Not bad, huh?? Today is a relax day. Reading, blogging, walking on the beach, maybe some kayaking, and definitely some cocktails!!
- Posted on the go...
Location:Koh Phi Phi
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Life is a beach!
This is what my day looks like!
Not bad, huh?? Today is a relax day. Reading, blogging, walking on the beach, maybe some kayaking, and definitely some cocktails!!
- Posted on the go...
Not bad, huh?? Today is a relax day. Reading, blogging, walking on the beach, maybe some kayaking, and definitely some cocktails!!
- Posted on the go...
Bangkok, Bangkok, and paradise at last
Ok ok. I know I've been slacking on the blog. But let me tell you - our days in Bangkok were crazy busy. Plus, I was sick yesterday.
Anyway, get ready for a long one - here is an update of the last two days or so...
So Monday afternoon we walked over to the frozen foods giant CP Foods. This meeting was the highlight of the business meetings for me. They talked to us about what they do and how their extreme vertical integration allows them to do it, and they had asked our group to investigate how they could sell more shrimp in the US. After the group gave their presentation we all were able to engage in a lively discussion and brainstorming session where I was able to shine - my professor has repeatedly told me since that I "hit a home run"with my idea for them to partner with a non-profit on a childhood obesity campaign to establish themselves as a company with heathy food that kids like. :) so it was a great meeting!
After that we had a brief moment to regroup before we left for the alumni dinner. The place was a lovely spot on the river overlooking the royal palace. Great ambiance, only so-so food. The alums were all thai nationals and from two "eras" - a group from the 90s and some from the mid-00s. They were all very welcoming and excited to share with us the work that they do. One of the young alums, Nat, gave us some good insight into the Stock Exchange of Thailand so that we could show off the next day. Apparently with the downturn in the US economy, alot of American money has flowed into the SET in the last couple years leading to historic high numbers. Nat predicts that growth will level out since the US is recovering and investors will most likely return to the States.
Anyway, we didn't get back to the hotel from dinner until 11:30pm and we had one more long day in front of us - including our presentation. Plus, I was starting to feel sick to my stomach, so I went to bed. Unfortunately it was a long night of feeling rather awful.
But I still had to be up in the morning for our last day in Bangkok - another non-stop whirlwind! Up early and off to visit the Siam Cement Group.
((For those of you who don't know, Thailand used to be called Siam and the movie The King and I was based on a true story of King Rama the 5th (I think) and an English teacher named Anna.))
Anyway, we had that meeting, which was fairly uneventful and then a short break for us to eat quickly (Pad Thai) and do final prep for our preso.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand was very cool - we had a tour of the building and they had a live quarterly statement meeting being broadcast that we visited. We met with the head of issuing from the Exchange and delivered our presentation to him without a hitch. With that, our official trip events were complete!!
We all went out to happy hour - where I decided that I would not feel sick anymore, and some how, miraculously, that worked!!
Then, out of nowhere, a HUGE rainstorm hit Bangkok. Thunder, lightning, flash flooding - the works. We waited out the storm for awhile and then Kelly, Vanessa and I headed out into the night!
We sort of floated down the street in a taxi to a restaurant that came recommended by classmates. The food was decent (Phad Sew Yew), but the outside seating was closed due to weather and the inside ambiance left much to be desired. We were sated though, and the rain had stopped so we wanted to go check out the famous Patong night market - something we had yet to have time to do! But of course, even though the rain had stopped the market had been cancelled. :( we were bummed. (and all of you expecting Asian presents - you're out of luck! That was my chance for souvenir shoapping!) but the night wasn't ruined - we headed off to a rooftop bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel called Moon Bar. WOW! The views of the city were spectacular and the gin&tonic hit the spot!
Finally it was time to call it a night because we had to be at 5am again for our flight to the BEACH!!! I felt like I didn't get to really explore the city, but time was up - next time I guess!?
So yesterday started early, but ended in paradise. We flew from Bangkok to Phuket and the transferred to the dock where private speedboat delivered us to our hotel in just an hour! It was spectacular! The water is a gorgeous shade of blue, the sand a soft yellow-white. The only thing on the agenda is relaxing - which is quite welcome after the busy couple of weeks we've had. There are rocky islands scattered around and I think tomorrow we will go boating and explore some with snorkels. We also want to go see the bay where the movie The Beach was filmed.
Last night we dined at the hotel and saw a traditional Thai dance performance, which was somewhere between a hula and an Indian dance. Then it was off to bed after a long day. We were finally in paradise!
- Posted on the go...
Anyway, get ready for a long one - here is an update of the last two days or so...
So Monday afternoon we walked over to the frozen foods giant CP Foods. This meeting was the highlight of the business meetings for me. They talked to us about what they do and how their extreme vertical integration allows them to do it, and they had asked our group to investigate how they could sell more shrimp in the US. After the group gave their presentation we all were able to engage in a lively discussion and brainstorming session where I was able to shine - my professor has repeatedly told me since that I "hit a home run"with my idea for them to partner with a non-profit on a childhood obesity campaign to establish themselves as a company with heathy food that kids like. :) so it was a great meeting!
After that we had a brief moment to regroup before we left for the alumni dinner. The place was a lovely spot on the river overlooking the royal palace. Great ambiance, only so-so food. The alums were all thai nationals and from two "eras" - a group from the 90s and some from the mid-00s. They were all very welcoming and excited to share with us the work that they do. One of the young alums, Nat, gave us some good insight into the Stock Exchange of Thailand so that we could show off the next day. Apparently with the downturn in the US economy, alot of American money has flowed into the SET in the last couple years leading to historic high numbers. Nat predicts that growth will level out since the US is recovering and investors will most likely return to the States.
Anyway, we didn't get back to the hotel from dinner until 11:30pm and we had one more long day in front of us - including our presentation. Plus, I was starting to feel sick to my stomach, so I went to bed. Unfortunately it was a long night of feeling rather awful.
