In 2008 I was in Singapore and a friend invited me to visit Vietnam for five days.
I was sold on the energy of the people, diversity of culture and warm climate. I had been looking to settle in Asia because I believe Asia has a bright future. I had worked in China, Korea and Singapore before I chose to make Vietnam my home. Three years later I am married, built a house, found a job and have a wonderful child. The picture above shows you my Vietnamese family.
Photo on the right is Martini and I hanging out drinking milk on the Ana Mandara beach of Nha Trang. Being a Dad is better than I expected...thanks Vietnam!
Understanding Vietnamese Culture through my Father-in-Law
Before I proposed marriage to my lovely and smart Vietnamese wife I gave her a list of my needs and wants in order to have a successful marriage. I asked her to give me a list of her needs and wants but she never did. If she had it would have included: accept my father as you "Lord and Savior." Two years later, baby-on-board, house built and stable job I finally am getting the bigger picture of what she needs and wants. Sure would have been easier if someone told me in advance what it takes to be successful marrying into a Vietnamese family. Read more to learn how to successfully integrate into a Vietnamese family and build a good relationship with your Vietnamese father-in-law...
Working in the Garment Industry
I started working in the garment industry in 2009. I started building marketing websites to find new customers for my wife's family knitwear garment factory. Two years later I am managing Visitec's workwear garment production in Vietnam. I have visited over 20 garment related factories and learned the basics of the trade. I have built several websites promoting garment manufacturing in Vietnam and been to the Magic Expo in Las Vegas to get the bigger picture. If you are interested in garment manufacturing in Vietnam please contact me...
Lessons Learned from Building a House in Vietnam
My wife, father-in-law and I built a villa in Ho Chi Minh City in 2010. I'd like to share with you the lessons I learned. The Asian way is to design from the outside in. Be prepared for this and insist on designing from the inside out. It will cost you more but frustrate you less in the long run. The Vietnamese are very good at copying so find a house you like and tell the Architect to copy that house with your own "extras." As anywhere in the world, know very clearly what you want; make a detailed list of every "want" and give to Architect before you negotiate a price. Give yourself one month to shop around for the prices of "wants" before you get the quote from the Architect. Read more to learn from my experience building a Villa in Vietnam...
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