But it is kind of fun to be a tourist in Saigon again. Staying in hotels in district 1, negotiating the price of the hotel, but this time in Vietnamese. That's right, biatch, I know what the price is. Being a stone's throw from some of my favorite restaurants and to be in a different place. Feels like I'm traveling, but I'm not. Just living out of a bag, minimalizing and perhaps being on the go again the next day. Well, that wouldn't be fun forever, but momentarily it's alright. In the meantime though, I am looking for a proper place to live and today I looked at a few places.
The first place was a proper dump. I told myself a long time ago I needn't endure living in such conditions. Place was properly worn out, however it definitely had character, which had appeal in and of itself. But I can't do it - it's not cheap enough and the ladies would definitely give it and me the thumbs down. It was close to work though and had an outdoor spiral staircase privately leading to the room two floors up. Cool, but also a potential deathtrap if going down those same stairs semi-inebriated.
The second place was back in district 1, close to the action, but too close to where I initially resided when I first came to Saigon. I need something new. It was interesting in that you had to walk through a salon to get to the room, but not something I felt I could do comfortably multiple times a day. I know it would be difficult to say xin chao and actually mean it after the novelty wore off. I liked the price, but not the privacy. Next!
The third place was in a relatively central location. I liked it. Right on Vo Van Tan and Cach Mang Thang Tam. Down a decent-looking alley...hmmm this was looking good. Close enough to work, close to the gym and close to the action. Pulled up to the place and a dog started going nuts. Didn't even need to go inside. NFD. No Fucking Dogs. It was a shame too cause it was the best place, best location and best price.
I stopped by another place this afternoon after a Phong Cho Thue (Room For Rent) sign caught my eye. Being close to work was the only attraction as the room itself was nothing to brag about. It was just interesting to think I'd be the only foreigner in the building and have practically no commute. But the price really wasn't good for such ramshackle accommodation. I'll think about it, I said seriously and only later thinking are you fucking out of your mind?
The last place I checked was going to be a newish hotel near an alley of expat guest houses, a place I had lived three years ago. But this place wasn't in the alley and thus, was different. It was also close enough to work and near the action in district 1. As I stopped my bike, the owner of the neighboring guest house, started a conversation. He appeared to be drunk, but friendly and speaking English, I thought why not engage this fellow.
Turns out, his rooms were only five dollars a night. FIVE dollars. Yes, you get what you pay for and you wouldn't want to bring anyone home, but still. Just for cheap digs alone, it was worth checking out the room. I checked it out and ruled it out, but not entirely. The owner's wife told her son it was five dollars and he screamed expensive! in Vietnamese and I chuckled to myself knowing that this place was probably only worth three.
In the end, I chose none of the above. If the price had included somebody bringing and unpacking all of my shit, I might be sleeping in one of the aforementioned places. Luckily for me, the price did not. And so here I am at another hotel, close to the action, close enough to work and better off here even if for another month, feeling fresh and new to Saigon. Feeling ain't going to last, so I better enjoy it while I can.
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