Today we visited GreenViet, a construction consulting firm that’s works with clients on certifying and making their project more environmentally friendly. It was very insightful to hear how companies bring standard but their are also other standards that want to be met. For example, GreenViet was the first Leed partner in Vietnam, a reputable certification standard for sustainable building practices. It was neat to hear how GreenViet works with the clients to get them to these certification standards and how it helps Vietnam. This was a very informative visit but I’d like to shift my focus for this blog as today was our fifth day here, marking almost a week here.

At this point we’ve been exposed to a lot that Vietnam has to offer. It has all been truly remarkable and I’m delighted I have had the chance to experience it. The Vietnamese hospitality is truly second to non. One may think that there may still be a bitter taste from the war, and American may be seen in an unfavorable view. That is simply not the case. The Vietnamese have been nothing but friendly and accommodating. If there is something you need, there are no questions asked and they take care of it. Everyone is approachable and kind. I’ve already received three gifts while here, each a part of their culture. It is a very nice feeling to be welcome to their culture with no hesitation and such ease. While we may have wrapped up our language classes today, they have left me wanting to learn more, as a way to respect and become even more involved in their culture. A way to try and say thank you for how great they have been, and how nice they have been to work with.

We still have a lot more time and are not even half way through. This though felt like a good point to look at what I’ve seen so far. I’ve been having a wonderful time, making many memories and I can’t wait to continue that for the rest of our time here.