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Golf
Golf
August 2022
Welcome back to you old timers, and welcome to Dragon Golf for the newbies. We have been pushing for years for one of the recruiting questions to be “Do you own golf clubs?”, and maybe they were listening! We have a good number of dedicated hackers on staff, and as the resident golf lunatic, I will try to represent them and the larger Vietnamese golf culture with a subjective level of accuracy. Let’s start with the wider picture.
Golf in Vietnam
For those of you new to chasing the little white ball around in this country, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and most importantly, it’s really, really hot. Morning, afternoon, twilight, July, or January, it’s usually about 400 degrees, so prepare accordingly. Bring whatever you would pack to spend five hours on the surface of the sun. Secondly, golf in Vietnam is a full experience. The courses are quite distant from D7 (minimum one hour), the pace of play is on the slow side, and the clubhouse experience is ornate. From registration to your locker to the cart and caddie assignment to the on course kiosks to the post-round shower/sauna/jacuzzi to the often included meal afterwards, Vietnamese golf is a full service enterprise. If you are used to pulling up to your local muni after work and lacing up your shoes on the bumper of your car while expecting to get home before the game on tv starts, well, this is not that. Neither is the green fee. Weekend rates in the HCMC area start at well north of 100USD, and once you add caddie tip and transportation costs, you can budget for at least 7 hours and 3.000.000 dong for a weekend game. Having said that, the courses tend to be of a high quality, and there are many enjoyable tracks in the area. Some of our faves include Taekwang Jeongsan, Long Thanh, Vietnam Country Club, and Tan Son Nhat (the “Airport Course”).
Dragon Golfers
Speaking of outings, the community of SSIS golfers is small but passionate. We try to get out for a game at least once per month, but with the limitations listed above plus the commitments to work/life/family, it doesn’t always work out that way. The first thing you need to do if you are keen is join the “Dragon Golfers” whatsapp group. This is the main connection point for upcoming games, some general golf related banter, and immature commentary. Usually someone (often Chris Sylvester, the maestro of mayhem) will arrange the tee times and transport, and all you have to do is commit and pay. Traditionally, Dragon Golfers will augment the festive atmosphere by choosing the self-catering path. Water, snacks, sandwiches, and, uh, “beverages” are often brought at the discretion of the individual. And a shared tin of biscuits has become a traditional part of the van ride. How civilised. Once in a blue moon, we organise a challenge against the teachers from another school, usually the Stinky Rhinos from ISHCMC.
Some shorter, cheaper options:
Sometimes you have an itch that needs scratching, but don’t have the time or funds to satisfy the urge. If you don’t take that as a metaphor, well, then you are looking for a different group with different facility recommendations. But if you’re still thinking golf, you might consider these options:
Driving range - there is a decent driving range in D7 next to Green Valley condos and Pizza 4Ps. They also have a small putting/chipping green. There’s another small range (the only dog-leg driving range I have ever seen!) across the river from the school near Sunrise Condos and ABC school. Other ranges exist in D1 and D2.
Screen golf - Virtual golf on the simulator is another option. There are many venues sprinkled around D7. JL Golf in the Golden King Tower is a virtual driving range with a couple of private rooms. There are two Friends Golf franchises in D7, one old and "well loved" site above the Cheeky Chicken place on Canal St. and a brand new location in Cobi Tower 1, beside the new McDonalds on Hoang Van Thai. The GolfZon chain offers the best quality. There’s one in River Park Residence (near the school) and one in Paragon on Nguyen Long Bang.
Par 3 course - just kidding. This is more to elicit the weepy nostalgia of the old guard. The par 3 used to be a Thursday night staple for Dragon Golfers. You can see the sad, abandoned remnants (and probably some left over beer cans) across from the Phu My Hung driving range.
Golf Travel Destinations in Vietnam:
In case you like to pack the sticks on holidays, there are a number of excellent places to play around the country. In fact, the golf outside of HCMC is, in my opinion, far superior to the city courses. Golf construction is booming here, with multiple courses opening each year. In order of proximity, here is a short overview of some destinations:
Ho Tram. (2.5-3 hour drive) The Bluffs course is rated #1 in the country, and for good reason. A top quality sand-based and windy track, it’s part of a large and luxurious beach resort. Many wealthy Saigonese head there for the weekends, so it’s pricey and busy.
