Last week ended perfectly. Friday was the grand opening of the new Footwear Development at Pou Yen in Vietnam – this was years in the making and it came together perfectly. I know from Pam there were many bumps in the road but the finished product is amazing and I think it marks an even stronger partnership between Reebok and Pou Yen.
The opening ceremony started at 10AM in front of the factory. There was a huge white tent set up outside with tons of white chairs and red ribbons tied around. A long red carpet led the way from where the snack table and drink bar was set up all the way to the front of the stage where the Red Lion Band were to perform and ribbon cutting ceremony would take place.
Everyone took their seats and the Red Lion Band started performing. The band was made up of four women who I think were hired purely on their looks and skill for posing while playing instruments and singing. The men really enjoyed them that’s all I have to say.
When the Red Lion band was done performing it was speech time – speeches were given from John Herlihy, Andre Mossiat, Horst Stapf, Renee Howard, Peter Yan from Pou Yen Group, and Lee Flower. It was nice to hear how excited the big players were to have the DC opened. I felt especially lucky to have been a part of this momentous day!
Next it was time to cut the ribbons and have a champagne toast. After confetti cannons went off, dancing dragons danced around and champagne was sprayed all over the crowd we were able to see what the inside unveiled. I loved the huge Reebok vector that welcomed the crowd inside. The inside is completely modern and has tons of display counters with all of the new Reebok products.
Once we made it up to the 4th floor there were tables and tables of food to choose from and wait staff walking around with wine, beer, or your alcohol of choice. Totally apropos for 11 AM – hey, it had to be 5PM somewhere!
The mood was so positive and energetic; everyone was having a great time. The best thing to see was how invested the factory is to Reebok and how they want to keep improving the product with us. Having the DC here will really help make the work flow much more efficient and will also bring us closer to the consumer. I can only hope one day apparel will have its own DC here, it makes such a huge difference to the business – and you come out with an even better product in the end.
By 1PM I was back at my factory and was in a costing meeting until the end of the day, they should have reversed the order of things if you ask me…
Once I got home I got everything ready for my weekend tropical island getaway to Phu Quoc. What a hidden treasure. Once the international airport is finished there this untapped island is going to become so commercialized. I’m glad I was able to see it in its natural state before it gets over populated.
I landed in Phu Quoc at 7:55AM and was at the resort by 8:20AM. Since it’s the off-season most of the resorts are offering some great bargain deals, perfect timing on my part! My villa wouldn’t be ready until noontime. The sky was a bit overcast so I made a judgment call to do a 4 hour tour of the South part of the island.
By 9AM I was on the road, the dirt road I may add. Phu Quoc as of today is totally undeveloped; most of the roads are not paved – just bumpy dirt roads. I can’t imagine how they get anywhere when it rains because the roads must turn to a sludgy, muddy mess.
First we headed to a Pearl Farm. On the way I passed many little shacks along the beach where people live, it’s so interesting to see how they live. From the outside it looks as though the get by with the barest, simplest of supplies. At the pearl farm I saw how they collect the shells that have the pearls in them. First they slice open the shell and basically cut it in half. It’s all gooey on the inside and there’s what looks like a bubble in the gooeyness which is where the pearl is. They kind of slice it open and voilla a pearl pops out! This is done in less than a minute. The farm is right on the beach and there is a huge porch overlooking the beautiful white sand with crashing waves and palm trees everywhere you look. Let me tell you, I could be very happy opening up my own pearl farm on my own sandy lot of Phu Quoc. You can’t help but relax and let go of any and everything in your mind. Talk about therapy for the soul!
Next on the itinerary was a war memorial. I had no idea of what to expect and was totally shocked as soon as I walked in this small memorial that had images of which will stay with me forever. They had these re-enactments of how the US soldiers tortured the Vietnamese. It was so brutal and horrific! Outside they had this barb-wire box that they would trap Vietnamese in, making them sit there for hours upon days. There was also this metal box, kind of like a big dumpster where they would hold Vietnamese inside for days or weeks until they burned to death inside. These metal boxes were heating death chambers because it was made of only metal it attracted all the heat from the sun.
