Job Discussion Forums

[ExpatLuke]

VietCanada's answer to crime and death is just to shut up and ignore it because it won't change......... There's another reason why his career hasn't advanced in more than 10 years.

[conoresl1984]

I just left there last week after 2 years. anything to do with money in Saigon is like pulling teeth. Aggregation. Driving also. I would sometimes fantasize about lobbing bricks at taxi drivers behind me. They need to re evaluate the whole having kids culture. Maybe 1 child like China used to have. Sex ed taught in schools. The city is at bursting point already and then they reduce import tax on cars. Loads of small hatchbacks everywhere now clogging up bike lanes. Thailand offers free condoms I have heard. Other countries are trying to combat their problems where as in nam the ultra capitalism is destroying the place. The new subway will only serve people in district 2 and tourists going to the water park. The other lines (which are most needed) wont be finished for years. Ultra greed from the top down and no police force. I feel sorry for the locals who will never see another version of life outside Vietnam

[cb400]

Amazing to see this old thread back... brings back a lot of memories from when I wrote the OP. I've been back in Canada for the last 2 year (or just after I wrote it) and after a difficult adjustment back to 'normal' life, I really do appreciate what I have here.

I went back to Nam last year as I was missing the place, only for Vacation and ended up leaving early... just not the place for me and 7 days is all I could stand after 7 years of living there.

One warning for the long term expats there, is keep an eye on your breathing and health issues. I never smoked, stayed healthy and fit but I am still having to use a puffer before doing exercise..... a result of the pollution of VN and second hand smoke potentially.

[jim_brava]

I have been in HCMC for 8 days, and this is my first visit to Vietnam after over a decade in Asia (mostly Malaysia, Thailand and Japan, with a bit of Singapore, Korea, Laos and China):

A: For the love of Christ, build some foot bridges over busy roads/intersections. I know Vietnam is a developing country, but they can't be that expensive.

B: I get that road/pavement surfaces and underground pipes/cables can't improve themselves, but is it necessary to dig up every road/pavement within the Bui Vien area at the same time?! You can barely walk anywhere without dodging the bucket of a digger or a big manhole"

C: "Marajuana? Hey you! Can I help you? Hey you!"

D: I almost got hit by a motorcycle from behind me that was going at a ridiculous speed, while I was walking on the pedestrian pavement.He then proceeded to yell back at me for almost causing the collision. You are literally not safe anywhere, and dodging all the roadworks makes it even worse.

I'm sorry Bangkok. All is forgiven...

[sigmoid]

Well, you guys are quite right for complaining but these days Ha Noi and HCMC aren't your only options.

Although Da Nang is only one of the alternatives available, Expat Luke pretty much nailed it back on page 1:

[DauntlessinDanang]

Expat Luke wrote:

[Tiger Beer]

Very interesting thread here.

One thing though. This thread seems to be entirely about the ROAD? Very little else made anyone irritated?