Why am I still here?
Even though things are changing fast in Vietnam, it is still a great place for expats to live. Despite inflation it is still relatively cheap and the lifestyle is fabulous. But the reality is that the people are beautiful, some of the nicest people in all of Asia.
I have recently house moved again, this is what...the 7th move in 8 years? (and to think I hate moving!) But hey...the removalist cost me $38 for the truck including 2 guys to carry my stuff and they did a good job too! I moved into a nice 2 bedroom apartment. I broke up with my GF after nearly 2 years so now I am living alone again. I like living by myself and about 5 minutes from my apartment is this fabulous fresh fruit and veggy market...it is around the streets but the food is so fresh every day...so now I am starting to cook for myself as well...(not very well mind you but I am having fun). My apartment is also exactly 25 minutes walk to the best bar in the world "Phattys"! :)It is amazing how Vietnam is changing and developing. The thing I notice the most is the way the local Vietnamese are really starting to become more involved in business and there is now a massive emerging middle class. There seems to be so much money in Vietnam, a lot of nice, new (expensive) cars (a brand new Rolls Royce was parked outside my apartment a few days ago) and many exclusive shops are opening up here. There are amazing huge shopping malls being built and as a result the whole of the city is changing before my eyes.
One huge downside is that they are pulling down beautiful old French colonial buildings and replacing them with huge, glass fronted office buildings all over the place. There does not appear to be much thought going into town planning (is there anywhere in the world?) and my biggest fear is that downtown Saigon will turn into a cold and miserable place just like Melbourne's Docklands (without the water). Like Docklands...that would be a huge opportunity lost for Vietnam. I hope I am wrong.
