How long have you been in Hanoi?
I have been in Hanoi since May 2007.
Why did you move to Hanoi?
I was given the opportunity to take up an assignment in Hanoi with Hartford Institute as an Assistant Student and Academic Services Manager.
What was your biggest challenge moving to Hanoi? How are you coping with them?
Being away from my family and friends. Singapore had been my only home so far. I was so homesick that I even missed my mother’s naggings!
Language was another problem. Initially, it was difficult and frustrating communicating with the locals. I even stopped going out just to avoid talking. However, with help from supportive colleagues and friends I overcame the initial hiccups of living in a foreign country.
Now, I am comfortably settled and beginning to enjoy life in Hanoi. I even adopted 2 kittens for extra company and bought a bicycle to explore this new city.
Give some examples about major differences living in Hanoi vs Singapore.
Shopping! I was so used to the luxury of having everything under one roof and making a one-stop shopping! In Hanoi, you’d often have to go to 5 different places just to purchase simple groceries. Convenience is definitely something Singaporeans take for granted.
The pace of life is slower here but I tend to think this is because Hanoians take the time to be with their family and friends.
Did you find any differences in the work culture between Hanoi and Singapore?
One thing you won’t see in Singapore - people snoozing on their desks at lunchtime. Being a service office, we get a lot of visitors, which means, lunchtime snoozing may not be a very private affair! I’ve realized that this is quite a common practice. This is actually a great way to recharge for the rest of the workday.
I also find that the perceptions of deadlines can be very different from back home. I am still learning how to manage this.
What do you like about living in Hanoi?
Definitely the different seasons in Hanoi. The cool winter temperature is a welcome change to the summery hot weather in Singapore.
I also like the anything goes attitude in Hanoi compared to the strait laced Singaporean culture.
And dining at local joints with bones and rubbish strewn all over the floor is definitely an experience. Strangely, the food is usually tastier at these places and I often wonder what “extras” are added to my orders.
What raises your eyebrows or makes your frown in Hanoi?
I still get a little uncomfortable when people start picking their teeth at the table after a meal.
I also find some ‘over-friendly’ people both amusing and frustrating. I get plenty of curious peering over my back while working on my laptop or camera. But one can’t seem to stay upset for too long, as I realize that people here are genuinely interested in what you do.
How do you spend your free time in Hanoi?
I like to hangout at Highlands Coffee at Westlake. The cafe overlooks the huge lake and provides some relieve and calm especially after a hard day in the office.
What do you think are the "must-sees" and "must-dos" in Hanoi?
Once you get pass the congested streets, you will find that Vietnam is a beautiful country with lots to offer. One of the places I highly recommend is the Sapa highlands. It is definitely one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam. Another “must-do” for visitors is to walk around the streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarters where precious heritage and history can be found.
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