TWO MOST WARM-HEARTED COUNTRIES
TWO MOST WARM-HEARTED COUNTRIES…
From Among 60+
TWO MOST WARM-HEARTED COUNTRIES VISITED
A country with riches but unfriendly, impolite people is a huge turn-off. For me what makes a country beautiful and great is its people. It helps if it also has yummy ice cream and tasty fish lol (that’s just me). Wealth, beautiful sceneries and aesthetically appealing are all nice, however, if your people are unfriendly, impolite and or racial, then there is no connection or yearning to ever return or to even talk much about it. I will share with you the two most warm-hearted countries I have ever visited.
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The countries with warm, friendly, polite and welcoming people are the best to visit. When you leave these countries, you leave with a heavy heart, not only because the vacation has ended, but because you feel as though you are leaving family behind, and not just another vacation spot. However, the upside is, you are left with fond memories of having met and interacted with extra-ordinary people, and this will leave a long-lasting impression on you for life.
THE DEFINITION OF A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY
If a country is cheap and aesthetically beautiful, of course, I would recommend it for that. However, if it has warm, friendly and polite people, I would recommend it as a beautiful country. I have been to many countries with such and warm people, in fact, I have my top 10 favorites countries. However, two countries are my top 2 with the sweetest, most humble people ever encountered of the 60 plus countries visited, they are Philippines and Vietnam. I was treated like family by the people of the two countries, there I experienced true love, warmth, and respect.
They have warmed my heart to the point where I get Goosebumps whenever I mention these countries to anyone. I also feel a sense of sadness as though I left my loved ones back there…it’s something I cannot clearly understand or explain.
PHILIPPINES
The Philippines is one of my two most warm-hearted countries visited. It is in Southeast Asia and its capital is Manila. Filipinos are the most polite, humble and happiest people I have ever encountered. They are the perfect example of the phrase… “money doesn’t make you happy”. They have a genuine and happy disposition, even though most of the people I met were poor. What I like most is that they are a contented people, this I think is the key to their mannerism.
ARRIVAL TO DEPARTURE
From arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, Philippines, I felt the friendliness of the Filipinos. It is something I observed at all airports, the general rule is, the Immigration Officers and Customs Personnel is a good gauge as to friendliness of the general population. If they are surly and arrogant trust me, 95% of the time the people in the country are going to be the same. Special mention once again to the Immigration Officers in Amman, Jordan (friendliest Immigration Officers ever met, and so were the people). From my first interaction with Filipino Immigration Officers, I knew my vacation was going to be lovely.
The driver who met me at the airport was a polite gentleman, sent by the hotel. I laughed when I saw my name on the sign he held up, it was hyphenated with another person’s surname. I later found out it was the surname of one male worker at the hotel, it was inadvertently added to mine, lol. En route from the airport to the hotel, I asked the driver to recommend a restaurant with delicious fish, for me to have lunch, he obliged. We got to the restaurant, he ushered me in then turned around to leave, he said he would wait in the car until I was finished.
I was not going to eat and have him sit outside, hell no!! I invited him to sit and have lunch with me. He was so happy and grateful, he said he usually wait on his guests outside. I told him “Caribbean people do not treat people like this”. He was grateful throughout the meal, but I told to him think nothing of it. Throughout my stay whenever he drove me anywhere, I made sure he ate with me. This gentleman touched my heart, he was always polite and willing, he never asked for anything and insisted on addressing me as Miss or ma’am even though he is much older than I am.
“BESTEST” HOTEL - IN MANILA
Upon arrival at the Ramada Central Manila Hotel, it felt like I was a celebrity or being welcomed back home. Everyone treated me with such overwhelming love, of course, my height was a big talking point…lol. Besides Vietnam, I have not had such an overwhelming welcome at any other hotel. Throughout my stay, they took a keen interest in my safety as a solo traveller, it felt like they were my guardians instead of the hotel staff. To book this hotel, click here for the Booking.com site.