But I still had to be up in the morning for our last day in Bangkok - another non-stop whirlwind! Up early and off to visit the Siam Cement Group.
((For those of you who don't know, Thailand used to be called Siam and the movie The King and I was based on a true story of King Rama the 5th (I think) and an English teacher named Anna.))
Anyway, we had that meeting, which was fairly uneventful and then a short break for us to eat quickly (Pad Thai) and do final prep for our preso.
The Stock Exchange of Thailand was very cool - we had a tour of the building and they had a live quarterly statement meeting being broadcast that we visited. We met with the head of issuing from the Exchange and delivered our presentation to him without a hitch. With that, our official trip events were complete!!
We all went out to happy hour - where I decided that I would not feel sick anymore, and some how, miraculously, that worked!!
Then, out of nowhere, a HUGE rainstorm hit Bangkok. Thunder, lightning, flash flooding - the works. We waited out the storm for awhile and then Kelly, Vanessa and I headed out into the night!
We sort of floated down the street in a taxi to a restaurant that came recommended by classmates. The food was decent (Phad Sew Yew), but the outside seating was closed due to weather and the inside ambiance left much to be desired. We were sated though, and the rain had stopped so we wanted to go check out the famous Patong night market - something we had yet to have time to do! But of course, even though the rain had stopped the market had been cancelled. :( we were bummed. (and all of you expecting Asian presents - you're out of luck! That was my chance for souvenir shoapping!) but the night wasn't ruined - we headed off to a rooftop bar at the Banyan Tree Hotel called Moon Bar. WOW! The views of the city were spectacular and the gin&tonic hit the spot!
Finally it was time to call it a night because we had to be at 5am again for our flight to the BEACH!!! I felt like I didn't get to really explore the city, but time was up - next time I guess!?
So yesterday started early, but ended in paradise. We flew from Bangkok to Phuket and the transferred to the dock where private speedboat delivered us to our hotel in just an hour! It was spectacular! The water is a gorgeous shade of blue, the sand a soft yellow-white. The only thing on the agenda is relaxing - which is quite welcome after the busy couple of weeks we've had. There are rocky islands scattered around and I think tomorrow we will go boating and explore some with snorkels. We also want to go see the bay where the movie The Beach was filmed.
Last night we dined at the hotel and saw a traditional Thai dance performance, which was somewhere between a hula and an Indian dance. Then it was off to bed after a long day. We were finally in paradise!
- Posted on the go...
Location:Koh Phi Phi
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Welcome to the Big City!
Yesterday was a loooong day. We got up at 5am to check out of the hotel and head to the Hanoi airport. We finally arrived in Bangkok at about 11:30am. We met our new tour guide - Sara* (not her real name).
Thoughts from the ride to the hotel:
- Bangkok is HUGE!
- Bangkok is VERY modern.
- the city is greener than I would have expected
- there is quite a bit of Western infiltration here - starbucks, 7-11, au Bon pain, subway, ect.
- upon a glance, bangkok doesnt feel all that foreign
So turns out Bangkok IS huge. There are 65M people in Thailand. 15M of those are in Bangkok! There are many more cars and much fewer motorbikes here.
So after a quick checkin - we are staying at the Sofitel. It is gorgeous! Very nice, however annoying with the Internet. Anyway, we grabbed a great lunch at the hotel buffet - finally, sushi!! - and headed out for a tour of the Grand Palace and of Wat Po.
The palace was a photographer's dream, but also FULL of tourists. We explored the grounds and saw the famous Emerald Buddha.
By the time we left there we were drenched I'm sweat and dying of thirst. Oh, did I mention that it is HOT here! Its in the 90s here and very humid.
We powered on though and went to check out Wat Po, which was the first university in Thailand - a school for massage. There are three main things people come to see there - the GIANT Reclining Buddha, the Golden Buddha, and the Gallery which is full of replicas of the Golden Buddha.
I liked this place much more!! It was quieter and way fewer tourists. I enjoyed wandering around and taking pictures, and loved spending time I'm the temple praying to Buddha for luck for me and my family.
Back at the hotel I fit in a quick workout (I've managed about three so far, but I feel FAT! we are eating so much good food all the time!
Speaking of food. After a quick cleanup, Kelly, Vanessa and I headed out on a hunt for our first Thai meal. As soon as we stepped onto the street we were stunned by the transformation!
As soon as the sun goes down in Bangkok, the streets and sidewalks come alive with vendors selling everything imaginable! From knock-off goods to handicrafts to electronics to handcarved soaps. Watching the man carve the soaps reminded me of watching my grandmother craft her famous wedding cake flowers!
Anyway, we made our way down the street and finally found the place we were looking for down a little side street. It was called Mango Tree and even though it is now sort of a chain, this was the original - tucked in an 80yo traditional Thai house. The food was fantastic - we had satay and noodles and left feeling great about Thailand!
Unfortunately, we then had to head back to the hotel to work on our Thai Stock Exchange project.
Our days in Bangkok are a whirlwind with 2 meetings a day and evening events as well. This morning was with the American Chamber of Commerce. It was interesting to learn that due to a treaty from the late 1800s, unlike other foreigners Americans are not restricted from owning a majority of businesses in Thailand. It is quite easy for an American to do business here and as such, there are very many doing it!
This afternoon we are visiting CP Foods - they are one of the biggest frozen foods companies in the world! They apparently are trying to grow their business of frozen shrimp in the US. A group from my class will be presenting on this topic - should be interesting!
Later is the alumni dinner with 10 Texas MBA alums. I'm looking forward to seeing how many are expats and how many are Thai nationals.
If it sounds like we are busy, that is because we are. I was just remarking to Alex that as great as these trips are - and they are amazing. The business opportunities are incredibly unique. But as great as they are, it's really difficult to really experience the cities. Between all the events that we are attending it can be hard to find the energy to go out and explore. I feel like I need to come back and spend a bit more time really absorbing. One day! In any case I am spectacularly lucky to be here. This kind of trip can never be replicated! I'm just trying to experience as much as I can while still taking care of myself so that I don't get sick (like half of my class!!) One other reason I'm lucky? I'm not the girl on the India Global Trip that is had to have an appendectomy in Mumbai. Wow.
