The next few entries will be comparisons between Dubai and our new home, Hanoi. This mirrors much of what I spew forth to anyone who cares to listen on a daily basis. So you're going to have to put up with it too.
One major difference is the shopping - or relative lack thereof in Hanoi compared to Dubai. Lack of shopping is probably not an accurate phrase. Because there are so few outlets of international brands, so few "full-service" shopping malls (and absolutely NONE with indoor ski-slopes), you actually do a lot MORE shopping because you actually have to SHOP to find stuff. Notably, food. There is alot of food in Hanoi, but not all of it is recognisable.
One thing Hanoi has on Dubai is a plethora of beautiful, LOCALLY GROWN fruit and vegetables. During my first trip to the market here, I found myself asking 'where do these appels come from? What about these mangos and zucchini?' In Dubai it all came from somewhere very far away. Here, it's all cheap, beautiful and delicious! We love the Pomelos and tiny manderines that you see growing everywhere.
Bon Apetit!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Sunday, October 26, 2008
GoodBye Dubai, Hello Hanoi
OH MY LORD... I cannot believe that it has been almost a year since my last entry. The past year in Dubai has been marked by many things, but little did I know that it would be my last. We are moving our expatriate adventure from the middle east to the far east. Just a little further and I'll be back home.
First, saying goodbye to Dubai was for the most part saying goodbye to great friends, and my brand new Ford Explorer... sniff sniff. We bought it in March 2008 and sold it in October. The first and probably last brand new car I will ever own.
But enough with the materialistic, mega shopping, biggest, best and most expensive mentality (not to mention the "screw the environment" attitude).
We will be immersed in the ancient history, culture and natural surroundings of Hanoi. Well, sort of.
Absolutely every single person to whom I announced our new move said "Wow, it is so beautiful there." - "Oh really? Have you been?" Some had, some hadn't, but they were all in agreement. It will be an exciting adventure and a beautiful new place to discover.
I'll keep you all posted as to whether this is true.
First, saying goodbye to Dubai was for the most part saying goodbye to great friends, and my brand new Ford Explorer... sniff sniff. We bought it in March 2008 and sold it in October. The first and probably last brand new car I will ever own.
But enough with the materialistic, mega shopping, biggest, best and most expensive mentality (not to mention the "screw the environment" attitude).
We will be immersed in the ancient history, culture and natural surroundings of Hanoi. Well, sort of.
Absolutely every single person to whom I announced our new move said "Wow, it is so beautiful there." - "Oh really? Have you been?" Some had, some hadn't, but they were all in agreement. It will be an exciting adventure and a beautiful new place to discover.
I'll keep you all posted as to whether this is true.
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