Storms

Heavy rain and big storms in the last few weeks caused a big problem in northern Viet Nam especially around Lao Cai, which is the gateway to Sapa. Around 150 people died, 81 people were injured and 45 people are still missing, including lots of children. The non-stop rain continued for a few days and caused transportation to the area to be cut off. Many villages were completely cut off because of the flood waters. In Hanoi, Noi Bai international airport was closed for hours as well as the same reason.

The government is trying to help people in these areas by sending lots of personnel, army and local staff to solve the problem as well as food, money and clothing. Many government companies actually cut a day's salary to help them. I hope the assistance is enough and that those people manage to get back on their feet again.

These kinds of disasters happen every year in many parts of Vietnam. I wish everyone was better prepared for them.

Holiday Visa

Finally, after a few days running around to make new passport, I've got my visa for Greece!! Oh my gosh, I am so excited about that and I also have the tickets now even though I had to pay almost $500 more due to crazy increases in taxes and petrol while I was going through the visa process.

Thank you so very much to the Greek Embassy and their great staff that helped me heaps during my visa application. I am sure I will have the best 5 week holiday in Greece. If anyone has some tips on cheap accommodation and good places especially off the main tourist trail in Greece, please leave a comment. I would appreciate it.

Heneiken Beer

I love Saigon beer and Hanoi beer also Halida and Tiger draft. Any beer really! It was recently reported by Vietnam News Daily that, a small piece of a clothes hanger was found inside a bottle of Heneiken beer. This beer was brewed at the Ha Tay brewery company, which is 100% invested by a foreign company from Singapore. They also make Tiger and Anchor beer.

(This is not my photo )

What would happen if someone swallowed that piece of plastic. It'd choke you easily. Do you think we should keep drinking their products? I am a bit worried now.