On that note, one week from today I will be back in Austin and back in class. Amazing! Happy Monday y'all!
- Posted on the go...
Thoughts from the ride to the hotel:
- Bangkok is HUGE!
- Bangkok is VERY modern.
- the city is greener than I would have expected
- there is quite a bit of Western infiltration here - starbucks, 7-11, au Bon pain, subway, ect.
- upon a glance, bangkok doesnt feel all that foreign
So turns out Bangkok IS huge. There are 65M people in Thailand. 15M of those are in Bangkok! There are many more cars and much fewer motorbikes here.
So after a quick checkin - we are staying at the Sofitel. It is gorgeous! Very nice, however annoying with the Internet. Anyway, we grabbed a great lunch at the hotel buffet - finally, sushi!! - and headed out for a tour of the Grand Palace and of Wat Po.
The palace was a photographer's dream, but also FULL of tourists. We explored the grounds and saw the famous Emerald Buddha.
By the time we left there we were drenched I'm sweat and dying of thirst. Oh, did I mention that it is HOT here! Its in the 90s here and very humid.
We powered on though and went to check out Wat Po, which was the first university in Thailand - a school for massage. There are three main things people come to see there - the GIANT Reclining Buddha, the Golden Buddha, and the Gallery which is full of replicas of the Golden Buddha.
I liked this place much more!! It was quieter and way fewer tourists. I enjoyed wandering around and taking pictures, and loved spending time I'm the temple praying to Buddha for luck for me and my family.
Back at the hotel I fit in a quick workout (I've managed about three so far, but I feel FAT! we are eating so much good food all the time!
Speaking of food. After a quick cleanup, Kelly, Vanessa and I headed out on a hunt for our first Thai meal. As soon as we stepped onto the street we were stunned by the transformation!
As soon as the sun goes down in Bangkok, the streets and sidewalks come alive with vendors selling everything imaginable! From knock-off goods to handicrafts to electronics to handcarved soaps. Watching the man carve the soaps reminded me of watching my grandmother craft her famous wedding cake flowers!
Anyway, we made our way down the street and finally found the place we were looking for down a little side street. It was called Mango Tree and even though it is now sort of a chain, this was the original - tucked in an 80yo traditional Thai house. The food was fantastic - we had satay and noodles and left feeling great about Thailand!
Unfortunately, we then had to head back to the hotel to work on our Thai Stock Exchange project.
Our days in Bangkok are a whirlwind with 2 meetings a day and evening events as well. This morning was with the American Chamber of Commerce. It was interesting to learn that due to a treaty from the late 1800s, unlike other foreigners Americans are not restricted from owning a majority of businesses in Thailand. It is quite easy for an American to do business here and as such, there are very many doing it!
This afternoon we are visiting CP Foods - they are one of the biggest frozen foods companies in the world! They apparently are trying to grow their business of frozen shrimp in the US. A group from my class will be presenting on this topic - should be interesting!
Later is the alumni dinner with 10 Texas MBA alums. I'm looking forward to seeing how many are expats and how many are Thai nationals.
If it sounds like we are busy, that is because we are. I was just remarking to Alex that as great as these trips are - and they are amazing. The business opportunities are incredibly unique. But as great as they are, it's really difficult to really experience the cities. Between all the events that we are attending it can be hard to find the energy to go out and explore. I feel like I need to come back and spend a bit more time really absorbing. One day! In any case I am spectacularly lucky to be here. This kind of trip can never be replicated! I'm just trying to experience as much as I can while still taking care of myself so that I don't get sick (like half of my class!!) One other reason I'm lucky? I'm not the girl on the India Global Trip that is had to have an appendectomy in Mumbai. Wow.
On that note, one week from today I will be back in Austin and back in class. Amazing! Happy Monday y'all!
- Posted on the go...
Location:Bangkok
Saturday, March 12, 2011
BTW - Earthquake
I am fine. No tremors here. No waves in the bay, nothing. I'm praying for the folks in Japan - including Sam Ceppos! But I am just fine. And I fly home via Hong Kong (unlike some of my classmates), so I should be fine.
- Posted on the go...
- Posted on the go...
Couples Massages and Private Junk
Yesterday, Vanessa and I went to a spa for the afternoon. The tour company had suggested super expensive spas in five-star hotels, but we were looking for a bit more authentic (cheaper) experience. We spent some time trolling the Internet and found a place called SF Spa.
When we got there we opted for the 3 hour "Relax Package," which included massages, facials, sauna and jacuzzi time for $30. :) They gave us sandals and robes and led us up to the treatment rooms. We followed them through the doorway and into a room with two beds!! We were, of course, NOT expecting that. But when I'm Rome I guess! So that was the time Vanessa and I got a couples massage. :-p
The treatments were spectacular though and by the time we left there we were so relaxed that we could barely walk!
Back at the hotel we parted ways to regroup - originally we all had big plans for a girls' dinner and a visit to the traditional Water Puppet Theater. However, once I sat down i was done for. Room service and an HBO movie were the perfect evening after going non-stop for a week+.
Today was a looooong daytrip to Halong Bay. The bay is 4 hours from Hanoi, so we spent 8 hours+ on the bus today. Halong Bay was worth it though. Our group had a private junk (boat) and sailed all around the bay. In some ways it reminded me of St Lucia because of the sheer peaks jutting out of the water. There are almost 2000 limestone islands in the Halong. The weather was just so-so - fairly cool and foggy - but it added a mystic quality to the seascape. I took lots of pictures but forgot to take one on my phone so I could share.
I did, however, take a picture I'm the cave that we toured. It was being on the set of Goonies, seriously. Apparently this cave was discovered by a sailor looking for shelter during a monsoon. Wow - what a discovery! It is HUGE and full of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. It is definitely a tourist attraction now. They have it all lit up inside with different colors like a disco!
