SPG Saigon Loung: Superbowl, another new friend, and a Vietnamese popstar (2/2/09)

So, we have been spending a considerable amount of time in the SPG lounges along the way. No, not because we're super lame and, no, not because we don't like culture. Think free food, free drinks, and free wifi. Also, they tend to host some intersting characters.

This lounge epitomized all that and then some. First, Joanna and I were bombarded by a group of Vietnamese women (1 baby, 1 toddler, 3 older ladies, and a younger lady) during happy hour. They came through like a tornado, both little girls crying from a fight, the 3 older women frantically chasing them, and a calm 30something observing the action. We later came to find out that the 30something is a Vietnamese pop star who occupies the Presidential suite when she is in town. Hysterical! I was wondering why she looked so rested with two small children. Turns out that the 3 ladies were hired help ... two nannies and a Chinese teacher. Later, a very tired looking younger American woman surfaced who we learned was the English tutor.



Next, I asked a gentleman about tipping procedures in this part of the world and in these posh lounges. This succinct question turned into a 7 hour night of discourse and drinks with our new friend Gary. We had a fabulous time. Oh ... did I mention that about 3 hours into our conversation we realized that his uncle the Rabbi in Chicago is none other than Rabbi Emeritus Fred Schwartz from Temple Sholom. Too funny, small world.

Last, we had to rely on the free wifi, our MacBook and Frost's Slingbox to take in the Superbowl in HCMC. It was pretty funny, as we had the volume on full tilt and were cheering our way through the game at 6am! They didn't seem to mind too much.

Good times!