 |
| straw hat lady selling some type of fruit |
So I just got back from Vietnam 2 days ago. And all I can say is AWESOME. There were only four pinoys who qualified for the project held in Hanoi, Vietnam, and in Japan this coming October and December. Not a minute was bland. The week was packed with activities - with regards to the pre-training itself and to our own foreign satisfaction. I flew in and out of the Philippines via Thai Airways, noted for their exceptional in-flight service. We were on connecting flight to MNL-BKK-HNI and vice versa.
First off. Vietnam offered us a truly unique experience for its unique culture and people. Before I went, I expected Hanoi to be just like any other city in the Philippines. Lo and behold, not even close. Well yeah, there were a few characteristics I guess I could borrow from the Philippines, like the weather for example. Although it was a little bit hotter in Hanoi the time I was there, it generally felt like the Philippines. I asked one Vietnamese local this, "Is it really always this hot in Vietnam?" I was surprised with his answer. He said something like "It's actually cold right now. Maybe it's because you didn't take a bath" or something. What?! Hello? It was freaking 37 degrees out there! If that is your cold, then what is hot to you?
Anyway, back to the love for Vietnam. You see those straw hats Vietnam is famous for? Well, I now know why. Just around every corner, people from all walks of life don these unique hats. I used to think the hats were sort of historical and that I wouldn't have any chance of seeing it at this day and age. Haha!
But the people. What I love the most about Hanoi are the people. OH MY GOD they are f****** gorgeous! Besides being super hospitable and accommodating, the Vietnamese people sizzled my insides, boys and girls at that! I am seriously thinking about living there. Only one thing I noticed about the people though, they don't smile as much.
Foreigners were all over the place in Hanoi. I guess Hanoi is one hot destination for backpackers and culture-seekers. I'm not really sure, but maybe to cater to the inflow of foreign people, Hanoi established big name brands around the streets, sort of like the ones in Fifth Avenue New York. I saw an iStore shoved between a drab pots and pans store and a coffee house that utilizes children-designed monobloc stools. It was several degrees different than what I am accustomed to here in the Philippines.
The training was awesome. My fellow ASEAN + Japan participants were awesome and I can't wait to see them again in October in Japan.
But the people. What I love the most about Hanoi are the people. OH MY GOD they are f****** gorgeous! Besides being super hospitable and accommodating, the Vietnamese people sizzled my insides, boys and girls at that! I am seriously thinking about living there. Only one thing I noticed about the people though, they don't smile as much.
Foreigners were all over the place in Hanoi. I guess Hanoi is one hot destination for backpackers and culture-seekers. I'm not really sure, but maybe to cater to the inflow of foreign people, Hanoi established big name brands around the streets, sort of like the ones in Fifth Avenue New York. I saw an iStore shoved between a drab pots and pans store and a coffee house that utilizes children-designed monobloc stools. It was several degrees different than what I am accustomed to here in the Philippines.
The training was awesome. My fellow ASEAN + Japan participants were awesome and I can't wait to see them again in October in Japan.
