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Ho Chi Minh City – Water puppets, shopping and much, much more

Alan Stables explores the delights of the capitol of Vietnam, the former Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City

Whilst you may not have thought of Ho Chi Minh, formerly Saigon, as being a holiday destination, I urge you to rethink. It is a city full of interesting surprises with a distinctive mixture of colonial French style mingled with refreshing designs of the East.

Nowadays Ho Chi Minh is a bustling city full of luxury shopping, pristine parks and motorbikes. Yes you will see plenty of them. You can get your genuine Louis Vuitton, Dior or Hermes in the same street as you find hawkers selling cutting out cards, fridge magnets and motorbike helmets. Indeed something for everyone.

Ho Chi Minh City

On the theme of shopping I recommend the new Vincom centre at 70 Le Thanh Ton. Full of luxury brands you can also find a food court on the lower floors. It is also very cruisy.

If you go to Ho Chi Minh, then you really need to stay in District 1. This is where most of the important buildings are located such as the Notredame church, the Saigon Opera House and the most important shops and hotels.

For accommodation, you cannot go wrong with the Saigon River Boutique Hotel. A gay friendly hotel decorated in contemporary classic, it is great value for money and located in the heart of district 1, that it is the only real place to stay for the average traveller.

Daniel at reception will attend to your every request, and is at hand to guide and inform you. 24 hours a day door security is an added bonus too.

Daniel at the River Boutique Hotel
Daniel at the River Boutique Hotel

A double room with balcony and single occupancy costs US49 (£30), whereas one without window and single occupancy costs US31 (£19). Free wifi in the room is included. The price includes a modest breakfast with a choice of eggs whichever way you want them with baguette, pork dumplings with tomato or my favourite, banana pancakes with a sprinkling of cinnamon and honey dribbled on top. A more extensive breakfast menu is available depending upon your appetite at an extra cost.

Breakfast is taken in the Roof Top Café, a small oasis of plants and lanterns on the top floor of the hotel. Here you can also eat throughout the day from their menu, and try some local food too.

The owners, Tim and Graeme, are also open to hosting dinner parties and can arrange a unique dining experience for you. They offer various options according to your tastes and budget. They will also gladly inform you about some excellent Vietnamese cuisine restaurants in the area, should that be your wish.

Overnight guests are allowed, but they must leave their IDs at reception. When the guest collects his ID you will be contacted to ensure everything is OK before his departure from the hotel. For the management your safety comes first.

War Remnants Museum
War Remnants Museum

One of the most interesting museums is the War Remnants Museum, which presents testimony of atrocities during the Vietnam War (1956-1975). For a more in depth experience you can also take a tour to Cu Chi tunnels, to see how the Vietnamese soldiers lived and operated under ground during the conflict.

There are no exclusively gay bars in Ho Chi Minh City, they all tend to be mixed. Centro at 11-13 Lam Son Square for example occasionally offers a drag night, and Republic  at 63/201 Dong Du located at an upper ground area decked out in blue lights are the places to go are within easy walking distance of the hotel and best to check out after 11 pm.

Godmother Saigon Bar at 129 Cong Quynh Street another venue located in the backpacking area of District 1, and best visited before 10 pm. The offer reasonably priced food – try the pineapple and Thai seafood rice – and the barmen are welcoming and polite.

When it comes to saunas, there is a big choice. NaDam at 12/29/1 QL13, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc District is a must. To get there, ask Daniel at the hotel for a map. A taxi costs 100.000 to 140.000 dong (£2.85 to £4.00) to get there. Entry which is payable when you leave is 195.000 dong (approx. £5.50). Beautifully decorated with a dimly lit jacuzzi, sauna with salts, steam room with herbal fragrances, and plenty of rest areas, it is undoubtedly one of the finest exclusively male sauna places in Asia.

You could also go local and try the TD Spa at 372/25 Cach Mang Thang Tam Street in District 3. From 372, take the alley right down to the end. They have blind masseurs here – you can choose to go VIP or normal. The difference is that VIP means a massage with a happy ending.

Main Post Office
Main Post Office

Again there are plenty of food choices in the city. One of my favourites is Jaspers at 33 Dong Khoi St which offers international cuisine. But equally you could go for a drink at Mojo Cafe at 88 Dong Khoi , or for a fine French restaurant you could try Le Bourgeois, a high end restaurant within the premises of the Intercontinental Hotel Saigon, next to the Saigon Opera House. Having said that tripadvisor places La Villa French Restaurant at 14 Ngo Quang Huy, Thao Dien Ward in District 2 as the French restaurant with the highest score.