Sweetest Gesture
I remember mentioning to the staff at the hotel that I am a big fan of and love President Rodrigo Duterte and asked where I could find a T-shirt with his face on it. The next day, on return to the hotel from site-seeing, the hotel presented me with a bag, in it… you guessed it!.. a T-shirt with President Duterte’s face on it. I was so happy and touched by this gesture This felt like the best gift I have ever received.
When I was leaving the hotel, I decided not only to leave a tip in the room for the housemaids but also tip one of the staff member. as well. She was most helpful to me, so I visited her before she left for the day, because I was leaving very early the next morning. What did she do made me cry, I left the hotel sad. This lady took the money and went out and bought me souvenirs, I was touched by this, I wasn’t happy she spent the money on me, but her selfless act touched me to the core.
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF FILIPINOS & WHY ARE THEY MY FAVs..
Throughout my stay in the Philippines everyone in the streets, stores, restaurants, everywhere, were overwhelmingly friendly and nice to me. Some even went out of their way to help me cross the streets because, like Vietnam, no one stops for pedestrians, they drive around you when you are crossing the streets.
I know many of the people I met in Manila were poor, but such humble and genuinely happy people. This left me wondering why the hell so many people with so much are so unhappy. No matter how much they have, it is still never enough, and they think more “things” or money will bring them the happiness they seek. Filipinos live simple lives and are contented people.
I currently remain in contact with some Filipinos, and whether they are my age or older everyone still refers to me as miss or ma’am Cora, even though I asked them to refer to me by my first name only, they refused saying “we respect you ma’am” I tell you most polite people I have ever met to this day.
Currency used in Philippine pesos, 1USD = 50.00 pesos (avg.). The language is spoken – Filipino and English (among others). See my Destination page for photos and more about the Philippines.
Philippines Must-visit sites
When visiting the Philippines, a definite must-visit will be:
- Taal volcano in the Tagaytay region
- White Beach
- Take a flight to some of the smaller islands in the Philippines like islands like the Luzon Island and enjoy Palawan, Pagupud, and Boracay in Malay Philippines.
- Remember to visit SM Mall of Asia (6th biggest mall in the world).
Point to note. The Philippines is great for shopping, I think overall, it’s the cheapest country I have visited.
VIETNAM
Vietnam, the 2nd of my two most warm-hearted countries, located in Southeast Asia, and its capital is Hanoi. On arrival at the Noi Bai International airport in Hanoi Vietnam. You need to submit your passport and the printed soft-copy visa which was emailed to you, at the visa counter, for the original visa to be placed in your passport, when completed, you then proceed to immigration.
The Vietnam visa application procedure: you apply in advance by completing the online application form and then email scanned copies of passport and other documents to one of the many online visa agencies or the Vietnam embassy. I used Stephen Visa Agency, which was quite efficient and reliable. Once successful a soft copy of the visa will be emailed to you, which you then print and take with you, on arrival you submit your passport to have the original visa placed in your passport.
ARRIVAL TO DEPARTURE
The Noi Bai International airport is a very beautifully designed airport, it surpassed what I expected. At the airport, service from immigration officers was brisk and friendly. What stood out for me was that the Immigration officer all looked like teenagers in grown-up uniforms. lol serious, this was so cute!!, none looked older than 30 years old. On exiting the Arrival Hall, I felt like I was a movie star or some popular model, I found it strange some of the young ladies at the airport, walked up to me to ask for photos taken with me and commented on how tall I am and asked if I was a model…sweet nonetheless.
"BESTEST” HOTEL– IN HANOI VIETNAM
Upon arrival at the Hanoi Trendy Hotel & Spa Hotel, the staff was amazing, as the taxi stopped in front of the hotel, 3 persons hurried out to meet me, one opened the car door, another took my handbag and the other my luggage. This was amazing, I got inside and was immediately given a hot towel to freshen-up and offered a choice or hot or cold beverage, fresh fruits and, preserved dry fruits. The hotel staff was so welcoming and friendly especially Fiona. On entry to my room, I was impressed to see fresh flower petals on my bed in the words “welcome”. For the entire stay, I got full attention and care.
