Job Discussion Forums

[jello1]

I posted recently asking, "whatsa matter with Vietnam?"

SOme of your posts (a little cynical) lead me to believe some Vietnamese tend to be somewhat pushy. Is this accurate? I have a friend who teaches in Korea and she says the locals are quite stand-offish, that it is difficult make meaningful relationships, and this is definetly NOT what I am after.

I have traveled extensively in Latin America, Europe, and a little in Thailand. My experiences are nearly always positive, often because of the people I meet. SO in your experiences, is it difficult to make honest friendships with the locals?

I am beginning to wonder if another local would be more appropriate for me.

I would be quite interested in any info on other SE Asia locations which you all believe compares less or more favorably to VIetnam.

THanks!

Matt

[Ryno]

I've come to learn that many of the people are surprisingly helpful and wonderful to build friendships with. It's just that out in crowded public places like the markets, I get pushed, bumped, cut-off, stepped-on, stared at, etc. They'll sometimes even unashamedly relieve themselves right there on the sidewalks. There really isn't much respect for other people's privacy. Women will sometimes use the men's room and men will sometimes use the women's room. Makes me wonder why they even have seperate restrooms.

I think once you get to know some of them, they're great. But it's every man for himself in the busy streets and markets.

[Mr Wind-up Bird]

It's true that personal space isn't really respected here and queuing is non-existent. But the people here are very friendly and genuinely interested in foreigners. I've already been invited for lunch by my local grocer & his family & every time I leave the house I end up shaking hands with half a dozen people before I can actually go anywhere!

VN's like anywhere else, there are good folks & bad. The problem is telling them apart when you can't understand a word they're saying. But if you want to spend time in a country where it's ridiculously easy to strike up conversations & friendships with the locals, I can't think of anywhere better. As long as you remember that you're in Vietnam & not back in the West & thus don't expect British-style queuing and reserve you'll be fine!

[Snaff]

....

[hoodooguru]

I've travelled throughout Asia and attitudes to public space vary but generally it veers towards negatives.

Bangkok is a nightmare but at least it's so crippled by cars the pace is choked somewhat off of the expressways.

My main complaint with HCMC is that it's the two Rs - reckless and relentless. It really is amazing how people constantly push each other to the brink here......no one gives an inch.

This barrage of traffic induced stress (combined with copious amounts of MSG in most food) surely must be sending locals blood pressure skyhigh, not to mention unnecessary trips to hospital. Still I guess they figure what's a few limbs between friends.

[Snaff]