Walking around the shopping malls, I am just intrigued at how well they are shelved, everything looks immaculate, and there is anything you could possibly need or want. I’ve been to a few in the last 2 weeks. For some reason I’m just compelled to check out supermarkets when I’m overseas, but I must admit I love the supermarket back home too. But there is only one problem here, with the shopping centers and supermarkets…there’s no people in them buying anything! There is plenty of staff though. It just makes me think, why is this? Vietnam is definitely changing and the middle class is growing and I think the malls are ready for them but I think it’s a bit premature…its still so much cheaper to buy things at the markets, especially pre-made food. You only see very few families shopping at Lotte (a Korean suoermarket chain) and it seems all they tend to do is fill their shopping carts with detergent, tissues, chips, soaps and whitening lotions. I think it may take some time for the whole supermarket thing to catch on, but at least it’s creating employment for some of the young people.
The kids and I had breakfast out this morning on one of the street corners, we saw some cyclo riders, one in particular was friendly. An older man that looked worn from years of hard work peddling people around. I thought it might be nice for the kids and Alex was quite keen to go. I picked a place from his worn out little flyer, I offered him a price not knowing where this place was, we bargained then he agreed…we were off. As he rode and rode I began to realize that this place was quite far, even Alex commented to me saying, “mum this poor man is doing a lot of hard work for us.” I started to feel really bad, I knew from that moment I would give him more than I promised he definitely deserved it. By the end of the trip we had discovered a good market, taken some great photos along the way and the cyclo rider was quite happy with his tip! It’s easy to love this place, the chaotic roads, fantastic food, the people are generous, hardworking and as you get to know them they share with you their life.
That's interesting about the supermarkets in Saigon. I think everyone is better off with smaller shops rather than a couple of supermarket chains, but it's hard to stop the march of it all.
ReplyDeleteThe Vietnamese are very clever, so hopefully they'll find the right balance.
Re: Lotte. They also make delicious icecream wafer sandwich things. Yum. Lotte is a huge company that makes lots of things.
That cyclo man is an inspiration. And I think I've got it hard? Humpf.
Thanks Lisa.