After I picked my stomach off the ground and some of the nausea I was experience calmed down from everything I saw we headed for the fishing harbor village. On the drive there I couldn’t help but think how everywhere I have been in Vietnam was affected by the war. The war really wrecked the entire country and it just amazes me how everywhere was affected, no ground was left un-touched. When you think about it, the war really wasn’t that long ago and it’s nice to see how well Vietnam is recovering. They’ve made huge strides since then. It also enrages me that war is still going on today. There is no need for it! So many innocent lives are lost fighting for what?
The pungent smell of fish sauce disrupted my thoughts once we made it to the harbor. Fish sauce has a very, very distinct odor and it’s hard to ignore. It was a relief and nice change of pace to see the village after the war memorial. All the boats are such a bright color and everyone was busy working away. Fishing and pearl farms seem to be the choice of employment in Phu Quoc. I walked around the harbor for a bit and was entranced in all the activity and vibrant colors.
Next stop – Sao Beach which is the Gulf of Thailand. This beach is one of the top five hidden beaches in the world and I have to agree with that huge statement. The water was a clear and calm as glass, I’ve never seen anything like it. The sand was super soft and almost a white shade, you could see mountains in the distance, boats out at sea, people enjoying the beach either in the water or in a hammock under a straw hut. Fresh seafood being grilled was a great aroma to smell floating throughout the air. Life was so good, nothing could be wrong in this spot! I could not wait to get in the water; it was as warm as bath water but refreshing at the same time. I think I spent almost an hour floating around. Then it was time to head back to the resort.
My villa was ready when I arrived and someone showed me to my place. There were cute little windy paths leading visitors to bungalows, villas, or panorama view rooms. In between different patches of green, plushy grass were different forms of entertainment for guest to partake in, like: a driving range with some putt putt for the kiddies, play areas for little ones, a tennis court, fitness center, swinging benches, bicycles to ride around on (free of charge), and the best was in between the palm trees lining the beach you could see the Sea and hear the waves crashing.
I was at the door to my villa, 143, and loved what I saw, a cute little place with a porch overlooking the beach. Literally the beach was about 25 steps from where I was staying, how perfect is that and the sounds of the waves were so soothing!
I dropped my bag off and headed right to a lounger complete with thick padded mat under a straw hut. Of course I had to drag the lounger to be in the sun! I mean I have to look tanned by the time I get back. I spent the next few hours dozing off under the sun. Me being me wanted to take advantage of the fitness center. From the outside it looked good. On a closer look, eh. Definitely better than the “fitness center” where I stayed in Hoi An. Unfortunately, neither the bike nor treadmill worked. There was the Tony Little gazelle machine though. And a great tennis court perfect for a functional workout and sprints. I concocted an awesome workout that blended functional training, strength express, and martial arts. To cool down after I tried out the gazelle machine.
Slowly, I strolled back to the villa to shower before headed to the beach seafood BBQ. There wasn’t much of a party going on at the beach BBQ since it’s not the busy season. You got to pick out your seafood of choice for them to grill it up freshly on the grill. I chose crab, squid, and prawn. While they were grilling it up for me, I found some of my favorite sides to enjoy while waiting for my seafood. Fresh spring rolls, Goi salad, and dragon fruit! They must have known I was coming…
For dessert there was a selection of pastry and 4 different sweet soups to try. I tried one that I absolutely loved. The only things I know that were in it were banana, tapioca, water, and sugar, the rest I have no idea but it was so yummy I had two bowls – lol! There was even a violinist playing music while people enjoyed their meals. After a relaxing and delicious dinner I leisurely walked the path back to my place to of course upload my pics from the day.
It was so easy falling asleep to the rhythmic noise the waves made. I slept like a baby and was up and out by 8AM. I had a yummy buffet breakfast and then headed straight for the beach. I didn’t think it was possible but Sunday was an even better beach day than Saturday. The waves calmed down and the Sea was so inviting. There were a cluster of people a bit of a ways down the beach so I headed there to jump the waves and swim with the fishes. Jumping the waves was so much fun. The water was not as clear as Sao Beach but playing in the waves made it more fun.
