A great couch surfing experience

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Saigon to Vung Tau

We rode on the speedy hydrofoil ferry from Saigon to Vung Tau, a peninsular on the coast. The ferry was very comfy with well cushioned seats , plenty of leg room and carpets. It was exhilarating poking our heads out of the door to be blasted by the wind. We arrived in Vung Tau and met up with our couch-surfing hosts Olivia and Guilhelm, Who had been living in Vietnam for three years and working ofr a water treatment company. They were a really friendly couple who took us out for dinner and some tasty DIY pork spring rols and then ot a beer garden. The bar closed around us at 10pm and we were sat there alone!

Vung Tau has gained it's wealth from the Oil offshore and has rapidly developed. From small family stalls in the street it now has formal western shops. Olivia and Guilhelm's 14th story apartment had fantastic views of the town. The following day we just relaxed , booked flights and cycled around the peninsular. We planned to climb up Jesus' arm (Brazil style) but sadly it closed as we arrived. So, instead we headed off to a very delicious seafood restaurant for a sunset meal. The locals of Vung Tau certainly enjoy their leisure time, swimming in the sea, flying kites, and playing 5-a-side. We tasted our first Oysters grilled with cheese (yum!). And tried tamarind clams and poached tilapia. We picked up a cake on the way home as we discovered it was Olivia's birthday. Vietnamese bosses treat their employees like family. For her birthday she was taken up a cable car for dinner, had a big birthday cake and a bunch of flowers.

Things we found out about working in Vung Tau.


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A significant proportion of staff in any office have minimal productivity; playing computer games etc. They're employed and kept on in order to repay political and business favours.
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Contracts signed when content is not fully understood, due to inaccurate or non-existent translation.
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The boss is highly respected, comparable to feudal lords and ladies. If he tells a story, employees listen politely and applaud at seemingly important times. Staff try never to highlight any fault, weakness or omission in the bosses character or experience.
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Drinking is very important socially after meetings, requiring drinks to be downed by all and sundry at very regular intervals. Guilhelm estimated five pints are often consumed within one hour after work (the trick they use is plenty of ice!).

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