Scarey Experience

Vivi. Just say no to everything!

I was accosted by 3 women because I wanted to buy a fan for the one I lost of Rosie's. I might have been more open to women vendors after visit to the Women's Museum.

Maybe thought I should share my wealth around a bit. However it felt more like daylight robbery and I'm feeling a little ashamed about how I let myself into it in the first place.

They asked 220,000 for 1 fan ie $13. Then said 2 for 280,000. I said I only wanted one but then liked 2 designs and you take 2.

Still unfamiliar with the look of the money after 3 days, and unassertive enough to free myself from.a situation that is clearly a rip off, I open my purse. Then they get in there, which I assumed was to help me, but they end up with their fingers in every pocket and rip away my American dollars at least $130 and put it in her bag.

I point to the bag and say give it back, but she just starts giving me American dollars I'm change. Small amounts. And throwing I. Another fan.

I feel like crying and I feel angry, but I let it happen. Should u go to the police? They'd just say it's my fault.

Gertrude concedes. Yes its all your fault. Just stay inside and don't come out.

..... Fortunately after this I meet a friendly Australian woman who teaches English at Koto. I'm able to talk about what happened and get it off my chest a bit.

Koto or Know One Teach One is an enterprise started by a Viet Australian to teach young Vietnamese Street kids in Hospitality. They learn English and all parts of the trade, and money is brought in by the restaurants and other initiatives. Janet was really playing the tough customer to test out the kids skills.

I felt I didn't want to cross another road having had my arse shaved by a car that didn't stop on a pedestrian crossing, and the shakiness of the daylight robbery with the 3 women.

I just wanted to go back to my hotel and stay in.