After that I decided to take a mystery walk to the end of the beach. I got to see all different resorts. Some much nicer than others! There were a few stray dogs, massage offerings on the beach; tour offerings to go snorkeling (wish I had enough time to have done that! Next time for sure), and dozens of photo ops I totally took advantage of. Before I knew it, I had to check out…I was checked out by noon but still had another 2 hours to hang out before leaving for the airport. I was enjoying people watching on this one couple who I had spotted the day before. I think they were French – the wife was wearing a two piece and perhaps her husband should have said do wear a one piece. But I think his judgment was a bit off as well since he was wearing a Speedo that barely covered him and his pot belly was hanging over the Speedo…You could smell this woman’s perfume a mile away and she was always wearing bright fuchsia pink lipstick. They were just so comical to watch walking around the place like they owned it!
I had a great lunch on the beach right before I had to leave: steamed spinach with garlic and fresh spring rolls. The bus departed right at 1:45 as I was told. By 2:00 I was at the airport! The airport was so tiny and cute; I think the smallest airport I’ve ever been in. The flight from HCMC to Phu Quoc is so quick and easy – only 50 minutes. By 4:30 I was back at my apartment and it was raining! At least I had got a ton of sun in over the weekend! I spent the rest of the evening organizing what I was going to ship home through DHL today, getting ready for my last full week of work here, and then I relaxed watching one of my DVD’s I got for less that $1 (still the best deal I’ve gotten here).
I cannot believe this is my last full week of work here! Next Tuesday is my last day…I knew the time would go by fast but never thought it would go this fast! It’s so sad – I’m not ready to leave yet I am excited to return home and see all my family and friends – it’s a strange feeling.
This week Pam gets to see some of the apparel world and I get to see some of footwear. So today I brought her to Esprinta. It was also my last time going there before I leave; it was so sad saying goodbye to the team there! I really learned so much there and they are willing to be such a strong partner with Reebok. Out of all the factories I worked with here they were by far my favorite to work with. They are efficient, smart, make a great quality product, and just get it right! Pam totally loved what I had planned to show her. Tomorrow I spend the day with her!
So I had DHL come to pick up a box I decided to ship home of extra clothes I knew I wouldn’t wear between now and then, some books I finished reading, and sneakers I also knew I would not wear. Now at first I thought this would be super easy – the apartment where I am saying told me DHL comes and picks the box up from your apartment. What could be better? Well, my first encounter with them was on Friday night. I had spoken with them on the phone, told them I wanted the 25 kg jumbo box flat rate selection. So they guy comes with no box. He is totally clueless, finally I get through to him I need a box so he goes and brings me 2. I fill out all the forms to then find they will not take credit cards even though they say it is an option, of course I don’t have enough cash on me so he leaves, I have my boxes, I am told I can reschedule for Sunday when I get back from my trip.
I called when I got back on Sunday, and of course since it is Sunday they stop pick ups at 4PM. So, I figure ok I can wait one more day until Monday. I call and speak to some woman who doesn’t understand I have selected the flat rate jumbo box option and all of a sudden the price has almost tripled to ship my box. I don’t know how but then she understands that I selected the flat rate option and she gets it. She says the courier will be here before 5PM. Two couriers show up with a different box, this bright yellow box reads Jumbo box on it, the one I was given was just a white box, a nice size. Of course the yellow box is about half the size of the white box. Even though what’s in the white box weighs 25 kg it doesn’t matter, I cannot get the promo with the white box…So I then have to transfer everything from the white double the size box into the yellow half size one. I don’t know how I managed in my fit of frustration and being not so nice to these poor couriers, but I fit everything in the box! The forms were all filled out, I handed them the cash, they took the box, and hopefully it will arrive home by Friday! What an ordeal! I am happy I did it despite the frustration because hey, its 25 kg less I’ll have to carry home with me.
Luckily I was able to work out all my frustration in my MMA class, and now I definitely feel better. I even had an enjoyable cab ride home. It was the first Vietnamese taxi driver that was able to carry on an English conversation with me, he really was so sweet. By the time I reached home, I learned he was from Cu Chi. If you remember that’s where I visited the second weekend I was here and got to crawl through the tunnels the Vietnamese Guerilla lived in. His father actually fought and died in the war in 1974 and his mom died 10 years ago which is when he and 4 of his siblings moved to HCMC. We both were commenting on how angry war makes us and how unnecessary it is. The 20 minute ride flew by and I said good-bye to my new friend of the night.
