Has anyone read Life in Hanoi or anything else about Asia? In general, do you enjoy reading about other cultures?

[sabaidii]

I am based in Asia so I really understand where the authors are coming from. Life in Hanoi was lovely. It gives brief biographies of some of the expats who live there. I know some of them, so I really enjoyed it.

Do you enjoy reading things about other cultures? If so have you ever been to the places?

[slim22]

yep!
also live in Asia and just today came across the most brilliant bookshop in the whole world!!!!
It's actually an art/antique gallery with bookcases full of travel guides/memoirs/biographies/historic novels etc... from all corners of the world.

Did you read any Marguerite Duras?

[slim22]

what I bought today:

Out of Egypt - tale of the tribulations of an italian jewish family from ottoman turkey to turn of the century Alexandria and exile in Europe in the 1960ies

The Last empress - concubine turned ruler of china in 19th century up to early 20th.

Can't wait to go back.

Any recommendations?

[sabaidii]

Where is the bookstore, Slim? On my trip to Singapore I might have a visit.

[slim22]

It's Gallery Cho-Lon in Jalan Merah Saga/Chip Bee Gardens which is just behind Holland Village (favorite expat shopping hangout).

[slim22]

And if you fancy dim sum, you can go to crystal jade as you enter holland village. Very good.

[sabaidii]

Dim sum!! I ADORE it. I love bao too.

[slim22]

Hi again,
go to uniquely singapore (tourist board) website and click on calendar of events for the chinese new year events.

I think pretty much everything is going to happen on the river (esplanade as mentioned before). The Hongbao (street market & fireworks) is on this week every evening from 6 or 7 pm. You can walk south of the river to chinatown from there.

Have fun