Toxic Swimming Pools
Swimming pools anywhere have never appealed to me, but even less so in Ho Chi Minh City. Many students and friends of mine like to go swimming but they always use the popular pools, risking illness every time.
My preference, on the rare occasion I swim at a man-made location, is to use a hotel pool during a quiet period, or the local Conic pool which is brand new and almost always empty.
http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2010/03/overcrowded-pools-putting-swimmers-at-risk-of-illness.html
Toxic Lollipops
The Chinese are not known for their adherence to safe manufacturing laws, and here’s another example of a stupid idea allowed to hit the market. Despite the fact that not many Vietnamese parents can afford dental services, many kids suck on “chupa chup” clones, often bringing them out during class. They are horrified when I tell them to throw it away, and some will even wrap the half-sucked lolly in something so they can keep it for later.
I’ll have to watch out for glowing sticks now.
http://www.lookatvietnam.com/2010/03/health-ministry-orders-seizure-destruction-of-toxic-candy.html
I know what you mean about public swimming pools. Did that only once (or twice)…i think. Just the thought of swimming in a pool where hundreds of people have been in leaves me grossed out. Why would anyone swim in a huge tub of water filled with God knows what? I say no to public pools. Yes to private ones. No to the former
It’s not so bad in Australia, as we have some degree of decorum when it comes to public toiletry, and they know how to condition the water. But in Vietnam, the world is your toilet and chlorine is an unnecessary expense. They are always trying to find the cheapest way possible to make it seem like they are keeping their pool safe.