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| Our Testimonials Page. |
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| Our Testimonials Page. |
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It wasn't easy choosing from the many, many emails we've received over the years but we wanted to show some of them in order to show our appreciation to the really kind people who took the trouble to write to us & of course, to show off a little bit too !!! We're very proud of what we do & really do enjoy it as well, but then to receive comments like these .............. well it really does make all the hard work worth while. We come in for a bit of flak sometimes & it's seems to be especially from some of the would be, cyber travellers & tour company touts on some of those weird travel forums but as you can see, in the main, we don't do too badly. The emails below have been written by real people using their real names unlike all the tour company touts & the lurk merchants (Hi to Mr Nookie & his mates @ the TT) who hide behind their silly nicknames & free email accounts on the various web forums. We've tried to keep the number down and so here they are, warts & all. We respect the privacy of the people who have travelled with us and there's no way we'll expose them to the "tyre kickers" and "professional shoppers" who're inclined to wake you at 4.00 AM so they can ask where the cheapest hotel in Ha Noi is ??? However, if you do have anything you'd like to say to us or the authors of the comments on this page, we'd be more than happy to talk. We hope you enjoy the read and get some valuable info from it too. (Click on these 2, they both were a really nice surprise)
----- Original Message ----
Adam and Clare, Just a quick note to thank you and to convey our warmest thanks for the sensational trip organised for us. Every aspect of the trip was simply great; from the wonderful accomodation to the transport we used throught Vietnam. Our guide, Cuong was brilliant. A very funny and knowledgable person who was happy to answer all our questions, whether inane or otherwise in a most patient and courteous manner. We cannot thank him enough and he was a large part of our enjoyment of a wonderful country. Please give him our best regards. We would not hesitate to recommend Griswald's to anyone wanting to visit Vietnam. Once again our sincere thanks for our brilliant trip. regards David and Glenda Coulthard and Peter and Carole Grant.
----- Original Message ----
Dear Kangarooers PS I hope that translation is ok.
----- Original Message ----
TO ALL THE GRISWALD STAFF IN VIETNAM & AUSTRALIA FROM
PETER & LARAINE CLANCY
Here he is !!! Max & Glenn A Baker, live & unplugged at the REAL Kangaroo Café in beautiful down town Ha Noi !!!
----- Original Message ---- Adam &
Clare
----- Original Message ---- Well, we are back home now with so many happy memories. Thanks for making such a great holiday for us. Dzung was a fantastic guide. He was quietly efficient and looked after us with great care. He also "read" us well and suggested fun and interesting diversions which made our trip extra special. He was very good at filling us in on all the extra bits which rounded out our understanding of Vietnam, its people and culture. The weather was not kind at times but he reorganised the schedule with no fuss. We felt a bit spoilt at times having our own guide, but really appreciated our situation when we saw large groups being herded about. It also made for great efficiency as we didn't waste time shopping for hotels, tours etc. Up in Sapa, Bee and her Hmong friends looked after us very well, especially as some of our walks were more like mud-skating ! The pace was just right - we experienced plenty, but were not conscious of rush - we could savour each day. We found all the hotels to be good. The only thing we would have changed (along with the rest of the Halong Bay group) was to have 2 nights on the boat on Halong Bay and skip Cat Ba island. We loved Vietnam, with all its layers and contradictions. The people are lovely and very considerate. We'll be telling our friends, and we hope to back back at some stage - maybe when the Hoi An clothes wear out and we need some more! Thanks very much, Margaret and Maurice
----- Original Message ----
----- Original Message ----
Hi Max, Vinh and everyone at the Kangaroo Café, What a holiday! We've fallen in love - with an entire country! We had a wonderful time in Vietnam, we both agree we enjoyed North to Mid Vietnam more than the south, although our trip on the Mekong River was fantastic (Jane's still showing off her muscles developed while rowing up tributaries). Everyone told us we'd love Hoi An, and they were right, our wardrobes expanded and I think our waist measurements did too. The Banana Leaf Café was a hit in Hoi An and the Vegetarian Restaurant in Hie is top of our list for several repeat meals, although we must not forget to mention your very own Kangaroo Café - those banana crepes are definitely on our list. Although we were disappointed that we were not able to stay overnight on the boat at Ha Long Bay, you certainly made us feel very special with a sail around the bay in our very own Junk, accompanied by a magnificent seafood lunch. As you've probably guessed, we are already planning our next trip to Vietnam - naturally we'll be booking everything through Griswalds and The Kangaroo Café with a request for Vinh, the best guide in Vietnam and one of the nicest people we've ever met! We can't imagine seeing the sights of Vietnam without Vinh's knowledge and humour!! We'd also like to say a very special thanks to you Max, for your friendship, all your assistance, including taking us to a great Optometrist and most of all, making our 30th Wedding Anniversary extra special with Vinh's presentation of an enormous chocolate, cream and strawberry gateau!!!!! We've included some photos for your wall at the Café and for Vinh, including a great shot of Vinh performing the "Flying Lotus". Best wishes to all, Patrick & Jane Kearney
----- Original Message ----
Hi Max/
Just a brief note to say many thanks for
providing me with a memorable experience on my two week Vietnamese Sojourn.