Notre Dame Church
Notre Dame Church

Vietnam is the second largest coffee producer in the world, after Brazil. No surprise then that there is a distinctive coffee culture. Coffee shops abound from the specialist coffee shop such as Trung Nguyen, those adapted to a Western culture such as Highlands Coffee and the more local social coffee shop that you find on most corners. Certainly trying the local coffee is a must do activity during your trip.

If you are hesitant about travelling on your own to such a far off country where you do not know the customs or language, then one thing you could do is take up the service of Holiday House Boys. You pay for an additional bedroom for the Holiday House Boy, and take on the services of a guide to personalise your trip to your taste. Being available 24/7, your chosen Holiday House Boy meets you at the airport, and looks after your safety and well-being, in addition to being able to show the true Vietnamese lifestyle. He will bargain on your behalf when you go shopping, find you the best exchange rate and will make sure that you have a memorable time. Note that this service is purely of a tourist nature, not a sexual one. It costs US95 (approx. 57 GB Pounds) per day. For a lone traveller it is the safe way to travel.

Of coure Ho Chi Minh has much more to offer – try a cooking class and learn to cook the Vietnamese way, try your bargaining skills at Ben Thanh market, attend a water puppet show or the dance and light show called AO at the impressive Saigon Opera House. When you get there you will notice how cheap it is and don’t let all those 0’s in the currency put you off.

Have a fab time. I did.

WEB.8.600

Currency:

1 GB Pounds = approx. 35000 Vietnamese Dong

Visa Requirements:

Entering Vietnam is a hassle. For British citizens you need a visa. You can apply for one in the UK or you can apply for one on entry. I prefer to apply for one on entry. Use the services of My Vietnam Visa to get your invitation letter for US19 (approx. £11.35) and follow their instructions by completing the entry form and having a passport photo with you. Hand your passport, the entry form with attached photo and the invitation letter to the visa application desk at the airport. Then sit and wait to be called up to pay for the visa. Keep your ears open as sometimes it is hard to distinguish your name being called out. This costs an additional US45 (approx. £27). At the airport the visa process can take anything from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. I have heard about longer wait times but that has never happened to me yet.

Getting there:

If you do not mind one stopover, you can fly from London Gatwick to Ho Chi MInh with Emirates Air for £502 depending on your travel dates. Vietnam Airlines appear to be prohibitively expensive at over £1,700, but it all depends on your dates of travel. Etihad Airways, Qatar Airlines and Air France may also be valid options.

Try the usual flight checkers such as skyscannerexpedia.com, rumbo.es and lastminute.com for the best deals. Within Asia, Air Asia has cheap flights between the major Asian cities with Kuala Lumpur as their hub.

Out in Alabama – A film about LGBT communities in Alabama

New York-based filmmaker, Bonnie Blue Edwards, originally from Alabama, is making a feature-length documentary, Out In Alabama, about the communities in Alabama where LGBT rights are embraced.

Out in Alabama

The film aims to provide an intimate view of the people who defy prejudice and to showcase the continued hope and redemption in Alabama, as well as across the globe.

In a recent trip to Alabama to film the promo video, Edwards was accompanied by Jeanette Sears, a cinematographer from Ohio who attended graduate school for filmmaking in NYC. The associate producer on the project is Bren Coombs, a lesbian from Texas who now lives and works in LA. Also on board for the promo video was Tyler Jones, a resident and native of Alabama who co-founded 1504 Pictures. This diverse mix of filmmakers from across the US worked diligently and on a budget of zero dollars to create the teaser, which can now be seen on Kickstarter.

The promo video for Out in Alabama states that the documentary will “turn the stereotype on its head and be an inspiring glimpse into the progressive movements happening within unexpected places. It will celebrate the courageous individuals who are pioneering change while also celebrating the culture of the South.”

Edwards, who says of the film, “It is our goal to share these stories in the hope of inspiring further acceptance of the LGBT community, not only in Alabama, but worldwide, as well as reigniting the universal responsibility for compassion,” got her start in the arts, after studying international business, through the storytelling juggernaut The Moth.

Recently, she worked alongside Oscar-nominated actors and producers on the set of Stealing Cars, an independent feature film scheduled for release in 2015. The executive producer of that film was Mark Wahlberg, and the producer was Rachel Winter—who also produced The Dallas Buyers Club which told the story of an AIDS patient in 1980’s Texas.

