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Sapa Forum: Homestay Present


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GermanyChris
   germany
   Joined: Aug 2007
   Forum posts: 53
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More about GermanyChris...
Posted on: 11:17 am,August 27, 2008
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I hope there is somebody who give me an advice which present I could bring to Homestay families ? I also want to spend a day with the Hanoikids do you have any idea which gift I can bring to them?

Thank you so much for your reply

Germanychris

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PerthDavid
   Perth
   Joined: Aug 2008
   Forum posts: 18
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Posted on: 9:01 pm,August 27, 2008
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Hi Chris,

the Pratical gifts are clothes and candy and maybe some books .

that is what they want ..

Thanks your your kind support

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GermanyChris
   germany
   Joined: Aug 2007
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Posted on: 4:17 pm,August 28, 2008
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Hi David,

thank you very much for your reply. It is very helpful to know what they need and what they like.

Best regards

GermanyChris

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catalyst
   Sydney, Australia
   Joined: Jan 2005
   Forum posts: 1,714
   Travel map pins: 90 

catalyst
Posted on: 5:14 pm,August 28, 2008
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Hi. I haven't been yet but I'm assuming it would be the same as homestays in Bali.

While candy is loved think of the long term ramifications. Would they have access to toothbrushes, toothpaste?? Can they afford dental bills when cavities appear? In Bali tourists are discouraged from taking candy for these reasons. Maybe add a few toothbrushes?

I always bring pretty soaps, shampoo, moisturizer etc. Luxury things they would not buy for themselves. That's what I plan to bring when I visit in 2 weeks. In Bali I also buy a few grocery items, biscuits, tea, rice etc. This will save them money as they need these things.

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DuxtonHotelSaigon
   Ho Chi Minh City
   Joined: Dec 2007
   Forum posts: 312
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DuxtonHotelSaigon
Posted on: 12:08 am,August 29, 2008
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Also things like t-shirts or baseball caps from your own city/country, as well as foreign toiletries/cosmetics. Also some German beer would be welcomed by the father of the family!

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GermanyChris
   germany
   Joined: Aug 2007
   Forum posts: 53
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Posted on: 5:05 am,August 29, 2008
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Oh great. Thank you all for your helpful information. Now I can imagine a bit what I could bring . What`s about extra money ? I am not sure how I should handle this because I don`t want to offend sensibilities ?

Best regards

GermanyChris

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happyinsapa
   happyinsapa
   Joined: Feb 2008
   Forum posts: 63
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Posted on: 7:24 am,August 30, 2008
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Hi German Chris

I live in Sapa and arrange a lot of home stays. The best gift you can take for a home stay is a practical gift, please do not give money as it is important to ensure we do not leave a foot print on their lifestyle, if money is given then the families become dependent on foreigners charity. Teaching the minority people a skill or providing a small gift is the best present you can give.

The best gift you can give a family is shoes, as they walk on average 30 km a day in terrible standard issue plastic shoes. So a sturdy trekking sandal (open toed) would be perfect and readily available in Sapa to purchase.

Coloring in books and pencils are the best presents for kids, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not give the children candies as there is no dentist in Sapa and people have the most terrible teeth here already.

I hope this helps

Pete

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GermanyChris
   germany
   Joined: Aug 2007
   Forum posts: 53
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Posted on: 1:51 pm,September 03, 2008
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Hi Pete,

thank you very much for your honest words about presents and tips and now I am absolutely sure what I have to do and to bring.

Thank you again.

best regards

germanychris

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