Please pass on my thanks to Son-Nguyen my
guide who even though at times was confronted by a cranky and confused
individual helped me with everything from the cuisine to the currency.
Kind regards
Lynda Leslie
----- Original Message ----
Hi Max, ----- Original Message ----
Thank you both for organising such a wonderful holiday for Alma and Joan. We were met at the airport by our guide Dzung with a bunch of red roses each and that was just a foretaste of what was to come. Hotels were great - food was great - excursions were great and we had the added advantage of having our guide all to ourselves. I would be pleased if you could pass these comments on to the Kangaroo Cafe people as we really had a wonderful holiday. Thank you again Alma Schleider
----- Original Message ---- Thank you for the excellent trip you organised for us during May. I rate this as one of our better holidays and would recommend Griswalds highly. The organisation was excellent from the welcome at the airport in Hanoi with flowers for the ladies ( 2 couples travelled together) to being accompanied to the airport in HCM City for our departure. Everything went smoothly and when there was a hitch (flights were delayed twice) we were notified early or other arrangements made. The assistance with the planning and flexibility of the activities in establishing an itinerary were appreciated. We got the holiday we wanted ! We chose superior accommodation with deluxe in HCM City. An excellent choice as the accommodation was generally very comfortable, clean and many had swimming pools, breakfasts were good and hotels were ideally situated. The one exception was in Sa Pa where accommodation was pretty basic and our room remained unserviced for the 2 days we were there. The women also found the climb to the hotel a bit daunting but what a view ! Halong Bay was a great side trip but the boat needs some additional deck chairs and upper deck shade would be an improvement. We found all the transport that was arranged very good. Your drivers were always cautious and courteous. The caution bit was really appreciated for the first few days until we became accustomed to the traffic. A highlight must be the excellent tour leaders. To have Cuong with us from go to whoa (except for Sa Pa) was great. He never got frazzled or let anything annoy him - at least from what we could see. Well done Denis and Llianne Forrer
----- Original Message -----
----- Original Message ----- You would probably find interesting and useful things in my documentation of the trip you organised for us in April. Use my pictures and comments as you like, but I would appreciate acknowledgment for the pictures. It was a good trip thank you. In particular, Dzung and Thuong were wonderful guides. Look at: http://www.pbase.com/lambsfeathers/vietnam Paul Dudley (and Frances Grant)
----- Original Message ----- Max, Hue, Kein, Sho,Twe and all the staff at the REAL Kangaroo Cafe, John and I would just like to say what a wonderful time we had on our recent holiday. When my sister-in-law, Anne Firkin, first asked us to join her and her family on a holiday organised by Griswalds Vietnam Vacations, we were to say the least, sceptical. However I must say that the three weeks spent touring Vietnam, the itinerary which was organised by Griswalds, exceeded all our expectations. The little touches eg; late check-out 2100hrs, and booking the entire compartment on the train were much appreciated. The guides we had, Sho in SaPa, Twe (sorry if spelling is incorrect) at Ha Long Bay and Kein for the remainder of the time, were not only very knowledgeable but their enthusiasm made us feel that we were old friends, not new acquaintances. I'm sure that for Kein especially, to be away from his little boy for such a long period must have been hard. The cafe staff were, without exception, a pleasure to meet and the food "bloody beaut". We still think the spring rolls the best in Vietnam. Max, your hospitality and generosity will long be remembered, and Hue we wish you every success in your new venture. The massage, pedicure and manicure was another pleasant indulgence. Again many thanks for ensuring that our first trip to Vietnam wont be our last. Please feel free to use this recommendation. John & Pam Doniger
----- Original Message -----
I have recently returned from a 2 week guided tour
which was organized by Griswalds. I was among a group of 9 Aussies (7
female plus 2 husbands) , average age 50'ish with a 27year old male guide.