Mui Ne. (4-5 hour drive) There is an older resort course called Sea Links in the middle of Mui Ne town. There is also a brand new NovaWorld resort just south of there with two 18 hole golf courses.
Nha Trang (1 hour flight to Cam Ranh airport) There are a few courses in the area: VinPearl on a theme park island in Nha Trang, the Diamond Bay resort just south of Nha Trang, the excellent KN Golf Links beside the airport in Cam Ranh, and a new course 45 min south of Cam Ranh at Binh Tien
Danang (1.5 hour flight) This is the premier golf destination in the country. Laguna Lang Co, Ba Na Hills, BRG Danang (36 holes), Montgomerie Links, Hoiana Shores (my fave), and VinPearl Nam Hoi An are all within reach of the ancient town of Hoi An.
Hanoi (3 hour flight) Hanoi is the national capital and the golf capital. There are more courses per capita there than anywhere else, with some excellent options near Ha Long Bay.
That’s enough for now. Don’t forget to join the whatsapp group! And let me know if you have any other questions or just want to BS about golf. I’m always up for it!
Jeff Robidoux
Football
Football
August 2022
Thank you for wanting to find out more about the football scene in Saigon. Below is information for those of you wishing to participate, if you would like information about football for your children then please let me know and I can reply separately.
Football is the most popular sport in Vietnam and there is plenty to offer in this great city of ours. Whether you are looking to play once a week 5 or 7 aside, or if you are looking for 11 aside competitive football there are options for you.
When deciding if you want to play in Saigon, you will no doubt be considering the commitment you want to make. Options available to you would be;
Staff Football - Every Tuesday at 4:15 PM, organized by Patrick O'Donnell at the backfield behind the MS and ES blocks. Turn up and play, all abilities are welcome. Alternatively, there is also Sunday morning at 7 AM. more details are below.
Social Football - Turn up and play, 5-9 aside.
Competitive 5 or 7-a-side football - Mini leagues are very popular here in Saigon and regular competitions take place all year round. Teams play once a week and there are pitches in D7, D2, and D4. Both Male, Female, and Mixed options are available.
Competitive 11-a-side football - If you are looking to be part of a club and to compete within Saigon then this option is for you. Teams usually train one time each week and compete in the amateur league called the SIFL, the season starts in October and so now is a good time to join There are no 11s female teams, but teams do encourage girls to join the training and participate in games with them.
Women's Football
Saigon Women's Football Club - Look no further for all of the most up-to-date information regarding women's football.
Facebook Page - Click here
For those interested, women are also welcome playing in mixed football here in Saigon. Sometimes tournaments and leagues may have rules against mixed participation, but there is amateur football across Saigon where women are welcome to participate together with men.
Where can you find out general information for Social or Competitive 5s and 7s Football
- Football in Saigon Facebook Page - Click here
Here you will find regular posts advertising games that you can turn up and play. Usually, teams playing 5,7,8, or 9 aside football will post here to see if anyone is available for a game and they will have the location and details. The page also is a good place to ask any questions about where you can find a team that plays regularly close to your area.
When joining local games or filling a slot for a team you will pay a training/playing fee from 70,000 -100,000 VND. You may be in a team of foreigners, locals, or mixed. There is a group called 'Red Star' who plays on Tuesdays and Thursdays in District 7.
Additional Social Football (Sundays)
Join Dan Le (dle@ssis.edu.vn) for a 7-a-side soccer match with the local friendly players at 7:00 AM every Sunday at SportOne Soccer Center (District 8), very near SSIS. The players there just play for fun, with no intensity, and a BBQ beer party sometimes takes place right after the match. The membership fee is VND 50,000 (or $2) for each match. This fee also includes sugarcane juice refreshments and the occasional BBQ beer party. Email or call Dan at 0867 425 985 if you are interested.
11-A-Side Football
There is a fantastic football community here in Saigon and I would highly recommend joining one of the teams here one of the groups that play weekly to help you integrate into the community, regardless of your ability. When I came to Saigon I joined a team and instantly had the support of 30+ members, all helping me settle in Saigon and making me feel at home here. Plus.. it was also great to experience football here.
