Canadian Expats and Activity List

We met  a Canadian named Marian from my boxing class and she introduced us to her coworkers who are also all Canadian teachers.  We were planning to meet for Octoberfest but miraculously we ran into her on the street next to our hotel.  I'm beginning to think this place is much smaller than I thought.  Anyhow she introduced us to amazing people who are all Caucasian Canadians that have lived here for the last two years.  It's refreshing to know that they have made a home here and recently signed another 2 year teaching contract.

Over some Tiger and Foster beers at a Tavern down the street these Canadians gave us an overview of their experiences and told us about activities they have taken part in.  So this is what expats do on there spare time:

• Hash Run- http://saigonhash.com/  They meet every Sunday at the Caravelle Hotel in District 1, HCMC. The bus leaves promptly at 2:00 pm on most days. It's best to arrive at around 1:30 with the bus returning usually around 7 to 8 pm. Bring extra clothes, a great sense of humor and a thirst for some beer wouldn't hurt. Do not forget to bring some money for the hash fees (VND200,000 for expats, VND130,000 for locals). In a nutshell you can run or walk 7km along the countryside, don't forget to take your malaria pills 2 day before you arrive to the countryside and then remember to keep taking your malaria pills 5 days after, at the end of the hash run, it's an all you can drink after party.

• Dodgeball- Apparently dodgeball is a favorite past time here and the one I learned about and plan to attend are held every Monday and Wednesday from 8:30pm to 11pm in D1 at 75 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, I think it's only 20K VND or $1 USD to join.  The rules are really similar to the US rules: Girls can throw both small and big balls, guys can only use the bigger balls.  Once the ball touches the ground or another ball in the air, it's considered a dead ball.  If you catch the ball, you can get your teammate back in the game in a specific order of course.  I can't fraken wait!

• Binh Tai Market- this is the Chinatown of Vietnam aka Cholon in D5.  Basically this is the market where you get all the knockoffs, and where teachers buy school supply.

• Saigon River Dinner Cruise-I think this is $50USD and you jump on a cruise that looks like a giant fish and go around the Saigon river where dinner is served and booze, similar to the Long Beach one in Cali except this has a traditional Vietnamese dance and fire dance performance, a must do for tourists