Living in Vietnam
by Joseph HerrmannI am not retired, but working in Vietnam as an English teacher. Indeed I have learned a lot from my time in the country.
I have travelled extensively within the country, and find Nha Trang the most inviting to me. Yes, the beaches are famous for being the cleanest and most beautiful in Vietnam. There is also the never-ending view of the surrounding mountains from any point in the city, and the temperature is not as stifling as that of Saigon. However the days do get hot but the nights often require a jacket if one is to keep from getting the chills. Also, Nah Trang lacks the noise and congestion found in Saigon. There are many tourists in the city at any give time, and you will also find a tourist district near the seaside.
Nah Trang is big enough to keep you from getting bored, but affords one the chance to get-away from the crowds and constant noise found in Saigon.
On the other hand, Vietnam is not all it seems at first glance. You can be shuffled around on a comfortable tour bus from hotel to hotel and cafe to cafe, and the sightseeing spots of the country, and think how wonderful it all is. However, once you are off on your own and mingle with the locals, one realizes how deceiving the Vietnamese really are. Most cannot be trusted and since this is a poor, third-world country, they are always after your money. Yes, they smile, seem pleasant, and are quick to offer help-but usually with the hope of getting the money in your pocket into theirs. Granted, there are many good Vietnamese people, but don't take all the glitters for gold. One must be careful when dealing with them and never enter into a confrontation -they will make a scene like you wouldn't believe in public. Here, your business is everyones business!
What lures most people here is the low-cost of an Asian Holiday, but the prices are rising daily due to the large influx of tourists and expats. Many work and live here such as myself, and we become aware of the hard life that Vietnam offers it's citizens. After you are settled here-you stop giving tips and money to beggars every day. You also shop for the best bargains to save money. Granted, 1000 VND is not much, but day after day of paying absorbant prices because they see you as a foreigner with money, you become wise to them. An expat will usually pay more for everything because they view you as rich.
Joseph Herrmann is a 52 year old English teacher in Saigon. He is from Florida, USA, and has been living and working in Vietnam since Nov. 2003. Joseph went to Vietnam after the company he had working for in Ohio closed, and decided to live a life of some adventure.
Joseph studied at Ohio University in Athens Ohio- earning an Associate of Science Degree with several courses in Southeast Asia Studies. He also obtained a BA from Belford University, Humble Texas in Southeast Asia Studies, and a TEFL from Norwood English Institute, Laois, Ireland.
Joseph currently lives and works in Saigon.