A personal plug here! - I am currently chairman of the Saigon Raiders Football team, the oldest expatriate team here in Saigon. We pride ourselves on our diversity, with over 26 nationalities and players of all abilities we would welcome any of you to come down and experience a training session with our team. I am personally proud of the club and what we do off the field as much as what we do on it, currently we are doing some community volunteer work with the local orphanages here in Saigon. We have two teams that play fixtures each week, supported by a coaching team and kit men. The team goes on tour each year and has regular social events. We have weekly training from 7:30 - 9:30 and if you are interested in coming along then please drop me a message on; 0789866917. (Plug over!)
Things to know about playing competitive football in Saigon;
Local Referees are likely not to give you any decisions - The standard of refereeing is mixed, local teams will often call for free kicks and get the decision. If you are bigger and stronger than your opponent then you are not likely to win any 50/50 decisions. If you can accept that, then you can get on and enjoy the game, otherwise, it may be frustrating. For me, it took time to adapt!
Throw Ins - Local players will regularly fowl throw and the referee will let this go. Try to do the same, call for it.. but expect it not to be given!
The heat, you will adapt! But it is essential that you hydrate well before, during, and after. I recommend purchasing some rehydration salts from any of your local pharmacies, 'Oresol' is a good local brand available at most pharmacies. Also, make sure you wear sunscreen and apply it before you play, if you are playing in the sun it will get to you.
Football Boots - Due to the heat boots may fall apart here as the glue melts. There are some nice hacks for this, you can get the material sewn together at any local shoemaker. You are best purchasing from a retailer and not purchasing from the market as market cheap options will fall apart quickly.
Playing Surface - Most pitches are artificial. Some are grass but only for 11 aside and they are usually always hard dried-up pitches.
Shin Pads - They are often non-compulsory but if playing competitively, wear them! - the games are not rough but the standard can be mixed.
I hope the information above has been helpful, please reach out to me know if you would like to ask any questions, no question is a bad question!
See you on the pitch ;)
Dan Hogg
Live Rock and Metal
Live Rock and Metal
August 2022
Wow, it is great to know there are other live music lovers on staff. Sometimes I don't think our students can imagine us down the front of a gig :-)
HCMC and Vietnam are not generally on the tour circuit for international rock and metal acts. Occasionally, some do get slotted to play - My Chemical Romance (2008), Bob Dylan (2011), Simple Plan (2012), Ruins (2013), Lacuna Coil (2013), Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (2013), Scorpions (2016), The Chainsmokers (2017), Whitechapel (2017), Eyehategod (2019), Jack White (2022) - and you will find a range of international DJs playing around the place as well. There is a new stadium being built that is planned to be part of Live Nation's circuit, but that won't be finished for a couple of years.
Probably the biggest obstacle to regular concerts is a lack of decent sized venues that are willing to host acts. There is a fertile pop and dance scene that continues to flourish, but also a committed set of pop-punk and hardcore bands that support each other. Through their dedication, they organize crossover gigs at a variety of venues around town. Venues such as Soma and Hẻm Chill (both in Thảo Điền) host a cross section of live music on a regular basis, while other events happen all across the city. The bars mentioned in this article have all been highly recommended for the variety of live music they offer. Within HCMC, most staff at clubs and bars and people involved in the music scene have pretty good English language skills so that should not be a barrier to your participation.
Personally, I am into the heavier side of music and follow Hardcore Vietnam to find out what gigs are coming up. Although some of the music is quite heavy (check out BẠO, District 105, or Diarsia, for example), they also include a variety of other bands at their gigs such as Taiyoken and Do It Dad. Don’t be put off by the “hardcore” in the title - they are a bunch of really nice people and believe that variety is the spice of life! They also have a mini-documentary on YouTube (if you have keen eyes you can see me at one of the concerts!). Entry costs to local gigs range between free up to around 300K VND.
I hope this has set you on the path of discovery for local music. I'm only new to the city but have been impressed by how much the bands really want their scene to thrive. Get out there, have some fun, and buy some merch to support the bands!
Finally, if you want to find out what is happening around town but don’t necessarily want to translate band Facebook posts and so on, feel free to join one of my WhatsApp groups where I will be posting details of upcoming gigs and so on.