Of course now that I am back from my Phu Quoc trip, I’m gearing up for my last and most exciting trip to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay – oh, I just know it’s going to be amazing. I leave September 4th for Hanoi and from there go on a 2 nigtht/3day tour of Ha Long Bay – one night we sleep on a ship and the second we are on some island. Then I go back to Hanoi for one night, fly back to HCMC for one night and leave for the US at 6AM the following day (September 10th). I cannot believe how soon it is!
This trip has been such a huge learning and growing experience for me personally and professionally. It will be so nice to bring back all my newly learned knowledge home. Everything I have experienced will be with me forever and I am so lucky and thankful and grateful to have been able to go through all of this!
The opening ceremony started at 10AM in front of the factory. There was a huge white tent set up outside with tons of white chairs and red ribbons tied around. A long red carpet led the way from where the snack table and drink bar was set up all the way to the front of the stage where the Red Lion Band were to perform and ribbon cutting ceremony would take place.
Everyone took their seats and the Red Lion Band started performing. The band was made up of four women who I think were hired purely on their looks and skill for posing while playing instruments and singing. The men really enjoyed them that’s all I have to say.
When the Red Lion band was done performing it was speech time – speeches were given from John Herlihy, Andre Mossiat, Horst Stapf, Renee Howard, Peter Yan from Pou Yen Group, and Lee Flower. It was nice to hear how excited the big players were to have the DC opened. I felt especially lucky to have been a part of this momentous day!
Next it was time to cut the ribbons and have a champagne toast. After confetti cannons went off, dancing dragons danced around and champagne was sprayed all over the crowd we were able to see what the inside unveiled. I loved the huge Reebok vector that welcomed the crowd inside. The inside is completely modern and has tons of display counters with all of the new Reebok products.
Once we made it up to the 4th floor there were tables and tables of food to choose from and wait staff walking around with wine, beer, or your alcohol of choice. Totally apropos for 11 AM – hey, it had to be 5PM somewhere!
The mood was so positive and energetic; everyone was having a great time. The best thing to see was how invested the factory is to Reebok and how they want to keep improving the product with us. Having the DC here will really help make the work flow much more efficient and will also bring us closer to the consumer. I can only hope one day apparel will have its own DC here, it makes such a huge difference to the business – and you come out with an even better product in the end.
By 1PM I was back at my factory and was in a costing meeting until the end of the day, they should have reversed the order of things if you ask me…
Once I got home I got everything ready for my weekend tropical island getaway to Phu Quoc. What a hidden treasure. Once the international airport is finished there this untapped island is going to become so commercialized. I’m glad I was able to see it in its natural state before it gets over populated.
I landed in Phu Quoc at 7:55AM and was at the resort by 8:20AM. Since it’s the off-season most of the resorts are offering some great bargain deals, perfect timing on my part! My villa wouldn’t be ready until noontime. The sky was a bit overcast so I made a judgment call to do a 4 hour tour of the South part of the island.
By 9AM I was on the road, the dirt road I may add. Phu Quoc as of today is totally undeveloped; most of the roads are not paved – just bumpy dirt roads. I can’t imagine how they get anywhere when it rains because the roads must turn to a sludgy, muddy mess.
First we headed to a Pearl Farm. On the way I passed many little shacks along the beach where people live, it’s so interesting to see how they live. From the outside it looks as though the get by with the barest, simplest of supplies. At the pearl farm I saw how they collect the shells that have the pearls in them. First they slice open the shell and basically cut it in half. It’s all gooey on the inside and there’s what looks like a bubble in the gooeyness which is where the pearl is. They kind of slice it open and voilla a pearl pops out! This is done in less than a minute. The farm is right on the beach and there is a huge porch overlooking the beautiful white sand with crashing waves and palm trees everywhere you look. Let me tell you, I could be very happy opening up my own pearl farm on my own sandy lot of Phu Quoc. You can’t help but relax and let go of any and everything in your mind. Talk about therapy for the soul!