Pretty cool, huh?
The drive back was very long. We all drank wine and beer on the boat, but the usual suspects didn't stop and proceeded to get drunk and loud and blast rap music. The tunes were fun for awhile, but after a couple hours I was READY to get off the bus.
We have a really early flight I'm the morning to Bangkok, so unfortunately it looks like this will be another night of a quick dinner in the hotel and early to bed before our 5am wakeup call.
Next time you hear from me I'll be in Thailand!!!
- Posted on the go...
When we got there we opted for the 3 hour "Relax Package," which included massages, facials, sauna and jacuzzi time for $30. :) They gave us sandals and robes and led us up to the treatment rooms. We followed them through the doorway and into a room with two beds!! We were, of course, NOT expecting that. But when I'm Rome I guess! So that was the time Vanessa and I got a couples massage. :-p
The treatments were spectacular though and by the time we left there we were so relaxed that we could barely walk!
Back at the hotel we parted ways to regroup - originally we all had big plans for a girls' dinner and a visit to the traditional Water Puppet Theater. However, once I sat down i was done for. Room service and an HBO movie were the perfect evening after going non-stop for a week+.
Today was a looooong daytrip to Halong Bay. The bay is 4 hours from Hanoi, so we spent 8 hours+ on the bus today. Halong Bay was worth it though. Our group had a private junk (boat) and sailed all around the bay. In some ways it reminded me of St Lucia because of the sheer peaks jutting out of the water. There are almost 2000 limestone islands in the Halong. The weather was just so-so - fairly cool and foggy - but it added a mystic quality to the seascape. I took lots of pictures but forgot to take one on my phone so I could share.
I did, however, take a picture I'm the cave that we toured. It was being on the set of Goonies, seriously. Apparently this cave was discovered by a sailor looking for shelter during a monsoon. Wow - what a discovery! It is HUGE and full of spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. It is definitely a tourist attraction now. They have it all lit up inside with different colors like a disco!
Pretty cool, huh?
The drive back was very long. We all drank wine and beer on the boat, but the usual suspects didn't stop and proceeded to get drunk and loud and blast rap music. The tunes were fun for awhile, but after a couple hours I was READY to get off the bus.
We have a really early flight I'm the morning to Bangkok, so unfortunately it looks like this will be another night of a quick dinner in the hotel and early to bed before our 5am wakeup call.
Next time you hear from me I'll be in Thailand!!!
- Posted on the go...
Location:The Bus
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Thoughts for today...
- The one person per bicycle rule gets violated here constantly. On the plus side, alot of the bikes in Hanoi have a complete extra seat on the back over the wheel - clever!!
- I can't get enough pho.
- unlike everything else, wine is expensive here since there are no domestic wines. All the imports drive up the price. That is ok by me, bc I was designated "banker" last night and collected all the money to pay for the booze. I collected nearly 8,000,000 dong and got to keep the extra!
- it is much colder and rainier than I expected in Hanoi. It's like Seattle!
- there is an awesome "world famous" Philipino cover band on tour right now! They played last night I'm Hanoi at a bar called Seventeen Cowboys.
- skype at the hotel here blows. Emails until Bangkok.
- can't wait for my afternoon at the spa today!!!
- Posted on the go...
- I can't get enough pho.
- unlike everything else, wine is expensive here since there are no domestic wines. All the imports drive up the price. That is ok by me, bc I was designated "banker" last night and collected all the money to pay for the booze. I collected nearly 8,000,000 dong and got to keep the extra!
- it is much colder and rainier than I expected in Hanoi. It's like Seattle!
- there is an awesome "world famous" Philipino cover band on tour right now! They played last night I'm Hanoi at a bar called Seventeen Cowboys.
- skype at the hotel here blows. Emails until Bangkok.
- can't wait for my afternoon at the spa today!!!
- Posted on the go...
Hello Hanoi!
I got a scolding email from my mother just now. Apparently both of my last posts showed up as "Tuesday" there. I am, in fact, blogging everyday! Promise! It's just this crazy 13hr time difference. When I am able to Skype with Alex or my mom it is either late night hear and early morning there or vice versa!
In any case, it is Thursday evening here and I'm camped in the lobby of our hotel - the only place with wifi - with a glass of cab and a cheese plate.
We got into Hanoi last night around 8pm. Once we arrived at our hotel (the Hilton Hanoi Opera - not to be confused with the Hanoi Hilton! More on that in a bit), anyway, once we arrived at our hotel Vanessa and Dani and I headed out to grab some dinner. We have food that the danger of staying in these fancy 5-star hotels is that they recommend fancy (expensive) places. So instead of the restaurant that the concierge sent us too that had dishes for 3,000,000dong (approx $150), we went next door and got pho ga for 67,000dong ($3.35). Yum!
Today has been spectacular. First thing we went off on a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. A cyclo is a bicycle with sort of a carriage seat attached to the front. The passenger sits in the front and a driver peddles you around, like so:
Hanoi is an incredibly beautiful city. The French influence is evident everywhere. It is much older (they celebrated 1000 years last October) and smaller (6m vs 10m) than HCMC. It feels much cleaner and more refined. The weather is also MUCH cooler - 62 vs 90 degrees! While it is a nice break from sweating, I didn't bring many warm clothes!! Oh well. :)
So on the tour we got a great view of daily life in Hanoi as we cruised through the market streets. Each block seemed to have a different specialty - one shoes, the next rugs, then baby supplies, ect. We saw beautiful French buildings and many many motorbikes - like HCMC, Hanoi has a 2:1 people to bike ratio!
