For the Miss Universe contestants it has almost become a test of stamina to keep up with the hectic schedule.
After leaving Ho Chi Minh City last Wednesday, the 80 young women flew to Quang Nam Province where they visited the People’s Committee office, went around the five-star Nam Hai Hoi An Resort and frolicked at the Palm Garden Resort.
They then joined a pedicab parade led by last year’s Miss Universe Riyo Mori, with the vehicles decked in their national flags and symbols, along the ancient town’s streets.
This was followed by a performance of traditional Vietnamese music that they attended.
The ladies left Quang Nam Province for Hanoi the next day, Thursday.
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Miss Russia Vera Krasova takes a nap in Ha Long Bay last Saturday. |
In the capital, they split up into two groups, with one visiting the People’s Committee office, the The Huc Bridge over Hoan Kiem (Sword) Lake and Van Mieu Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), Vietnam’s first university.
The other group visited the SOS children’s village in Hanoi and donated VND200 million (US$12,000) before all of them headed for Ha Long Bay on Saturday.
The next morning, the women enjoyed a sight-seeing tour of the resplendent bay with thousands of limestone islets, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
They attended a charity gala and auction at Tuan Chau Island later that day to raise funds for Thanh Nien’s Nguyen Thai Binh Scholarship fund for disadvantaged students.
They left later Sunday for Nha Trang.
Traveling between regions, the north’s fickle weather and the demanding schedule of the last 10 days have, admittedly, taken a toll on the ladies.
Some of them are occasionally showing signs of fatigue and taking naps during the tours.
Meaningful gifts
The contestants have brought with them traditional cultural items and favorite articles they auctioned to raise funds for the Nguyen Thai Binh scholarship.
Miss Belgium’s Swarovski crystal necklace and earrings fetched $15,000 at the auction.
One of the 500 discs that feature only “Imagine,” a song by the legendary British group Beatles, was sold by Miss UK for $8,000.
Miss Korea’s exquisitely carved sword went for US$5,500 after its owner displayed her skill at wielding it.
Miss Vietnam’s ao dai and khan dong (traditional Vietnamese tunic and turban), Miss Cyprus’ copy of an antique statuette, Miss Guam’s hand-embroidered carpet, Miss Honduras’ hand-made doll, Miss Brazil’s wooden decorative item adorned with carved toucans, Miss Curacao’s quartz sphere and
Miss New Zealand’s fern necklace was also auctioned.
Riyo Mori auctioned her two Mercedes model cars with her autograph for $2,000.
They went to a 10-year-old boy who also received a kiss from the reigning Miss Universe.
A canvas with the autographs of the 80 contestants fetched VND180 million ($10,800).
No paparazzi
Over 100 correspondents from newspapers and television channels have been trailing the contestants around the country.
They had to register with the organizers a month before the contestants arrived in Vietnam.
They were vetted carefully to ensure maximum security.
But they still have to follow some strict regulations: They are not allowed to do a quick interview or take photos of the contestants without the organizers’ permission.
They cannot take photos of the women when they are not wearing make-up, eating or showing signs of fatigue after a tiring trip.
Lights go out
An electrical overload resulted in a power failure when the contestants were parading in pedicabs in Hoi An.
The street plunged into chaos for a while when the enthusiastic crowds jumped on to the street to shake hands, pose with the beauties and ask for their autographs.
But thanks to the professionalism of the American and Vietnamese security personnel, the situation was soon brought under control.
Reported by Do Tuan |
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