But with imported luxury goods here priced above that of neighbouring countries, can HCMC still be the next shopping paradise?
Aldo, another familiar shoes, bag & accessoriesbrand name from Canada that was here not too long ago
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
HCMC to be the next shopping paradise?
Lately, it has been amazing to see the increasing number of familiar brand names in the prime shopping district along Dong Khoi St, Le Loi St, Nguyen Hue St etc. Louis Vuitton was here 2 years ago, Marc Jacobs at the new extension of Rex Hotel, Gucci, D&G at Sheraton Hotel...along with mid range brands like Mango, Aldo, Mphosis...the rich and tourists here are simply spoilt for choice!
But with imported luxury goods here priced above that of neighbouring countries, can HCMC still be the next shopping paradise?
Aldo, another familiar shoes, bag & accessories
brand name from Canada that was here not too long ago
But with imported luxury goods here priced above that of neighbouring countries, can HCMC still be the next shopping paradise?
Aldo, another familiar shoes, bag & accessoriesbrand name from Canada that was here not too long ago
La Fenetre Soleil...a hidden gem...literally
I have read a lot about the La Fenetre Soleil cafe from blogs & travel sites. It is said to be popular with Japanese tourists. Was there recently to find out what the hype is all about.
After confirming the address a few times before leaving my apartment, I thought the cafe has shut down after the taxi pulled over outside a terribly run down shop house, surrounded by construction boards. "What do we do?"...."Shall we just get off the cab and look around?". Was not just gonna give up as a blogger has recently visited this cafe...it can't possibly shut down in just matter of days?!
A few locals sitting nearby immediately recognized puzzled looks on our faces, pointed to the right and rambled something in Vietnamese. I looked up the shop house in dismay, wondering what has happened to the cafe & saw its signboards with arrows pointing to the right. You will not believe how difficult it was to locate this cafe! This better be worth it!
The long entry through few flights of old & dark stairs & reaching a long, dark corridor making us wonder if we have illegally stepped into an abandoned building. Alas we found another narrow corridor leading us to the entrance of the cafe after spotting beams of dim yellow lights.
The cafe has a rather nice ambience, with a mix of east & west furnishings. Less than half the crowd was Vietnamese while the rest were mainly Caucasian & Japanese.
I was in for more disappointment. We came after having a good Korean lunch, with expectations of savouring their famous Vietnamese coffee flavored French Toast and Earl Grey muffins. After asking different servers, it was confirmed that they are not fixed items on the menu and they just happened not to make them that day!
Oh well, it was just not fated. Perhaps, we might come back again one day.
After confirming the address a few times before leaving my apartment, I thought the cafe has shut down after the taxi pulled over outside a terribly run down shop house, surrounded by construction boards. "What do we do?"...."Shall we just get off the cab and look around?". Was not just gonna give up as a blogger has recently visited this cafe...it can't possibly shut down in just matter of days?!
A few locals sitting nearby immediately recognized puzzled looks on our faces, pointed to the right and rambled something in Vietnamese. I looked up the shop house in dismay, wondering what has happened to the cafe & saw its signboards with arrows pointing to the right. You will not believe how difficult it was to locate this cafe! This better be worth it!
The long entry through few flights of old & dark stairs & reaching a long, dark corridor making us wonder if we have illegally stepped into an abandoned building. Alas we found another narrow corridor leading us to the entrance of the cafe after spotting beams of dim yellow lights.
The cafe has a rather nice ambience, with a mix of east & west furnishings. Less than half the crowd was Vietnamese while the rest were mainly Caucasian & Japanese.
I was in for more disappointment. We came after having a good Korean lunch, with expectations of savouring their famous Vietnamese coffee flavored French Toast and Earl Grey muffins. After asking different servers, it was confirmed that they are not fixed items on the menu and they just happened not to make them that day!
Oh well, it was just not fated. Perhaps, we might come back again one day.
Very old & run down shop house. Look up for their signboards for directions.
The entry point to a few flight of old & dark stairs before reaching the cafe
Greeted by this long & dark corridor upon reaching the top of the stair
Top of the stair outside the cafe
Another dark corridor leading to the entrance of the cafe
Old but nice furnishings
Pretty good ambienceTraffic standstill
Was caught in the middle of a traffic standstill recently. Massive traffic jams are daily affairs in almost every part of HCMC where there are schools, learning centres, office buildings, theatres etc. In a city where the narrow streets were only designed for motorbikes but were never improved to cater to the current increasing number of cars, it is a nightmare to travel during peak hours.
A typical class dismissal like this literally brings traffic to a standstill with throngs of anxious parents (looking out for their child walking out of the building) on their motorbikes, scattering from the entrance of the building, to the middle of the road, oblivious to any on-coming traffic.
A typical class dismissal like this literally brings traffic to a standstill with throngs of anxious parents (looking out for their child walking out of the building) on their motorbikes, scattering from the entrance of the building, to the middle of the road, oblivious to any on-coming traffic.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Mid Autumn Festival
"Thinking of You"
When will the moon be clear and bright? With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the blue sky.
I don't know what season it would be, in the heavens on this night.
I'd like to ride the wind to fly home, yet I fear the crystal and jade mansions are much too high and cold for me.
Dancing with my moon-lit shadow, it does not seem like the human world.
The moon rounds the red mansion, stoops to silk-pad doors, shines upon the sleepless. Bearing no grudge, why does the moon tend to be full when people are apart?
People may have sorrow or joy, be near or far apart.
The moon may be dim or bright, wax or wane, this has been going on since the beginning of time.
May we all be blessed with longevity.
Though far apart, we are still able to share the beauty of the moon together.
Moon cakes in Vietnam
Sighting of another familiar name
MOF - Ministry of Food was established in Singapore a few years ago, well known for its sweets & coffee. Its green tea ice cream and ice blended coffee are some of their popular items.
I've tried it once in Singapore (Bugis Junction branch) and was surprised to see it in HCMC too! It is located along the main road of Le Loi Boulevard, opposite the Saigon Centre but unfortunately, not very visible despite its huge signage.
Its menu is alot smaller than the one I saw in Singapore and its Don Buri is probably the most decent item for a simple meal. Tried the signature green tea ice cream in red bean paste with glutinous balls - it's as good as the one I have tasted in Singapore.
I've tried it once in Singapore (Bugis Junction branch) and was surprised to see it in HCMC too! It is located along the main road of Le Loi Boulevard, opposite the Saigon Centre but unfortunately, not very visible despite its huge signage.
Its menu is alot smaller than the one I saw in Singapore and its Don Buri is probably the most decent item for a simple meal. Tried the signature green tea ice cream in red bean paste with glutinous balls - it's as good as the one I have tasted in Singapore.
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