Next stop was the "Hanoi Hilton" which is the prison where American pilots, like John McCain were held prisoner during the war. The prison was originally built in the 1890s by the French to hold and torture Vietnamese revolutionaries. Now only 1/5 of the building remains - the rest has been bulldozed and replaced with a huge office tower. Ah, progress. What remains, though is still harrowing - dark narrow cells with leg irons restricting movement even around the cell. The most disturbing part of all though was the propaganda (videos, pamphlets, pictures, ect) about how well the American pilots were treated. Direct quote - "they were grateful to be held in the good standards by the Vietnamese people." It is incredible how different perception can be.
After a quick lunch near the hotel we went off to our day's business meeting at the Vietnamese Ministry of Trade. What an extraordinary experience to be welcomed into a high ranking government official's office in a place like Vietnam. It is clear from talking to them that despite being the "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" they are moving more and more towards capitalist ways. We discussed repercussions of the midterm elections on free trade. Afterward, I put on my McCombs Admissions Committee hat and talked with one of the women there about admission to the MBA program!
Since then I've been camped in the lobby working on the presentation that my group has to give to the Thai Stock Exchange. Our professor just sprung this on us - we will have to present on the Flash Crash of the US Stock Exchange in May 2010. Even though I'd rather be taking in the city, it was great to have a chance to sit back with a couple glasses of wine and relax.
Off tonight for another group dinner. Ford tomorrow then spa afternoon!!
Later kids!
- Posted on the go...
In any case, it is Thursday evening here and I'm camped in the lobby of our hotel - the only place with wifi - with a glass of cab and a cheese plate.
We got into Hanoi last night around 8pm. Once we arrived at our hotel (the Hilton Hanoi Opera - not to be confused with the Hanoi Hilton! More on that in a bit), anyway, once we arrived at our hotel Vanessa and Dani and I headed out to grab some dinner. We have food that the danger of staying in these fancy 5-star hotels is that they recommend fancy (expensive) places. So instead of the restaurant that the concierge sent us too that had dishes for 3,000,000dong (approx $150), we went next door and got pho ga for 67,000dong ($3.35). Yum!
Today has been spectacular. First thing we went off on a cyclo tour of the Old Quarter. A cyclo is a bicycle with sort of a carriage seat attached to the front. The passenger sits in the front and a driver peddles you around, like so:
Hanoi is an incredibly beautiful city. The French influence is evident everywhere. It is much older (they celebrated 1000 years last October) and smaller (6m vs 10m) than HCMC. It feels much cleaner and more refined. The weather is also MUCH cooler - 62 vs 90 degrees! While it is a nice break from sweating, I didn't bring many warm clothes!! Oh well. :)
So on the tour we got a great view of daily life in Hanoi as we cruised through the market streets. Each block seemed to have a different specialty - one shoes, the next rugs, then baby supplies, ect. We saw beautiful French buildings and many many motorbikes - like HCMC, Hanoi has a 2:1 people to bike ratio!
Next stop was the "Hanoi Hilton" which is the prison where American pilots, like John McCain were held prisoner during the war. The prison was originally built in the 1890s by the French to hold and torture Vietnamese revolutionaries. Now only 1/5 of the building remains - the rest has been bulldozed and replaced with a huge office tower. Ah, progress. What remains, though is still harrowing - dark narrow cells with leg irons restricting movement even around the cell. The most disturbing part of all though was the propaganda (videos, pamphlets, pictures, ect) about how well the American pilots were treated. Direct quote - "they were grateful to be held in the good standards by the Vietnamese people." It is incredible how different perception can be.
After a quick lunch near the hotel we went off to our day's business meeting at the Vietnamese Ministry of Trade. What an extraordinary experience to be welcomed into a high ranking government official's office in a place like Vietnam. It is clear from talking to them that despite being the "Socialist Republic of Vietnam" they are moving more and more towards capitalist ways. We discussed repercussions of the midterm elections on free trade. Afterward, I put on my McCombs Admissions Committee hat and talked with one of the women there about admission to the MBA program!
Since then I've been camped in the lobby working on the presentation that my group has to give to the Thai Stock Exchange. Our professor just sprung this on us - we will have to present on the Flash Crash of the US Stock Exchange in May 2010. Even though I'd rather be taking in the city, it was great to have a chance to sit back with a couple glasses of wine and relax.
Off tonight for another group dinner. Ford tomorrow then spa afternoon!!
Later kids!
- Posted on the go...
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Last day in Saigon
This morning we had a meeting at Intel, which was great. We were able to tour their brand new billion dollar facility and hear about the way a company like Intel operates I'm developing countries. I, of course, asked the CSR questions and they actually had the right answers as far as environmental and human capital issues.
We are about to leave for the airport to head to Hanoi, but we had a couple of free hours in the city, so went out on my own to explore. It's Ash Wednesday and I looked into mass times - unfortunately they conflicted with Intel and travel times, but I thought I'd go spend some time in the Cathedral at least. I took a cab up to the church, but it was locked up tightly so that plan was ruined! Instead I peeked into the post office, which was built by the French I'm the 1800s.
Then I set out to walk back towards the hotel and find some lunch. I wound my way through people, bikes and construction (HCMC is growing fast and full of construction) admiring some of the fancy dresses in the windows of the silk shops. Maybe I should have had something made!
I then found my way to a restaurant that I had read about - 13 Ngo Duc Ke - for an authentic Vietnamese lunch. There was just one other foreigner there and despite the availability of an English menu, it was still the real deal. I thought I read to try the shrimp and coconut milk and so i ordered that - what came was six BIG prawns, still in shell, head intact, perched around a coconut full of seasoned coconut milk. I didn't know what else to do but shell the shrimp, but everyone in the place was giving me crazy looks. Once I finished those off I was still hungry, so I tried the crab and asparagus soup. It also wasnt what I was expecting - it was white asparagus! - and laced with sort of a stringy eggwhite something. It was tasty though!! A little heavy on pepper, but good.
See you in Hanoi!
- Posted on the go...