We all wanted to take him home, our trip was sensational, every day ran
smoothly and was a new adventure. Kien (our guide) was in tune with us and
we enjoyed many laughs.
My best friend enjoyed her 50th birthday onboard a
junk on Howlong Bay, and with little notification Kien had organized a
magnificent cake and a bottle of bubbly - very memorable!
I would certainly go back and travel with Griswalds as the
accommodation was more than expected and I woke up early each day eager to
enjoy a new adventure - words on an itinerary turned into an amazing holiday
!
thanks Kien and thanks Griswalds and Kangaroo Cafe.
Happy holidays - Maggie - Sydney - Australia
October 2006
----- Original Message -----
Hello Jo
I have been back in Toronto for a month and the
wonderful memories of a very hot and humid Vietnam are still vivid.
Sara and I had a wonderful experience. The itinerary worked well, the
accommodation also. The hotel in Hanoi was in a great location; but the room was
a bit gloomy.
Sapa was definitely a highlight. The trekking, the
accommodation, the view. Overnight train very comfortable.
Our guide was delightful and took very good care of us and was a lot
of fun. Even if we did miss our plane out of Na Trang because he got the
time mixed up. He was more upset than we were. Our schedule was rearranged
with no problem and we carried on enjoying every aspect of the trip. We
loved dinner at the kangaroo Cafe; a lovely touch that made us feel very
welcome. So thank you for helping us
acquire good memories for a lifetime, of a mom and daughter travelling
together in a very far away and wonderful country. I
Hope this finds you well. Please pass on our regards to our dear
guide. Through him, we got an understanding of life in Vietnam that we
wouldn't otherwise acquired because of language barriers. Our Sapa guide,
Chai, was also a delight
I am anxiously awaiting Sara's return from Israel
where she is under rocket attack in the northern city of Nahariya. Safety
and security, such as we experienced in Vietnam, are precarious and precious
commodities indeed, while travelling on this planet.
Best Regards
Lynne Mitchell
----- Original Message -----
Dear Max
I am writing to tell you what a fantastic holiday
Jane and I and our three boys had in Vietnam. It was a truly life changing
experience. Jane and I both agreed that the opportunity to live in Hanoi
for a while would be great as it was our favourite place. It is a
beautiful, exciting country and its history reminded us how short our own
Australian history really is. All of us had
a great holiday and learned a great deal. As you probably know, it is
pretty hard to cater for the varied interests of 2 adults and three boys of
such disparate ages as ours (17yrs, 14 yrs and 9 yrs) but this one
succeeded. So much so, that we are already planning our next holiday around
May 2007!
Our arrangements were perfect. Madeleine in Sydney
is to be commended for communicating with us all through the period while we
were preparing for our holiday and for responding quickly to every request
for advice. Taking a family overseas can be a pretty worrying experience
and she made sure we knew what was going on and what to expect whenever we
had questions. Our guide, Vinh was
wonderful. He went to great lengths to make sure all our interests and
needs were accommodated and that we were comfortable and happy all the
time. He took the time to make sure the boys had everything they needed and
he was always patient and good humoured. Vinh made sure that we had plenty
of time to explore and he was always ready with explanations and
assistance. We saw so much and he made sure that there were no problems
along the way. We also appreciated his local and historical knowledge. We
hope to see Vinh again when we return to Vietnam.
Duin (I hope I have the spelling right) who was our guide at Ho Long
Bay was great fun and made a wonderful effort with the boys.
We felt very welcome in Vietnam. To tell the
truth, we didn't know what to expect but we are very glad that we went. We
felt really sorry to leave! We are busy recommending Griswalds, the
Kangaroo Cafe and Vietnam to everyone!!
Thank you for a wonderful holiday and we look forward to our next visit. If
you would like some photos please just let me know and I'll forward them.
