I just got my 10th massage in 6 weeks. I think all 10 add up to the price of 1 in NY! Thai massages are rough, but they make my back feel alright again. I got one in Vietnam that was a bit different. She did a lot with her feet, walking on my back and the back of my legs. I guess fat people don't give massages. Well, the 6 fat people in Vietnam will manage to find other occupations.
Maybe it IS the diet in Asia, but I'm skeptical. Thang is over 30 and packs away beer like a German truck driver, and he's still thin as Kate Moss. Some DNA researcher will isolate and sell that gene, you just wait!
Saigon was wild but I have to say, it really makes Bangkok seem peaceful. Thai people are much more calm and laid back. Don't get me wrong, people in Vietnam were generally very warm and friendly. They're just in a big scurry to survive.
Did I already tell you about the insane driving situation? Seiously, you take your life in your hands every time you drive anywhere in Saigon. It's like being in some crazy road race. They will U-turn ANYWHERE and they always, on 2 lane roads, will cross onto the other side to pass someone... even at night. I was trapped in a speeding van staring at the lights of 5 motorbikes barreling towards us. It was quite a thrill ride. And crossing the street? Well, basically you just slowly wade your way across and people will either stop, or swerve around you. It sort of feels like your trying to kill yourself. Isn't there a scene like that in some drug-scare movie?
Importing is hard. Vietnam has amazingly cheap embroidered and beaded handbags, but the shipping prices are crazy. I had to buy a suiotcase to take my Chinese headdresses to Thailand to ship them from here. It's still going to cost more to get them home than it cost to buy them. It gets easier when you have large quantities and can buy cargo space, but I'm just dabbling. The only thing I bought for resale are these cowboy hats and handbags made from soda cans. Coke, Diet coke, and Lipton Iced Tea. The writing is a mix of English and Thai which makes them extra special!