House hunting

I rang two people today, Mr. Thoai and Ms. Linh whose names I got from the internet as having houses and apartments to rent.

One of the other teachers staying at this hotel, came out with me to see the first house with Ms. Linh, down a little ally near the school. It's a one bedroom studio apartment with a bathroom, kitchen, large TV, internet connection and serviced twice a week for US$500 per month. A vietnamese family lived on the lower floors. Hoewever it was on the fifth floor up a tiny winding staircase. It would be a great place to learn the language; but as we were leaving, the people on the third level started up their karaoke machine.

Ms. Linh then took us to look at a house closer to the Old Quarter. It was down a tiny winding ally with lots of twists and turns; very exciting! The bottom floor was all lounge and kitchen. An elaborate winding staircase went up through a total of four floors, and the sunroof on top. There were 6 bedrooms, each with an ensuite, pay tv and airconditioner. On the sunroof: 2 washing machines, and a lovely cool breeze. This one costs US$900 a month. Only 3 bedrooms had balconies, and the balcony on the lower bedroom looked right into the neighbours house, only a metre away. My friend and I considered renting it together, and then our friends and families could come and stay - and anyone who was stuck without accommodation could also stay until they found some.

Mr. Thoai has just sent me a text message, so now Tingay and I will meet him at 4:45 PM,to see a 2 bed, 2 bathroom house for US$500 p.m. near the Catheral in the Old Quarter; and with Ms. Linh again at 6 PM, we'll look at some more houses near school for about US$400 (1 bed) and US$450 (2 bed).