A dream come true

Today at our weekly meeting I learnt the most amazing news; I will be joining the team in Vietnam! When I first heard the news, I was in shock. I just smiled and thanked our teacher sponsors Chris Carnovale and Stephanie Wells. As the night continued the news started to sink in. I was going to go to Vietnam! While writing this blog post I have cried, danced around my room and smiled like an idiot. I am so happy and excited. It is a dream come true. I am so honoured and thankful to have been chosen to be part of this project.

In February, I discovered that Capilano University was accepting applicants for the CBT Vietnam Project. I applied but I was doubtful that I would make it because there were so many amazing applicants. At the end of February, I learnt I had made it into the project team as the backup. I was super excited for such a life changing opportunity. However, after last night's announcement, I have had to dramatically change gears. Planning, rescheduling and preparing have taken a new priority.

Last year, I went to an information session at Capilano University for the Tourism Department. The reason I went was to learn a little more about the Outdoor Recreation Management Program I had just been accepted into. At first, I didn't pay to much attention to the other presentations but then a video came on about a community tourism training project in Vietnam. The video blew me away. After just 3 minutes the project stole my heart.

Emily is a first year Outdoor Recreation Management student at Capilano University. 

Sapa

A colourful mosaic of culture, ethnic markets, and inspiring landscapes, Sapa has attracted visitors for almost one hundred years. Located in the northern province of Lao Cai, the area was first developed as a mountain retreat for the French colonists.

"visitors are welcomed by an unavoidable friendliness."

Sapa has become a favorite destination on Vietnam’s tourist list. Beyond the tourist centre lies a network of ethnic villages, home to the Black H’mong, Red Dao, Day, and Tay. Connected by a web of trekking possibilities, visitors are welcomed by cooler temperatures and an unavoidable friendliness.

Tourism has played a contentious role in the growth of Sapa throughout its history. As in most tourist destinations, both negative and positive impacts are evident. As tourism continues to develop, safeguards and proper training will be crucial in the sustainability of both the ecology of Sapa and the integrity of its communities.