Home Sweet H…Not a Hotel Room

I have been staring at the screen for a few minutes trying to write a funny, gripping opening line and I just can’t come up with anything witty. Maybe next time or you can accept this….hilarious, gripping opening line.

I think I am just overwhelmed with joy that I am no longer living out of two large suitcases in hotel rooms. Yes. Quarantine is over and I moved to another hotel room on a Saturday night but I did not unpack fully because I was not sure how long I would be staying there before moving out.

What food do you eat for breakfast?

Ok. Sunday morning has arrived. I make my way up to top floor; which is number 13 by the way. If I was not born on a Friday the 13th I might have been concerned. On the menu…can you guess it? Pho’. Yep a nice hot bowl of noodles and soup. Welcome to Vietnam and I think I have some things to get used to.

The hunt begins

The gentleman from the consulting company that the bank hired to help me find an apartment is right on time. We hop in a hired car and we head to the first apartment complex. The Metroplis complex is big with floors going to 42. The common areas are well maintained. There are small cement pools all around and the area. There are gaps alongside the walking areas where the water flows as well. Water lily pads and such growing in the water. A woman was wading in the pools taking care of the plants and cleaning out debris. I think I could get used to this place. I thought it looked inspired by Japanese culture and then my consultant informed me there was a large Japanese population living in this area.

We head up to the first apartment we were to see. It was a 12th floor 2 bedroom. When the lady opened the door a nice cool breeze blew in. It was a beautiful fall day and if I were trying to sell or rent a place you couldn’t have done a better first pitch. The apartment looked out over the gardens.

I looked at several other places. 11th floor, 39th floor. They all had good views either of the pool or of the city. I can’t imagine the next place we go can top this.

Oh I almost forgot the apartment buildings are above a shopping mall. It is a 4 story mall with shops, restaurants and even a grocery store. Someone planned this well.

Back in the car we head for D’Capitale. I am told that the area is a little less expensive and it happens to be where my office is located. These buildings are very similar looking on the outside as Metropolis. The apartments are built above a mall which has 5 floors each a little smaller than the Metropolis mall but it too has shops, restaurants and a grocery store.

I looked at several brand new apartments here in D’Capitale. I have taken my shoes on and off and I am ready to call it day. I will look at more tomorrow, Monday after work. I want to spend some time walking around today.

Monday

First day in the office. I had to wear a tie. I have barely worn long pants except for church in so long I can’t remember. Oh well. I am sure the collar rash will get better.

It is now about 9:00pm. I have looked at quite a few places. Some with neat furniture some with decent views and some I would rent if you paid me to. I told the consultant that I would think it over and pick tomorrow.

Tuesday

Vietnam is a tropical place and it happens to be monsoon season here. Hanoi doesn’t get the massive heavy rains that the central part of Vietnam gets but it does rain quite a bit when it comes down. TRAFFIC was a nightmare getting anywhere today. I am now 100% sure I will pick a place in D’Capitale. I will not fight this traffic. Oh and I have come to the realization that my office building is in the next tower over. My commute is now a 1 minute walk instead of 30-90 minute drive. Hopefully I can move in soon.

First Week

My first week in the office was good. I got to know some of my coworkers, eat some good food, sit in traffic and start to figure out the Vietnam banking system. I say that last part because I had to open a couple of bank accounts here and wire money from the United States to here. All of these activities took much longer than anticipated and longer than they would in the US. Over here time is not valued as much so things take longer.

Saturday

Move in day!!!! I finally have a place. I have unpacked and gone to the local grocery store to pick up a few things. Life will be getting to my new normal soon.

The picture below is the internet guy setting up the router in the ceiling. See anything funny?

View from my balcony. The dark part beyond the football fields is a lake. The second photo is looking towards old town Hanoi.

I think this is enough for now. I have some interesting things I have learned over my first few days that I will share in my next post. Until then be safe and be kind.

Doug