Next on the itinerary was a war memorial. I had no idea of what to expect and was totally shocked as soon as I walked in this small memorial that had images of which will stay with me forever. They had these re-enactments of how the US soldiers tortured the Vietnamese. It was so brutal and horrific! Outside they had this barb-wire box that they would trap Vietnamese in, making them sit there for hours upon days. There was also this metal box, kind of like a big dumpster where they would hold Vietnamese inside for days or weeks until they burned to death inside. These metal boxes were heating death chambers because it was made of only metal it attracted all the heat from the sun.
After I picked my stomach off the ground and some of the nausea I was experience calmed down from everything I saw we headed for the fishing harbor village. On the drive there I couldn’t help but think how everywhere I have been in Vietnam was affected by the war. The war really wrecked the entire country and it just amazes me how everywhere was affected, no ground was left un-touched. When you think about it, the war really wasn’t that long ago and it’s nice to see how well Vietnam is recovering. They’ve made huge strides since then. It also enrages me that war is still going on today. There is no need for it! So many innocent lives are lost fighting for what?
The pungent smell of fish sauce disrupted my thoughts once we made it to the harbor. Fish sauce has a very, very distinct odor and it’s hard to ignore. It was a relief and nice change of pace to see the village after the war memorial. All the boats are such a bright color and everyone was busy working away. Fishing and pearl farms seem to be the choice of employment in Phu Quoc. I walked around the harbor for a bit and was entranced in all the activity and vibrant colors.
Next stop – Sao Beach which is the Gulf of Thailand. This beach is one of the top five hidden beaches in the world and I have to agree with that huge statement. The water was a clear and calm as glass, I’ve never seen anything like it. The sand was super soft and almost a white shade, you could see mountains in the distance, boats out at sea, people enjoying the beach either in the water or in a hammock under a straw hut. Fresh seafood being grilled was a great aroma to smell floating throughout the air. Life was so good, nothing could be wrong in this spot! I could not wait to get in the water; it was as warm as bath water but refreshing at the same time. I think I spent almost an hour floating around. Then it was time to head back to the resort.
My villa was ready when I arrived and someone showed me to my place. There were cute little windy paths leading visitors to bungalows, villas, or panorama view rooms. In between different patches of green, plushy grass were different forms of entertainment for guest to partake in, like: a driving range with some putt putt for the kiddies, play areas for little ones, a tennis court, fitness center, swinging benches, bicycles to ride around on (free of charge), and the best was in between the palm trees lining the beach you could see the Sea and hear the waves crashing.
I was at the door to my villa, 143, and loved what I saw, a cute little place with a porch overlooking the beach. Literally the beach was about 25 steps from where I was staying, how perfect is that and the sounds of the waves were so soothing!
I dropped my bag off and headed right to a lounger complete with thick padded mat under a straw hut. Of course I had to drag the lounger to be in the sun! I mean I have to look tanned by the time I get back. I spent the next few hours dozing off under the sun. Me being me wanted to take advantage of the fitness center. From the outside it looked good. On a closer look, eh. Definitely better than the “fitness center” where I stayed in Hoi An. Unfortunately, neither the bike nor treadmill worked. There was the Tony Little gazelle machine though. And a great tennis court perfect for a functional workout and sprints. I concocted an awesome workout that blended functional training, strength express, and martial arts. To cool down after I tried out the gazelle machine.
Slowly, I strolled back to the villa to shower before headed to the beach seafood BBQ. There wasn’t much of a party going on at the beach BBQ since it’s not the busy season. You got to pick out your seafood of choice for them to grill it up freshly on the grill. I chose crab, squid, and prawn. While they were grilling it up for me, I found some of my favorite sides to enjoy while waiting for my seafood. Fresh spring rolls, Goi salad, and dragon fruit! They must have known I was coming…
For dessert there was a selection of pastry and 4 different sweet soups to try. I tried one that I absolutely loved. The only things I know that were in it were banana, tapioca, water, and sugar, the rest I have no idea but it was so yummy I had two bowls – lol! There was even a violinist playing music while people enjoyed their meals. After a relaxing and delicious dinner I leisurely walked the path back to my place to of course upload my pics from the day.
It was so easy falling asleep to the rhythmic noise the waves made. I slept like a baby and was up and out by 8AM. I had a yummy buffet breakfast and then headed straight for the beach. I didn’t think it was possible but Sunday was an even better beach day than Saturday. The waves calmed down and the Sea was so inviting. There were a cluster of people a bit of a ways down the beach so I headed there to jump the waves and swim with the fishes. Jumping the waves was so much fun. The water was not as clear as Sao Beach but playing in the waves made it more fun.
