There’s a section of Hanoi where all the Tays (Westerners) hang out in their bubble comfort zone while “living abroad.” I’ve managed to relatively avoid this section for 365 days. Now, don’t get it twisted, I kick it in Tay Ho (the Western haven) because all the events are there and my good friend lives there but I avoided living in it for a whole year. Now it is a different story. Les Go Explore My Hood.
Tay Ho post Ba Dinh
I am a hater. This is true. I love the Ba Dinh area. I saw a map once that labeled Ba Dinh as the “Tay Ho haters neighborhood.” And that is I. Let me explain. I just don’t understand how someone would come half way around the world to live someplace that has all the comforts of home. Mind you, Hanoi is cheap A.F. I mean, cheap. But, Tay Ho is the one got damn place that is “expensive.” I jus don’t get it.
Funnily, my Vietnamese GF is the one who eventually got me living in Tay Ho. Don’t get it twisted, Tay Ho is nice. Really damn nice. Some of the homes here are stunning.
When I move to a neighborhood I always explore by foot right away. That’s what I did today!
Coffee Shop 
You know the white b*tch in the horror movie that runs towards the sound or down the dark dirt road? Well, that ain’t me but I am quick to explore some shady ass shit in broad daylight. I found this beautiful oasis coffee shop because I followed the road till its end then proceeded down a dirt path along banana fields. All the good shit in Hanoi is hard to find.
How unassuming the outside looks. When the server learned I was from the States she proceeded to say with a smile, “Jennifer Anniston, Marilyn Monroe!” Hey, it’s better than “Trump!”
After meandering down dirt roads I stopped at maybe the cheapest bia hoi in Tay Ho. Bia Hois are beer joint. Not bars. They’re wide, usually out in the open or under a covering, serve food of some sort and are kind of dirty. And cheap.
This beer is $.38 cents. Yes, they know me when I walk in. I don’t even have to say anything they jus give me a beer. And they’re the sweetest women ever. I could get used to this.
Am I sold on my neighborhood? Not really. But, I get it. It is super peaceful over here and welcoming. It feels like it could be home.
Les Go... 