We are about to leave for the airport to head to Hanoi, but we had a couple of free hours in the city, so went out on my own to explore. It's Ash Wednesday and I looked into mass times - unfortunately they conflicted with Intel and travel times, but I thought I'd go spend some time in the Cathedral at least. I took a cab up to the church, but it was locked up tightly so that plan was ruined! Instead I peeked into the post office, which was built by the French I'm the 1800s.
Then I set out to walk back towards the hotel and find some lunch. I wound my way through people, bikes and construction (HCMC is growing fast and full of construction) admiring some of the fancy dresses in the windows of the silk shops. Maybe I should have had something made!
I then found my way to a restaurant that I had read about - 13 Ngo Duc Ke - for an authentic Vietnamese lunch. There was just one other foreigner there and despite the availability of an English menu, it was still the real deal. I thought I read to try the shrimp and coconut milk and so i ordered that - what came was six BIG prawns, still in shell, head intact, perched around a coconut full of seasoned coconut milk. I didn't know what else to do but shell the shrimp, but everyone in the place was giving me crazy looks. Once I finished those off I was still hungry, so I tried the crab and asparagus soup. It also wasnt what I was expecting - it was white asparagus! - and laced with sort of a stringy eggwhite something. It was tasty though!! A little heavy on pepper, but good.
See you in Hanoi!
- Posted on the go...
Good Morning Vietnam!!
I am officially on the school portion of my trip. This trip consists of a mix of business meetings, cultural excursions, networking events and free time.
We are also officially in the BIG city! After our time in rural Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh City (aka HCMC, aka Saigon) is an explosion of people, sounds, smells and MOTORCYCLES. Wow - 10 million people in HCMC and 5 million bikes. There are special highways for them! There is also quite a market for there face masks that look similar to surgical masks, but are made of fabric and decorated!
Lots of people have asked me what the Vietnamese think of Americans due to the war. I know I posted yesterday about the Cu Chi Tunnels, but here is a more general fact to give you an idea of today's climate. 55-65% of the Vietnamese population is under the age of 35. That means that most people have no memory of the war. They so have little to no memory of the extremely closed period of Communism in the late 70s and early 80s. Most people today only remember each year, each day being better than the last, since economic policy changed in 1986 and "free" commerce began to be allowed. So to answer the question - Vietnamese people have no problem with Americans. We have felt very welcome here.
Just a bit about what we've been up to:
- yummy Pho dinner at Lemongrass Restaurant
- business meeting at US Commercial Service
- watch shopping for Annie P
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- French dinner at La Camangue (onion soup and rack of lamb!)
- late night one hour foot massage :)
- boat tour of the Mekong Delta complete with local fruit and coconut candy tasting
Today is Women's Day in Vietnam. It is sort of like Mother's Day, but for all women! There are only 8 women on the trip so we've been enjoying the flowers and attention wherever we go!
Off now to a group dinner and a night out on the town- our last in HCMC! Tomorrow, on to Hanoi!
- Posted on the go...
We are also officially in the BIG city! After our time in rural Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh City (aka HCMC, aka Saigon) is an explosion of people, sounds, smells and MOTORCYCLES. Wow - 10 million people in HCMC and 5 million bikes. There are special highways for them! There is also quite a market for there face masks that look similar to surgical masks, but are made of fabric and decorated!
Lots of people have asked me what the Vietnamese think of Americans due to the war. I know I posted yesterday about the Cu Chi Tunnels, but here is a more general fact to give you an idea of today's climate. 55-65% of the Vietnamese population is under the age of 35. That means that most people have no memory of the war. They so have little to no memory of the extremely closed period of Communism in the late 70s and early 80s. Most people today only remember each year, each day being better than the last, since economic policy changed in 1986 and "free" commerce began to be allowed. So to answer the question - Vietnamese people have no problem with Americans. We have felt very welcome here.
Just a bit about what we've been up to:
- yummy Pho dinner at Lemongrass Restaurant
- business meeting at US Commercial Service
- watch shopping for Annie P
- Cu Chi Tunnels
- French dinner at La Camangue (onion soup and rack of lamb!)
- late night one hour foot massage :)
- boat tour of the Mekong Delta complete with local fruit and coconut candy tasting
Today is Women's Day in Vietnam. It is sort of like Mother's Day, but for all women! There are only 8 women on the trip so we've been enjoying the flowers and attention wherever we go!
Off now to a group dinner and a night out on the town- our last in HCMC! Tomorrow, on to Hanoi!
- Posted on the go...
Location:HCMC
Monday, March 7, 2011
Tiny Tunnels, Big Guns
Today we visited the Cu Chi Tunnels outside of Saigon. The Tunnels were the hiding place of the VC during the Vietnam War. There were three levels reaching up to 10m below the surface where people lived and worked during the war.
Our visit consisted of walking through the jungle and looking for the hidden entrances, crawling through 120m of tunnel, looking at recreated tableaux of workshops, hospitals and kitchens, a demonstration of the booby traps that the VC used to protect the tunnels, seeing the giant holes in the earth left by the thousands of bombs dropped by the US and a chance to shoot M16s and AK47s.
As we wandered through the jungle I couldn't help but think of my dad and his brave friends. Though my dad was never deployed to Vietnam, I kept picturing the brave men I grew up looking up to. Richie Lee and Lance Ellis - this post is for you. Being there made me so proud of them and made me very emotional thinking how lucky we are that they came home to our families. The gun range is very nearby the jungle paths, so as we explored the trenches and the tunnels and the booby traps, the sound of rifle fire filled the air. It must have been terrifying - not only were they dodging bullets, but also praying they wouldn't step on a landmind or a pit full of spears.
As fascinating as it was to see the small spaces that the VC people survived in and and as exhilarating as it was to shoot an AK47, I couldn't help but leave feeling sad for everyone involved.
Here is a picture that I felt was so incredibly poignant.
This is a Cu Chi family with their newborn living inside the remains of a bombed out US tank.
- Posted on the go...
