The site visit that afternoon was very exciting. It was to the newly developed South Saigon or District 7. We were going to a company regarding the new developments named Phu My Hung. When we walked into the conference room, we all saw the scale model of the new structures to be developed. The presentation for the company included several pictures regarding the evolution of the area. This was great to see as an engineer, specifically civil. The land was at one point all swampland and now condos and building are being built on it. Learning the complex engineering behind all of the new Ho Chi Minh City structures was a great oppurtunity. In addition to engineering benefits, there was a definite link to business too. I am starting to see the very strong bond between business and engineering.
Though the new district of Saigon is very exciting and modern, I did not agree with it completely. I understand that its purpose is to attract new businesses in Saigon but it is also to help the over population problem in the city. Though it meets those requirements, i feel engineering developement is neglecting the infrastructure problems in the city. Also I feel the new developments do not have the cultured look the city does right now.
Later at night, some of us found a small road side cafe to get dinner. I had a small pizza and tiramasu. It was delicious and cheap :-) We sat on stools on the sidewalk. It was very relaxing and enjoyable. Later that night we went to the Rex Hotel to unwind a little and relax.
