Getting Settled

Hello! Sorry it has taken me so long to give an update. These last few weeks have been a whirlwind - starting my job, finding a place to live, and trying to get settled in this crazy city.

I was extremely lucky to find a house to move into right away. Shortly after I arrived in Saigon, I found out that my friend, Hilary, is living here. We taught together in both the Czech Republic and Japan, so the fact that we are both here is an amazing coincidence! She introduced me to my roommates, and it has turned out to be an ideal arrangement. A few nights ago we had a barbeque on our rooftop, so I have officially broken in my new home.

The house on the left is ours.

It's built in the traditional style, tall and narrow.

We live in a very traditional Vietnamese neighborhood where we're the only westerners. Next door is a flock of Vietnamese women who run a coffee shop and sit outside in their pajamas at all times. From their perspective, the concept of three single women living alone is, at best, very strange, so our comings and goings are clearly a source of amusement. My landlord recently told me that our neighbors know about everything that goes on in our house and inform her on a regular basis. Our lack of privacy is something that's been hard to get used to.

The alleyway where my house is.

You can catch a glimpse of some of the neighbor ladies in pink.

When I first moved into this neighborhood, people would stop what they were doing and stare at me when I walked down the street. I think most people assumed that the only reason I would be in the area was because I was very, very lost. Now they’re used to seeing my face, but the gawking hasn’t stopped.

Some people think that living here must make me feel like a celebrity, but I feel more like the village idiot. Consider the nicknames our neighbors gave my roommates: Black Black, Tall, and Ugly. (Black Black, who prefers to be called Leslie, moved out, and I am anxiously waiting to find out what my nickname is!)

A local market across from my house.

Last time I bought vegetables here, the woman couldn't stop laughing.

A westerner buying tomatoes - it just doesn't get much funnier than that!

I am quickly developing a love-hate relationship with Ho Chi Minh City. Nothing is easy about living here. The pollution and traffic are intense, there's no escaping the noise, and a task as simple as buying bed sheets can be a stressful undertaking.

One of the most difficult things for me to get used to has been not being able to walk down the street without someone trying to sell me something. The worst are the motorbike taxi drivers. They can spot a westerner from over a block away, and when they see one, they start to yell, YOU, YOU, YOU WANT RIDE?!!!. You might ignore them or shake your head, but for some reason, this doesn’t compute. They assume the only reason you didn’t accept a ride is because you didn’t hear them, and they shout louder. Others frantically wave their arms as if lost on a deserted island and signaling for a rescue plane. Some clap their hands or even worse, make smooching noises. I hate to be the ugly westerner, but sometimes it’s tough to be polite!

It's easy to rant about the frustrations of living here, but I'm enjoying the experience. I'm impressed with my new job and have developed quick friendships with those around me. Living here can be challenging at times, but at the end of the day, we have comfortable lifestyles that many of us wouldn't be able to afford at home. The endless entertainment options make it difficult to get bored here, and the city's energy makes it an exciting place to be. At the very least, it's a true adventure.

I have a lot more to say about life here and wish I had more photos to share (there are so many things I wish I could capture on film!), but I think I'm going to leave it at that for now.

Keep in touch and take care:)

Jenna

The traffic here is out of control - this photo doesn't do it justice!

Next time I'll have to post a video.

Snake wine, anyone? They say it improves your fertility.

Friends Shawna and Tamara floating down the Mekong.



A floating market in the Mekong Delta.



Tamara and I drinking out of coconuts, enjoying life in the tropics.