Lennox Meldrum
Street Food & Bia Hoi
Street Food & Bia Hoi
August 2022
I've combined a few sites you might want to use to try some nearby street food areas. I am NOT an expert, I just like to try things here and there, and appreciate a good food stall on the side of the road when it works. There seem to be pockets of them in so many places (outside a mall, construction sites, street intersections, etc), it's hard not to find a bánh mì, pho, roasted corn or something which you might enjoy. As far as BiaHoi places, I have been to a few near Nguyễn Lương Bằng, but they are all over, so shouldn't be hard to find!
There are a plethora of food tour groups, and I couldn't begin to break down which are the best, but if there is anyone in the group who may have had experience with a food tour and would want to give a shout out, please do!
If anyone is interested in a group food tour, or taking a Saturday to go to some of the different food stalls in D1, please indicate on the form, and maybe we can schedule a couple dates and/or impromptu meetups to eat local/street food.
Sarah Dowd
Biking
Biking
August 2022
Hello to everyone, and thanks for your interest!
There is a huge riding community in Vietnam as it's an amazing way to experience this beautiful country. I did 2-3 trips last year with a Vietnamese man named Phuc who can set up local/private tours in which he has a van/driver and will drive you to a location outside of HCMC/set up hotels, meals and plan a great route in rural Vietnam. He will ride with you and be in constant contact with the driver who can come to pick you up if you are in need. The more people go on the ride, the cheaper it becomes. You can personalize to fit your needs. If there's interest in doing a trip together, we can do this! I rode on the Vietnamese/Cambodian border as well as along the Mekong. Phuc's What'sApp number is listed as Phuc Tran at +84 90 9210628.
If you are in need of a bike, or of bicycle repair, I am including some local shops or larger stores in which to get bicycle gear. There are places for repair, washing the bike, etc. I went to most of these places listed when looking at a bike for purchase and can give feedback if you need.
Ride Plus- D7 and other locations (This is where I mainly go, it's close and easy!)
There is so much to unpack with biking in Vietnam and this online community is a great place to start:
I look forward to possible future bike trips with anyone interested!
Sarah Dowd
#PubPD
#PubPD
February 2023
#PubPD is an hour-long event after school where we synchronize with educators all around Asia to discuss trending topics in education with a beverage. It is completely non-profit with most conversations shared via Twitter at a pre-arranged time each month. As well as SSIS staff, teachers from other schools in HCMC often join our group.
The first #PubPD for this school year was moderated by digital note-taking and enquiry legend, Chris Gadbury. The second event focussed on the OECD Future of Education Learning Compass 2030 initiative and was moderated by Sandra Chow, Director of Innovative Learning at Keystone Academy in Beijing.
We hope to see you at the next event!
Carlos Galvez
Fantasy Leagues
Fantasy Leagues
February 2023
We have a collection of sporting interests at the school, ranging from cricket tragics who will agonize over every minute of a five-day test, rugby boofheads who throw their support behind club and country in both league and union, football (soccer) madlads who fight the desire to sleep to keep up with games on European schedules, and a whole host of the North American flavors of kicking, hitting, passing, and catching sports.
A few of these lend themselves to fantasy leagues or tournament challenges at SSIS these are the most popular:
MLB: Teams are currently in their pre-season training camps, getting ready for the season openers on March 30. We are looking for players to join Fantasy Baseball and space is limited! If you are in for a season stretching across the summer to early October, join the WhatsApp group. The Commissioner for the season is Lennox Meldrum.
NCAA March Madness: Selection Sunday is nearing so it is nearly time for the college basketball boffins to make their predictions and see if they can dominate the bracket all the way to the final game. If this gets your blood running, keep an eye out for information from Ceci Gomez-Galvez.
NHL: The 2022-23 season began in early October and is nearing the playoffs, which will be in April. As the Fantasy Hockey season winds up, there is usually a Playoff Draft involving the teams shooting for the Stanley Cup. Contact Jeff Robidoux if you are interested in getting involved in the Playoff Draft or potentially joining next year's Fantasy Hockey season.
EPL: This season began at the start of August and is running through to the end of May, so if you are interested in joining the Fantasy League then you will need to wait until next season. Jeff Robidoux is the person to contact for more information.
