Randomness

• Whenever you go to a government facility, be sure to dress appropriately, no sleeveless tops and no shorts.  We were at the People's Committee and were not allowed in
• Looking to buy a new scooter, thinking about the Yamaha Cuxi or Mio or the Honda Vision, it's about 1k to 2k
• Never buy China made knockoff bikes, they are sold for around $300 but you'll get screwed on the maintenance bill
• If you get married in Vietnam it is recognized in the US, not a good way to gain a residency if your boyfriend is the only one with a work Visa
• Witnessed a robbery, never wear a shoulder bag while riding, 2 guys on a bike pulled up closely to a girl tugged on the shoulder bag, and as she came crashing down, the guys got hold of the bag and drifted into the crowded highway
• Experienced a bribery incident, got the run around from a translator and in hindsight he just wanted money.  So if an employee asked you to return at another time because he may be able to help you later, he is looking for a bribe!  Grrr!
• Went to Octoberfest here, 2 fights brokeout, never get into a fight here in Vietnam, check out locked up abroad, that will give you an idea why you shouldn't fight out here
• Scooterist don't have to pay tolls
• Don't trust your maids, even if they worked for you after 1-2 years, never leave jewelry around
• If you want to teach English in Vietnam, just be amazing at your demo and you'll get the job
• Leg workouts are the worst things in the world, it will be sore for 3 days after your workout
• When you get your nails done here, buy your manicurist tools and bring them every time
• Any person living in Vietnam even the locals need to take a parasite pill twice a year
• Salads are rare here
• If you plan to ride out here, buy a helmet from the US and bring it over
• The import tax here is 200%, insane!
• To be taken seriously, you must have a business card, think American Psycho
• Everything here is negotiatable
• There is so much more but I can't recall them right now, there will be another Randomness blog