Our visit consisted of walking through the jungle and looking for the hidden entrances, crawling through 120m of tunnel, looking at recreated tableaux of workshops, hospitals and kitchens, a demonstration of the booby traps that the VC used to protect the tunnels, seeing the giant holes in the earth left by the thousands of bombs dropped by the US and a chance to shoot M16s and AK47s.
As we wandered through the jungle I couldn't help but think of my dad and his brave friends. Though my dad was never deployed to Vietnam, I kept picturing the brave men I grew up looking up to. Richie Lee and Lance Ellis - this post is for you. Being there made me so proud of them and made me very emotional thinking how lucky we are that they came home to our families. The gun range is very nearby the jungle paths, so as we explored the trenches and the tunnels and the booby traps, the sound of rifle fire filled the air. It must have been terrifying - not only were they dodging bullets, but also praying they wouldn't step on a landmind or a pit full of spears.
As fascinating as it was to see the small spaces that the VC people survived in and and as exhilarating as it was to shoot an AK47, I couldn't help but leave feeling sad for everyone involved.
Here is a picture that I felt was so incredibly poignant.
This is a Cu Chi family with their newborn living inside the remains of a bombed out US tank.
- Posted on the go...
Location:Cu Chi Tunnels, Vietnam
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Cambodia Weekend
So, it's HOT here - and humid, like walk out the door, glasses fog up, Houston in summer hot. Luckily,our adorable hotel has a fabulous, cool pool. That is how I'm spending my morning before our flight back to HCM. I'm the pool with a cocktail!
Yesterday was a whirlwind of amazing ancient temples. I got up at 4:30 to see sunrise. There was a darling Tuk Tuk waiting to take me to the temples. It was amazing to see the people waking up and starting their days in the early hours - stoking the family fire, opening up their shops, and feeding their children. Angkor Wat was beautiful, but unfortunately it was cloudy, so the photos aren't as spectacular as id hoped. I then headed over to Ta Prahm - the jungle temple where they filmed tombraider. WOW. It was breathtaking. The amount of detail on every surface is incredible! The best part was having the place to myself - I had over an hour to explore and only saw 3 other people. It really felt like I was an explored discovering this place. This temple has been left largely untouched and there are massive trees growing OUT of the temple. Very cool.
When the hordes arrived I headed back to my chariot and returned to the hotel for breakfast. Unfortunately the rest of my crew couldn't get on the morning flight, so I was a bit flummoxed as to what to do with my morning. I opted for a nap - 4:30am was a bit early after all that travel. I woke up feeling refreshed and headed to the pool for lunch and to wait for Kelly, Vanessa and Bret. It worked out perfectly - they arrived just as the pack of German tourists in the pool started getting rowdy!
It was great to finally see my travel companions and we quickly mobilized to get in more temple visiting! Now we were armed with a guide, so we went back to Angkor Wat and went inside. That place is massive!! I can't remember the stat, but I think it's the biggest temple on the continent! we also heard a crazy story about the legend of Rama and his wife. It was a soap opera!! I'd I get ambitious I'll try and type it out later.
Next we headed to the bayon - temple of smiling faces! I wish I'd snapped a pic with my phone so I could share it now, but suffice to say it was the happiest temple ever. :)
Finally we enjoyed sunset with chicken skewers and a bottle of wine at the Terrace of Elephants. It is not known for it's view, but the place was virtually empty and perfect for a quite rest.
A quick trip back to the hotel to rinse off - holy buckets of sweat! - and then we headed in to town via Tuk Tuk for dinner at Sweet Palm for some authentic Cambodian food. I had Fish Amok, which was rich and delicious!
Then it was early to bed for all - we were all tired, and the other three were getting up at 4:30am to do the same sunrise tour I did.
Its almost time to leave for the airport, so next stop Vietnam!!
- Posted on the go...
Yesterday was a whirlwind of amazing ancient temples. I got up at 4:30 to see sunrise. There was a darling Tuk Tuk waiting to take me to the temples. It was amazing to see the people waking up and starting their days in the early hours - stoking the family fire, opening up their shops, and feeding their children. Angkor Wat was beautiful, but unfortunately it was cloudy, so the photos aren't as spectacular as id hoped. I then headed over to Ta Prahm - the jungle temple where they filmed tombraider. WOW. It was breathtaking. The amount of detail on every surface is incredible! The best part was having the place to myself - I had over an hour to explore and only saw 3 other people. It really felt like I was an explored discovering this place. This temple has been left largely untouched and there are massive trees growing OUT of the temple. Very cool.
When the hordes arrived I headed back to my chariot and returned to the hotel for breakfast. Unfortunately the rest of my crew couldn't get on the morning flight, so I was a bit flummoxed as to what to do with my morning. I opted for a nap - 4:30am was a bit early after all that travel. I woke up feeling refreshed and headed to the pool for lunch and to wait for Kelly, Vanessa and Bret. It worked out perfectly - they arrived just as the pack of German tourists in the pool started getting rowdy!
It was great to finally see my travel companions and we quickly mobilized to get in more temple visiting! Now we were armed with a guide, so we went back to Angkor Wat and went inside. That place is massive!! I can't remember the stat, but I think it's the biggest temple on the continent! we also heard a crazy story about the legend of Rama and his wife. It was a soap opera!! I'd I get ambitious I'll try and type it out later.
Next we headed to the bayon - temple of smiling faces! I wish I'd snapped a pic with my phone so I could share it now, but suffice to say it was the happiest temple ever. :)
Finally we enjoyed sunset with chicken skewers and a bottle of wine at the Terrace of Elephants. It is not known for it's view, but the place was virtually empty and perfect for a quite rest.
A quick trip back to the hotel to rinse off - holy buckets of sweat! - and then we headed in to town via Tuk Tuk for dinner at Sweet Palm for some authentic Cambodian food. I had Fish Amok, which was rich and delicious!
Then it was early to bed for all - we were all tired, and the other three were getting up at 4:30am to do the same sunrise tour I did.
Its almost time to leave for the airport, so next stop Vietnam!!