NFL: The 2022-23 season has just ended with most of the Fantasy Football participants still licking their mental wounds. If you are interested in getting on board for next year, contact this year's Commissioner, Carlos Galvez. The NFL season is expected to kick off in early September so the Fantasy Football league will conduct the draft just after school has resumed.
We look forward to joining you in anxiety, frustration, and the occasional flashes of joy in whatever fantasy sport takes your interest! For big games and games that are on a suitable schedule, many fantasy leagues will try to get together at a home or a local establishment to cheer on the teams and players. Feel free to join any of these events as well!
Jeff Robidoux (NHL, EPL); Carlos Galvez (NFL); Lennox Meldrum (MLB); Ceci Gomez-Galvez (NCAA March Madness)
CrossFit and Fitness
CrossFit and Fitness
August 2022
There are some great places to train in Saigon and all come with an amazing community! No matter what your level of fitness, whether you are new to working out, training at the gym or CrossFit and want to give it a try for the first time, or if you have been taking part for a number of years Saigon can meet your needs. Take a look below at the different options available to you.
Listed below you will see your CrossFit options and also thanks to Elena Anello, there are many fitness options for you too.
CrossFit Q7, Saigon Sports Club (SSC) - https://www.facebook.com/crossfitq7 & https://www.saigonsportsclub.com/
Location - Close to SSIS, around 10-12 minutes by motorbike (https://g.page/saigonsportsclub?share/)
Facilities - SSC boasts fantastic facilities with a spacious gym, swimming pool, and large CrossFit area with most of the accessories you need to access any CrossFit WOD.
Pricing - SSC is a 'lifestyle' gym and has different pricing options that can be viewed on its website. Options include; 10-20 class packages, or 3,6, or 12-month memberships. It is on the pricey side but you are getting the best training space in the city.
Coaching - The CrossFit coaches are qualified and do plan the programming around the classes, usually working through 6-8 week cycles. There are different training times for group classes, morning and evening 5 days a week.
Open Gym - There is no open gym policy and so members are expected to train with the group at the set times. Members can use the indoor gym area for personal training, depending on the package you purchase from the gym.
Community - The SSC community has changed over the years but remains healthy, several members compete in domestic and international competitions whilst others just enjoy the community atmosphere that working out together at CrossFit has.
CrossFit Thao Dien - https://www.crossfitthaodien.com/
Location - District 2, around 30-45 minutes by motorbike from SSIS, (https://goo.gl/maps/KoX1qA8xqdVvFimp8)
Facilities - The gym is small but functional, it is built for purpose, and workouts can involve activities also outside of the gym. The gym does have the type of equipment you'd expect for a CrossFit Gym.
Pricing - CrossFit Thao Dien has 3 tier packages, Bronze (9 sessions per month), Silver (13), Gold (Unlimited). The gym is also quite expensive but the coach-to-trainer ratio is smaller than SSC.
Coaching - The CrossFit coaches are qualified and active athletes in the community, they have sessions 7 days a week.
Open Gym - The gym is open to members at designated times outside of classes.
Community - The Thao Dien community is strong and active, they take part in community events and also have several athletes competing in local and international events.
Personal Training or Small Group CrossFit Options - Charles Del Castillo, +84 77 501 2342
Location - District 7, Phu My Hung - around 5 minutes from the school.
Facilities - The gym is of a good size for personal training and small group classes. It has the equipment needed for most WOD types.
Pricing - Usually upon discussion but you can expect to pay around 800k for 1 on 1 personal training sessions. Group sessions may be available upon request.
Coaching - Charles has a fantastic reputation in the community, he has competed in Crossfit competitions previously and is a certified CrossFit instructor. Charles is also very much 'more than just a coach', he will tailor training specifically around your needs and take into account any injuries or dietary information that may impact your training. Charles is known for his specific feedback and adjustments, and for helping you to achieve your goals. He is also a very friendly and professional gym trainer, who trains both male and female athletes and is not the stereotypical gym intense and over-pumped lifter!!
Gyms in the Phu My Hung Area:
Thank you to Elena Anello for her support in providing all of the information below on the local gyms across Phu My Hung.
