the 1000 great Birthday of Hanoi.
It’s would be great if you help writing some good things about Hanoi that you love, that I will put it in my serie named “How young people love Hanoi”. What do you think?
In case you’re too busy, could you please reply me hear by outlining some ideas?
Thank you very much!