Hello!
Earlier today, I finally arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam after a very long journey starting from Birmingham, Alabama. To be honest, so far, the city is about as I expected based on my past travel experience to Southeast Asia. In other words, I am enjoying it already. After unpacking and settling in, my classmates and I went out to dinner and took a short walk around our area. I am ready to experience this country and see its industry from the inside!
Tomorrow, we have plans to tour the city before spending the afternoon and having dinner with a financial expert in this region. Before heading north to Hue for a cultural and historical segment, we also will visit a textile market here in the south. In Hue, we will dive into Vietnam’s socialist, colonial, and ancient history by visiting notable monuments and religious areas. After Hue, we will spend some time in Hanoi and surrounding areas (Hai Phong and Ha Long) where we will experience more key industries and markets of Vietnam, as well as the natural beauty of coastal northern Vietnam. And, of course, lots of pho will be eaten along the way.
The trip will conclude with half a week in Taipei, Taiwan, where we will explore technology manufacturing (i.e., semiconductor operations). As a science enthusiast, this is definitely the industry I am most excited to see. You will hear from me next after my time in Hue—I am sure I will have much to say, and I hope you are also excited to hear about it!
See you then!