Every morning, for breakfast, the hotel wrote a new and beautiful message on my breakfast plate. Everyone, at breakfast, loved it, it was so special when other guests compared their plates and messages, all guests at this hotel appeared happy. To book this hotel, click here for the Booking.com site. I must also mention Trendy Hotel sister hotel, Hanoi Marvellous Hotel and Spa, a one-minute walk away from the Trendy hotel. they also offer exceptional service, here you can have delicious dinner, attended to by excellent servers.
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF VIETNAMESE & WHY ARE THEY MY FAVs..
On the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, everyone seemed so happy and welcoming, many said hello as if they had previously known me. Of course, many did not speak any English, but their kind and friendly gestures were quite understandable. I also learned some Vietnamese words and they loved this, even more so when I said “hello” and “thanks” in their language.
These people are not rich but are genuinely happy, very contented and welcoming people. What I also admired, was that many of the aged Vietnamese men and women were still physically active, some working in the tourist industry and in the markets, others playing sports in the parks.
From Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), it is 2 hours flight with Vietnam Airlines. The airline provided excellent onboard service. It is the only airplane I have flown, where there are no physical window shades, instead, there is advanced technology, where at the touch of a button, the glass on the window is automatically darkened blocking out the light and heat from the outside.
Vietnam is a big country, with a population averaging 97 million people. Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh are rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Saigon with its war relics and Mekong Delta river, Hanoi with Halong Bay, and Hoan Kiem Lake and many other beautiful sites. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is so developed and beautiful, you will never believe a war was ever fought there. It also unspoiled in heritage and natural beauty.
HOTEL DEPARTURE
On my departure from the hotel, I received a touching farewell from the staff. I was also presented with an Autumn moon cake, souvenirs, and sweet treats as parting gifts. This was so surprising and touching. The ladies who work at this hotel make the hotel extra special. They offer excellent and attentive service from arrival to departure. Like Manila, the drive to the airport was sad, I was heartbroken to leave such down to earth and warm people behind.
I enjoyed and love this type of simple yet contented lifestyle where the family is key and not how many things you can accumulate. I still miss Vietnam and the Philippines, and they will always be the two most warm-hearted countries I have encountered worldwide.
Currency used in Vietnamese Dong, 1$USD = 23,151.00 VD (avg.) with USD$50.00, you are an instant millionaire in Vietnam. Language spoken – Vietnamese (tieng viet). See my Destination page for photos and more about Vietnam.
Vietnam Must-visit sites
When visiting Vietnam, definite must-visit sites are:
- Halong Bay (my favorite).
- Hoa Tam Coc , Hoi An and the Mua Caves (Ninh Binh Province)
- The Restored Sword (Hoan Kiem Lake) in downtown Hanoi.
- Cu Cchi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) bunkers used during the war
- Mui Ne (beautiful dunes)
- Mekong Delta river
- Bitexco Financial Saigon (tallest building in
- Vietnam) Notre Dame Cathedral
Point to note. Vietnam is great for foodies. I had the snake fish which was delicious, however, had I known it looked like a Snake (before it was prepared) I wouldn’t have eaten it. Lol.
MUST HAVE ESSENTIAL ITEMS FOR ALL TRAVELLERS
These are my essentials and gadgets I can never do without for a smooth and stress-free vacation. All are available on Amazon for direct links to the products and information and suggested uses .
For MUST-READ BOOKS Think and Grow Rich is an excellent book for those who who are looking to improve their life and personally grow and develop. How to win friends and Influence people (#Ad) another self improvement and and social skills development read (excellent read …perfect for long airport layovers and during your flight) or during your free time. CLICK HERE for the entire list of travel essentials and uses/descriptions
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