Kind regards
Peter and Jane West
----- Original Message ----- Max and Cafe Team, Just a follow up to express our thanks for your organisation and friendship throughout our Vietnam tour with your company. We were delighted with every aspect of the tour, from accommodation to the many sights we experienced. We would like to express our sincere delight with having Kien as our tour guide, his attitude and attention to detail made our holiday easy, enjoyable and most of all memorable. Thank you once again. Wayne and Helen Cook, David and Karen Sturtridge
----- Original Message ----- Hi Madeline & Max, I'm sorry for being so late in my feedback to you regarding our 23 day Vietnam tour last Feb / March. In a word it was "fantastic" so thankyou both for facilitating a memorable holiday for us. Some general comments for your interest & then a favour ............. 1) Our guide "Long", was excellent. Not only was he knowledgeable but also courteous, friendly, helpful, humorous, protective, etc, etc. He is certainly a "resource" you should appreciate, nurture & reward since he brings high value to your business 2) We had some contact with others in your office & they were also high quality. The only people caution comment is one regarding Kien who was our guide for Halong bay, & 2 Hanoi day tours. He is a lovely boy but is nowhere near the same class as your other staff. Maybe you should go on tour with him sometimes to gain a better appreciation of how he can learn to improve. 3) You must have scratched your head when I suggested we have a better class of room than you had planned for us since we were "blown away" by the accommodation standard. The Riverside Hotel in Hoi Ann was simply wonderful. 4) In retrospect, if I was to start planning again, I might reconsider our visit to Buon Me Thuot since it was a long way for predominantly 'an elephant ride' (even though we appreciated viewing the countryside) 5) We would also limit our stay in Hue to 2 nights / 2 days 6) Sapa was magnificent even though in the clouds during our stay & we should have stayed one more night to enjoy a home stay opportunity. The Bak Ha market was certainly a highlight. We are certainly recommending Vietnam & your company to all our friends so thankyou again. Now for the favour........ Would you please pass on the attached photos to Long. He mentioned his family had not seen him with elephants & I promised to send him some examples via your Hanoi office. I've significantly reduced their size so if I have over-done this please let me know & I'll resend. Thanks again. Kind regards Greg & Barbara
----- Original Message -----
----- Original Message ----- Hi Madeline,
Thanks for your e-mail, we left on the 28th Dec but I'm writing to say that Kangaroo Cafe is Fantastic.
We went from the airport straight there on a wet Hanoi night and your staff organised accommodation for us which wasn't easy to
find at the time and it was on closing time at the cafe. We were very grateful for their efforts. After that if became like a meeting
point, a haven if you like for excellent coffee and food. The breakfast was a regular treat. We also did the Halong Bay and Cat Ba tour which we
thoroughly enjoyed, again your staff and tour guides were fantastic. Kangaroo Cafe was a wealth of information and resources, we loved being able
to go there and sit around over a fabulous meal to discuss what to do next, with the helpful input of the staff. I have done a lot of travel and it's
always great to find somewhere like the cafe that is so geared to accommodate travellers, with knowledgeable English speaking staff that are willing
to help out and have a bit of fun at the same time. Can you pass on our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the cafe, and Congratulations to you for The Kangaroo Cafe.
----- Original Message -----
Dear Max, Hue, Tan and all at the Kangaroo,
----- Original Message -----
Everyone made us feel special and valued. We've both travelled
heaps and regard this as one of our best organised and productive holidays. We couldn't
sing your praises highly enough to fellow travellers we met on the way- many seemed envious
of our itinerary. You certainly removed all "headaches" and uncertainty from our travels
in Vietnam.
----- Original Message -----
----- Original Message ----- Hi Max et al
----- Original Message ----- Dear Madeline & Max, I don't know where to start. I guess giving you a million thanks would be about right. Words cannot say how grateful we are to you and your companions, or how completely overwhelmed we are now we are home. The people of Vietnam … absolutely wonderful, in every respect. The country, how natural, how beautiful, how sad in other ways, what suffering, I had no idea, and what resilience…But of course, my guess is you knew all that. But our holiday was made so much better, by the careful attention and interaction with all of your staff The guides on the boat, mainly Cuong, were also the most entertaining, good humoured and most caring people. After a week with Ngoc (our guide), and so suddenly having to bid farewell, we were reduced to tears…We had underestimated how much she had done for us and what she had meant to us. We'll get back to normal, but it goes without saying that what Griswalds have given us is far more than we ever expected. The treatment by your personnel has given us an invaluable and rich experience, and has left even stronger impressions than otherwise. Cheers, all the very best, |
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This page was last updated on 19/04/08 |