- Posted on the go...
Friday, March 4, 2011
Life is Good
Wow. I've fallen in love with Cambodia.
As the plane broke through the clouds and I got my first glimpse of the countryside I already knew I would fall in love. Gorgeous green fields, bisected by rich red dirt roads. Charming houses on stilts.
Then we landed and I was struck by the beautiful architecture and manicured gardens of the airport itself!
Soon I was swept up by my cheerful driver, Sari, and off we went to the hotel. With every turn I loved this place more. I can't put my finger on it, but there is such beauty and charm in this rural tourist paradise.
The hotel is fabulous - www.sojournboutiquevillas.com. It's situated a bit off from town and surrounded by an adorable village that I can't wait to explore! I received a warm greeting and was whisked off to my villa where my masseuse was waiting. An hour and a half later I am feeling quite fabulous. My body feels great and I'm for a good nights sleep before hitting the temples for sunrise. Can't wait to share stories!!
Posted on the go...
As the plane broke through the clouds and I got my first glimpse of the countryside I already knew I would fall in love. Gorgeous green fields, bisected by rich red dirt roads. Charming houses on stilts.
Then we landed and I was struck by the beautiful architecture and manicured gardens of the airport itself!
Soon I was swept up by my cheerful driver, Sari, and off we went to the hotel. With every turn I loved this place more. I can't put my finger on it, but there is such beauty and charm in this rural tourist paradise.
The hotel is fabulous - www.sojournboutiquevillas.com. It's situated a bit off from town and surrounded by an adorable village that I can't wait to explore! I received a warm greeting and was whisked off to my villa where my masseuse was waiting. An hour and a half later I am feeling quite fabulous. My body feels great and I'm for a good nights sleep before hitting the temples for sunrise. Can't wait to share stories!!
Posted on the go...
Thursday, March 3, 2011
New Favorite Fruit
No, that's not sushi! The red is watermelon and that white fruit with the speckles is DRAGONFRUIT. Wow. It's sort of like kiwi, watermelon and ice cream had a baby. It's delicious. I wonder if they carry it at Central Market...
- Posted on the go...
- Posted on the go...
Upgrade!!
So I made it to Ho Chi Minh City! Uneventful flight save the times I got bizarre looks from people because I was laughing OUTLOUD to season 1 of modern family on the little tvs. Other than that, not much.
I got to HCM at about 11am and had to kill a couple of hours before they would let me check in, so I snagged a quiet corner and watched a movie on my phone. The corner was quiet because interestingly, only passengers are allowed inside the airport. The curb was a ZOO! They even have little cafes out at the curb because so many people are waiting. I also caught my first truly Asian sight - an entire parking garage of scooters and motorbikes! Crazy! It was jammed. I'm really excited to be back here on Sunday to see the city streets in action.
So I checked in and low and behold, somehow I have a biz class seat! I vaguely remember booking biz on this leg bc it was cheaper for some reason. Lucky me! But even luckier, that ticket buys my way into the exclusive biz class lounge! Complimentary lunch buffet, tons of snacks and free booze!!? Yep. I'm on vacay now! :)
2 more hours to wait and then a short flight before I arrive in Siem Reap. Unfortunately my travel companions missed a connection and won't make it tonight. It's a bummer, but I am still excited to take every advantage of this weekend!!
Next stop Cambodia!
- Posted on the go...
I got to HCM at about 11am and had to kill a couple of hours before they would let me check in, so I snagged a quiet corner and watched a movie on my phone. The corner was quiet because interestingly, only passengers are allowed inside the airport. The curb was a ZOO! They even have little cafes out at the curb because so many people are waiting. I also caught my first truly Asian sight - an entire parking garage of scooters and motorbikes! Crazy! It was jammed. I'm really excited to be back here on Sunday to see the city streets in action.
So I checked in and low and behold, somehow I have a biz class seat! I vaguely remember booking biz on this leg bc it was cheaper for some reason. Lucky me! But even luckier, that ticket buys my way into the exclusive biz class lounge! Complimentary lunch buffet, tons of snacks and free booze!!? Yep. I'm on vacay now! :)
2 more hours to wait and then a short flight before I arrive in Siem Reap. Unfortunately my travel companions missed a connection and won't make it tonight. It's a bummer, but I am still excited to take every advantage of this weekend!!
Next stop Cambodia!
- Posted on the go...
The blog is BACK!!
Ok. So I'm annoyed right now. Due to terrible cell service, the delightfully exuberant inaugural blog post that I crafted from my seat in steerage did not post or save. Drat. You all missed out - it was a classic!
Oh well - inaugural blog post, take 2.
So it's official! Continent #6! I guess hong kong counts as the continent of Asia even though it's an island. But I am here. I survived a 14.5hr flight and am feeling great!
Thought on the flight:
- Cathay lived up to its expectations. Great food, comfortable seats, good entertainment selection.
- Stanley Tucci is like Meryl Streep - he shines in everything. Even Burlesque.
- Ambien truly is a wonder drug. I was passed out for approximately 10 of those 14.5 hrs.
And so my travel day continues. In an hour or so I'll fly on to Ho Chi Minh City where I have a lengthy layover before my final flight for the day(s) to Siem Reap, Cambodia. I get there at 5:30pm local time - 34 hours after leaving Austin. :) this is definitely the longest consecutive time I will have ever travelled. Oh wait. Possibly my return trip from my semester abroad: Marbella - Madrid - Rome - Florence - Paris - NY - Dallas. But I was younger then! This feels like a long day of travel! I'm actually really enjoying it though. The last few weeks have been incredibly stressful, so it is nice to know that there is nothing I HAVE to do right now except show up for my flights. Its great to catch up on reading and movie watching and BLOGGING!
So enjoy kids. I'll try to keep you entertained by my adventures and musings and observations.
Until next time!!
她家快速不会
(I have no idea what that said, but it's in Chinese in honor of my current location.)
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Location:Hong Kong airport
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