Acting as a consultant on the film is Academy Award-winner Cynthia Wade, known for her Cinemax/LOGO short documentary Freeheld, about a dying policewoman fighting to leave her pension to her female life partner. This film is now in production as a major motion picture starring Julianne Moore, Ellen Page, and Zach Galifianakis. Her work has been seen on HBO/Cinemax, PBS, A&E, AMC, The History Channel, LOGO, Oxygen, MTV and Discovery.

To touch on the international impact of the project, Edwards and Coombs arranged Skype recordings of supporters from across the globe—one of which is a resident of North Yorkshire. Edwards was introduced to the UK supporter through the English painter/actor Paul Duncan, who is collaborating as artistic director for the project. Duncan has been living in NYC for ten years, and worked with Edwards as an actor in a 2013 theatre production. Duncan and Edwards plan to collaborate more in the future on UK-based projects.

The filmmakers are currently seeking funds for further development and initial footage essential for launching into production via crowdfunding on Kickstarter, hoping to raise $25,000 by May 22.

For more information, CLICK HERE:

To check out Kickstarter campaign, CLICK HERE:

Kemptown MP calls for ‘companion bus pass subsidies

As part of Catch the Bus Week, Simon Kirby, the Member of Parliament for Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven, has called on Brighton and Hove City Council to reform their policy towards companion bus pass subsidies.

Simon Kirby, MP

At present, East Sussex County Council and West Sussex County Council both allow care companions subsidised travel on bus journeys in their areas, when they travel with people who are disabled. However, this is not the situation in Brighton and Hove. Companions using buses either within the City, or travelling out of the City to other parts of Sussex, are currently required to pay.

Simon said: “I have been contacted by constituents who informed me that the City Council’s current approach of providing taxi vouchers is unsatisfactory, making it difficult for them to accompany their disabled companion.”

In response to the concerns of constituents, the Kemptown and Peacehaven MP is calling on Brighton and Hove City Council to allow companions to receive subsidised travel on bus journeys in Brighton and Hove.

Simon added: “Brighton and Hove City Council should follow the lead of neighbouring Council’s by providing companions with subsidised travel. I am sure this would be warmly received by disabled bus users and their companions.

“Having received many representations from constituents who are affected by this, and as it is currently Catch the Bus Week, I have decided to take action.

“Bus travel within the city is especially important for those with disabilities, particularly in helping them maintain their independence, and I believe that their companions should no longer feel unfairly disadvantaged.”

 

500 miles 4 smiles – 21 days to go

Despite good news published today by Cancer Research UK, that half of people in England and Wales being diagnosed with cancer will survive at least ten years – double the survival rate in the early 1970s, sadly this does not extend to cancers of the mouth.

500 miles for 500 smiles

Dental Hygenist of the Year, Christina Chatfield is trying to draw attention to this with her campaign 500 miles 4  smiles.

Later this month Christine will commence walking from Kirriemuir in Scotland to Brighton in Sussex to raise awareness of the health benefits of a healthy mouth, while highlighting issues such as mouth cancer, the HPV virus, diabetes and heart disease, as well as addressing the self-esteem of people suffering with dental anxiety.

Christine has been in training for the last 6 months to get ready for her monumental walk which commences in Kirriemuir on Monday, May 19.

She will be taking a route down the east coast of England, passing though Edinburgh, York and London before arriving in Brighton where she has her own Dental and Hygiene Practice on Queens Road.

All money raised will be shared between the British Dental Health Foundation and Heart Your Smile.

You can get yourself sponsored to accompany Christina on any section of the walk, or simply make a donation to recognise her amazing efforts.

For more information about Christina’s challenge, CLICK HERE:

To get sponsored or make a donation, CLICK HERE:

G is for………

Drugs - GinaJG has something he wants to share with you!

As you are probably aware, GHB is a massive influence on the Brighton scene.

Your first shot, is exactly like how you feel when you have your first cigarette. You don’t like it, it makes you feel ill. You have to force yourself to like it, then your hooked but instead of cancer you end up with a selection of STDs and flash backs of a pillow case in your face and you end up partying and having sex with the same people every weekend.

You lose respect on the scene (and for yourself) because you are not seen as someone that is viable for a relationship.

If G (Gina) was a person, this is the letter I would have sent her… I think its important for people to remember how they felt before they fell in love with Gina…

G is for…

I was supposed to start writing this about twenty minutes before my fingers hit the keyboard. I was caught in a moment between the bucket at my bedside and my churning stomach. As painful and hideous as the experience of puking up everything including (the last remnants of) my soul, I was still able to catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror and make a mental note to not wear guy-liner on a night where drugs are going to be involved… My vanity makes me digress..