After that I decided to take a mystery walk to the end of the beach. I got to see all different resorts. Some much nicer than others! There were a few stray dogs, massage offerings on the beach; tour offerings to go snorkeling (wish I had enough time to have done that! Next time for sure), and dozens of photo ops I totally took advantage of. Before I knew it, I had to check out…I was checked out by noon but still had another 2 hours to hang out before leaving for the airport. I was enjoying people watching on this one couple who I had spotted the day before. I think they were French – the wife was wearing a two piece and perhaps her husband should have said do wear a one piece. But I think his judgment was a bit off as well since he was wearing a Speedo that barely covered him and his pot belly was hanging over the Speedo…You could smell this woman’s perfume a mile away and she was always wearing bright fuchsia pink lipstick. They were just so comical to watch walking around the place like they owned it!
I had a great lunch on the beach right before I had to leave: steamed spinach with garlic and fresh spring rolls. The bus departed right at 1:45 as I was told. By 2:00 I was at the airport! The airport was so tiny and cute; I think the smallest airport I’ve ever been in. The flight from HCMC to Phu Quoc is so quick and easy – only 50 minutes. By 4:30 I was back at my apartment and it was raining! At least I had got a ton of sun in over the weekend! I spent the rest of the evening organizing what I was going to ship home through DHL today, getting ready for my last full week of work here, and then I relaxed watching one of my DVD’s I got for less that $1 (still the best deal I’ve gotten here).
I cannot believe this is my last full week of work here! Next Tuesday is my last day…I knew the time would go by fast but never thought it would go this fast! It’s so sad – I’m not ready to leave yet I am excited to return home and see all my family and friends – it’s a strange feeling.
This week Pam gets to see some of the apparel world and I get to see some of footwear. So today I brought her to Esprinta. It was also my last time going there before I leave; it was so sad saying goodbye to the team there! I really learned so much there and they are willing to be such a strong partner with Reebok. Out of all the factories I worked with here they were by far my favorite to work with. They are efficient, smart, make a great quality product, and just get it right! Pam totally loved what I had planned to show her. Tomorrow I spend the day with her!
So I had DHL come to pick up a box I decided to ship home of extra clothes I knew I wouldn’t wear between now and then, some books I finished reading, and sneakers I also knew I would not wear. Now at first I thought this would be super easy – the apartment where I am saying told me DHL comes and picks the box up from your apartment. What could be better? Well, my first encounter with them was on Friday night. I had spoken with them on the phone, told them I wanted the 25 kg jumbo box flat rate selection. So they guy comes with no box. He is totally clueless, finally I get through to him I need a box so he goes and brings me 2. I fill out all the forms to then find they will not take credit cards even though they say it is an option, of course I don’t have enough cash on me so he leaves, I have my boxes, I am told I can reschedule for Sunday when I get back from my trip.
I called when I got back on Sunday, and of course since it is Sunday they stop pick ups at 4PM. So, I figure ok I can wait one more day until Monday. I call and speak to some woman who doesn’t understand I have selected the flat rate jumbo box option and all of a sudden the price has almost tripled to ship my box. I don’t know how but then she understands that I selected the flat rate option and she gets it. She says the courier will be here before 5PM. Two couriers show up with a different box, this bright yellow box reads Jumbo box on it, the one I was given was just a white box, a nice size. Of course the yellow box is about half the size of the white box. Even though what’s in the white box weighs 25 kg it doesn’t matter, I cannot get the promo with the white box…So I then have to transfer everything from the white double the size box into the yellow half size one. I don’t know how I managed in my fit of frustration and being not so nice to these poor couriers, but I fit everything in the box! The forms were all filled out, I handed them the cash, they took the box, and hopefully it will arrive home by Friday! What an ordeal! I am happy I did it despite the frustration because hey, its 25 kg less I’ll have to carry home with me.