Location: Riverside Residence Block B
Body By Jovie is a boutique gym that provides group classes, yoga, as well as individual training sessions. A membership usually costs around 1mil VND per month and you get access to all the classes that they offer (both strength training and yoga). They have yoga classes almost every day of the week, and 2-3 strength training sessions per week. A drop in class normally costs 250K. For personal training, 12 sessions costs 10.8 mil and one session normally costs 900K VND. With a membership you also have access to their gym to workout at your own pace on your own time. This is a sample weekly calendar with all their sessions available.
Location: Garden Court (right by school!)
Advanced Fitness is frequented by many SSIS folks due to its proximity to school. They offer classes for boxing, zumba, yoga, and individual training sessions as well. Here are prices for PT sessions (apparently the promotion ends August 10th). Membership for the gym is approximately 8 mil for one year.
Platinum Crescent Wellness Center
Location: Crescent Residences
This gym is on the pricier side, but has a lot of equipment and access to a sauna jacuzzi and pool included in their membership. They have zumba, yoga, strength training, as well as spin classes. A 3-month membership is 5.9 mil; 6-month membership costs 10.7 mil; and a one year membership is around 15 mil. They offer a free 7-day trial for those interested. If you sign up for a one year membership, they give you three months free membership.
Location: Ha Huy Tap (also quite close to school)
This is more of a boxing and Muay Thai gym for those interested. Here is a flyer with promotions and prices they have. Here is a sample schedule of their classes.
Personal Training
I have heard great things about a personal trainer named Amaryska Kamionko. She has many SSIS clients who can attest to her wonderful and highly personalized training sessions. Here is her contact info: email (akamionko@hotmail.com) or text / Whatsapp (+84 90 227 1830).
Personal recommendation (Dan Hogg); I would recommend the personal training or small group options with Charles first. I personally believe this would be the best value for money if you are wanting to see results from your training, be that improving your technique, results, aesthetic goals, exercising safely after injury, or just small group / 1-on-1 training. If you are looking for larger group community classes where you can work out together then I would recommend Saigon Sports Club, purely for the location and facilities.
Should you need any additional information then please feel free to reach out to us, there are also the options of trial classes for first time gym goers for SSC and Thao Dien CrossFit.
Dan Hogg and Elena Anello
Street Photography
Street Photography
August 2022
Hi fellow street photographers!!
As someone who fell in love with photography and street photography here in Vietnam, I'm so excited to learn that there are more of us interested in photography right here in our own community!
Although the past years have not presented too many opportunities for street photography, Covid and full-time work will do that, I'd lost count of how many hours I spent exploring the city with my camera between 2013-2017 (so many, however, that I had to start a Facebook page so that friends and family who were not as passionate wouldn't unfriend me).
And wow - what a place Saigon is to explore (with or without a camera). There are so many colors and layers, and the people are super friendly. You're going to love it!!! And to top it off, whenever you get tired, you're never far from a tasty bowl yummy noodles of some sort or Vietnamese coffee.
As you can imagine, there used to be a vibrant community of photographers here. Here are actually two that are still here, and who offer tours. I've taken several classes with Quinn Ryan Mattingly and he's awesome. There's also a Frenchman named Arnaud who has been here for a long time and runs tours. His website seems to be down, but I think you can reach him through Instagram.
Here are a few things that I picked up along my own photo journey here in Saigon, that I thought might be helpful for you to know:
1. The early bird gets the worm - yep if you haven't noticed, things start early here. Very early. To capture the light I'd be out before sunrise, typically leaving the house at about 5:00 am. Not only do you get the good light, but you also get the city awakening, and most importantly you avoid the heat.
2. Late is also great - the fluorescents turn on, the street carts are out, and people are enjoying dinner in large groups on the sidewalks. It's boisterous and fun. Personally, I don't have many shots like that - not sure what that says, lol.
3. Only carry what you need - I've always felt that Saigon is safe. However, I wouldn't flash big camera gear around or hold my camera or phone out over the street to "capture the motorbikes." Instead, I always kept small bills in my pocket and my camera in a fanny pack - especially when crossing a busy street. Usually, when people zoom by you on their motorbikes on the sidewalk, it's to take a shortcut or to park. But, it's better to be safe, look up and move aside if you hear someone coming.