The issue…

G.

The people I know around here seem to love you Gina and I have tried to. I really have. I’m a full fledged to the absolute max addict.

But my experience with you has never been great. Am I the only one? It’s a pretty fucked up world I live in to ask myself, “hmm- the drain cleaner your putting into your body doesn’t make you feel like you’re having a lovely time like everybody else appears to- maybe there’s something wrong with you?”.

Oh Gina, Why am I not entirely sure what you do for me exactly?

I have used you with caution… and I have abused you… and everything in between.

Why did you have to stain my Vivienne Westwood manbag Gina…WHY?

Read this not as me frowning upon – I judge absolutely no one. I’m a trash bag too- Its just Gina is not my tipple. I have tried to get into it… tried to understand it and I just don’t.

I cannot really write any of this without being hypocritical, but I am just going to put it out there regardless.

What will be our next new thing? Once we’ve tired of all the people overdosing on dancefloors, putting ourselves in compromising situations, squiffing out, watching others get hooked and be dependent, seeing yourself looking amazing babe with your whole zombie shuffle neigh like a horse thing going on. Its so grimy.

We used to be fabulous bitches that could have amazing sex and party for days on other things without the requirement for paint stripper…

I don’t know why I’m so angry at you Gina… I think its because this is the 2nd time in 4 days you’ve made me puke. yes YOU have made me ill.

This is my final statement- sashay away your ruining the gays, stick to your drains…

JG

 

New LGBT Community Groups Network

Representatives from twenty-four local LGBT community groups gathered on Saturday in Brighton to form a new support network.

LGBT Community Groups Network

Smaller groups are those with an annual income of £35,000 or less and which are often voluntary and peer led.

Despite lower levels of funding, and sometimes no funding at all, these groups help a very large and growing number of people in our LGBT communities.

The new LGBT Community Groups Network, the first of its kind locally will provide opportunities for smaller community groups to meet, get to know and support each other, share ideas, news and information; discuss issues which are important to them, access specialist support and advice and work creatively to further their own groups aims.

The network will be supported by social media, and a new website which will also include a resource sharing facility, and keep members and the wider community updated with news and information.

The network is supported by Community Works (formerly the Community Voluntary Sector Forum) and will be facilitated by Community Works volunteer LGBT Reps Gary Pargeter and Chris Cooke.

Gary Pargeter, said: “This is an incredibly exciting resource for us all with a fundamental grass-roots approach and emphasis on peer support and involvement. This network will be one which will be provided ‘by and for’ our member groups.

“Following our recent meeting, insight and the contributions from groups, we are putting together our framework and getting the ball rolling on making new activities happen.

“I’m really looking forward to supporting the energy and enthusiasm already shown by groups, help the network carry out its work and ensure we have resources in place to make this effective.

“I can’t wait to get to know and work alongside the fantastic group of people we’ve already met, and welcome more as news spreads of our work. Its early days of something very new and I have every confidence that this network will flourish as one which is enjoyable to be part of and that brings benefit to groups and people who use their services.

Chris Cooke added: “What an amazing and exciting experience to have such energy from all 24 LGBT groups gathered together in one room. There is so much we can do if we all work together and I really believe this new network is the vehicle for bringing everyone together. I haven’t seen such vibrancy and positivity for a long time – hence my excitement. Let’s build on this”

The Network plans its framework to be published by early May, its website to be online by the end of May, a community picnic for member groups and volunteers in July, and its first quarterly meeting in August.

Startup costs for the new Community Groups Network will be met from some of the profits from this years Golden Handbag Show organised by Gscene Magazine at the Metropole Hilton Hotel on Sunday, June 22 and will include a new community sound system for all the groups to use at their own public community events, where and when necessary.

Representations from the following organisations attended the meeting:

BLAGSS: Rainbow Chorus: Resound Male Chorus: Brighton Gay Men’s Chorus: Lunch Positive: Peer Action: Bear Patrol: Brighton GEMS (Gay Elderly Men’s Society): Older & Out: Lesbian Link: Older People’s Council: MCC (Metropolitan Community Church): Brighton FTM: LGBT Liaison Sussex Police: Clare Project: Brighton Bothways: LGBT Community Safety Forum: LGBT Community Safety Forum BME: Regard: Rainbow Families: Zhoosh: LGBT B&H Network: Allsorts (shadow rep) also for smaller projects: LGBT Sussex Wills: Community Works Reps.

If you run or organise a smaller LGBT group and want to find out more, EMAIL:

Or telephone Gary: 07846 464384.

 

 

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