Luckily I was able to work out all my frustration in my MMA class, and now I definitely feel better. I even had an enjoyable cab ride home. It was the first Vietnamese taxi driver that was able to carry on an English conversation with me, he really was so sweet. By the time I reached home, I learned he was from Cu Chi. If you remember that’s where I visited the second weekend I was here and got to crawl through the tunnels the Vietnamese Guerilla lived in. His father actually fought and died in the war in 1974 and his mom died 10 years ago which is when he and 4 of his siblings moved to HCMC. We both were commenting on how angry war makes us and how unnecessary it is. The 20 minute ride flew by and I said good-bye to my new friend of the night.
Of course now that I am back from my Phu Quoc trip, I’m gearing up for my last and most exciting trip to Hanoi and Ha Long Bay – oh, I just know it’s going to be amazing. I leave September 4th for Hanoi and from there go on a 2 nigtht/3day tour of Ha Long Bay – one night we sleep on a ship and the second we are on some island. Then I go back to Hanoi for one night, fly back to HCMC for one night and leave for the US at 6AM the following day (September 10th). I cannot believe how soon it is!
This trip has been such a huge learning and growing experience for me personally and professionally. It will be so nice to bring back all my newly learned knowledge home. Everything I have experienced will be with me forever and I am so lucky and thankful and grateful to have been able to go through all of this!
That's it for now, have a great week and I will keep the updates coming!
xxoo,
(i feel like Gossip Girl every time I end a blog - lol)
CONTRIBUTION ON SETTING STRATEGIES FOR PHU QUOC TOURISM (KIENGIANG – VIETNAM)
ReplyDelete(FOR FOREIGN TOURIST)
Hello, I a member of “dulichphuquoc.info”. and I am doing a research, topic: “ BUILDING STRATIGIES FOR KIENGIANG (PHUQUOC) TOURISM TO YEAR 2015, VISION TO 2025”. Therefore, I would like you please to help me with some questions about choosing the best strategy.
Guide to answer:
I give you four strategies which I built before. Of these strategies, you will grade marks for each strategy. If you yourself feel the trategy XXX is the most urgent, important and suitable strategy for PhuQuoc tourism in particular and KienGiang tourism in general, please give it 4 marks. The less important, urgent strategy, you give it 3 marks and … to the least important and urgent, please give it 1 mark.
For example; if in recent time, when you travelled PhuQuoc or HaTien or RachGia, you saw that the infrastructure, transportation here is very bad, it is the biggest obstacle for growing tourism here, and They are very necessary to be reformed and newly built; you will give the strategy “ Reforming and improving infrastructure and transportation” 4 marks. While, you suppose that there is little information of KienGiang (Phuquoc) tourism, you and other tourists do not know much about it and it is necessary for KienGiang to increase marketing, advertising solutions; you will give the strategy “ Increasing marketing and advertising more effectively” 3 marks.
If You think tha “ PhuQuoc owns enough conditions and potentials to grow luxury tourism, such as MICE tourism, health tourism… in near future, but because it is poor at infrastructure and transportation… “ you will give the strategy “Develop luxury tourism, sea and island tourism” 2 marks…( IT IS JUST LIKE RANKING A SONG WITH STARS). YOU will do so for the another.
Basing on your evaluation, we will select only one strategy which is the highest graded to focus on.
FOUR STRATEGIES
1 . Reforming and improving infrastructure and transportation……………………… (marks)
2 . Increasing marketing and advertising more effectively………………………………. (marks)
3. Improve the attractiveness of tourism products…………………………………………...(marks)
4. Develop luxury tourism, sea and island tourism…………………………………………….(marks)
PLEASE GIVE ME US SOME YOUR INFORMATION.
Name (if possible):…………………………………………………………………………………………….
Age (YES if you are, LEAVE IT EMPTY if you are NOT)
From 20 to 25 years old ……………….
Over 25 years old………………………..
Your country:………………………………………………
Travelling time to Kien Giang: ……..month……….year 200…
WE APPRECIATE YOUR HELP ON THE RESEARCH, YOU HAVE GIVEN PHUQUOC IN PARTICULAR AND KIENGIANG IN GENERAL GOOD CONTRIBUTION.
PLEASE SEND EMAIL TO ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE,
Email address: vietdragon2020@yahoo.com
THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
WELCOME TO VIETNAM NEXT TIME!