4. Ask permission with a smile - I love taking candid portraits and always try to respect the integrity of any subject. When people look up, however, I'll gesture to the camera and ask with a smile or my eyes. Many don't care, but others don't want their photo taken and we should respect that. Take a nice picture of someone? Go back and give them a copy. People love that too.
5. Learn a few words of Vietnamese (note, non of the following words have the tone marks) - dep qua (so beautiful), dep trai (handsome), co ngon khong? (is it tasty?), chao co/em/con (hello auntie/someone younger/child), cam on rat nhieu (thank you very much) - will usually get you a smile and chuckle. People assume you only know "Xin chao" and are delighted when you can say a few more words.
6. Don't rush! Linger, observe. - Not everyone has the same style or philosophy, but I like to take my time and can spend hours at a market and the surrounding neighborhood.
Now that you have a few tips, where to go? I used to find a neighborhood market on Google maps, and head there. The markets are the heart of the neighborhood so you're never far from daily life. Make a circle on the map and dedicate at least a few hours to explore. You won't regret it.
So that you have something to start with, I've put this map together for you. It is by no means extensive, but it'll give you something to go by. Also, since lots of life is played out in the "hems," i.e., the alleys and I've marked one of my favorite networks of alleys.
I think I've covered the how, the where, and the when. Everyone has their own why, of course. Mine started as a way to process everything I saw in my new home and developed into a passion. Share yours if you like, I'd love to hear know what got you interested in street photography.
Lastly, one of these weekends, I do plan to dust off my camera and head out at 5:00 am again. Can't promise when quite yet, but if you're an early bird like me, just respond to this email and I'll let you know when I go! And if you're headed out on your own or in another group - have fun!! I hope this email has gotten you excited about street photography in Saigon and has inspired you to explore this amazing city. Writing this has definitely made me want to head out again!!
If you have any unanswered questions, or if you just want to chat about photography, Vietnam..or anything else, let me know!
All the best,
Tanya Olander
Vegetarian & Vegan Food
Vegetarian & Vegan Food
August 2022
Hello fellow Veggie Lovers!
I'm glad to see so many of you who are interested in Vegan/Vegetarian food. If you are new to HCM, you will be happy to find out that vegan food is a cuisine of its own here! Below I have listed some of the vegetarian restaurants that I've enjoyed. There are many more of course!
If you are interested in going out as a group to enjoy some vegan/vegetarian food, just email me. If there is enough interest I'd be happy to set up a group chat to organize a veggie food outing!
D7:
An (location 1 - location 2)
*Mantra Vegetarian Restaurant (this one is new - I haven't been yet)
D2:
Shelley's Vegetarian Comfort Food (Eddie's Diner)
D1:
Alisa Blundon
Martial Arts
Martial Arts
February 2023
Hello ninjas, samurais, and streetfighters!
We have some great options for martial arts here in District 7.
Most notably, we have Saigon Sports Club. This enormous club offers a wide range of martial arts (with a focus on MMA) not far from our campus. It is a warehouse-style venue with no air conditioning and that can be a dealbreaker for many. They do have large fans blowing, but if you struggle with the heat and air quality, you might prefer an indoor venue.
Less than 1 minute's walk from our campus, we are lucky to have Cocky Buffalo, a boxing gym with a great reputation and many pro fighters - a testament to the quality of the coaching there. They also offer Muay Thai alongside traditional western boxing, and have a functional gym.
Taekwondo can be practiced at Vietnam Taekwondo Defence Federation at River Park Premier. I've yet to check this place out personally. I included it as it is close to our campus and has good reviews online. Let me know if you have any experience with this club (jsimpson@ssis.edu.vn).
Aikido & Kenjutsu (sword-fighting) at Shobukan Dojo in Happy Valley. I've yet to check this place out. I included it as it is close to our campus and has good reviews online. Let me know if you have any experience with this club (jsimpson@ssis.edu.vn).
There are also many clubs outside District 7 which I have not included here. If you are interested in those, or anything else related to martial arts in HCMC, please contact me!
Joshua Simpson
Board Games
Board Games
August 2023
This community is for all things board games. Maybe you are looking for a group to get some games on the table regularly or maybe you want to organize a one-off session and make some new friends. We'll also have some big community game nights throughout the year too! Whether you're here to explode kittens or slay dragons, there are tons of awesome people to meet and play with.
Tom Lupton
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