Embracing the Unexpected
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✏️ ON MY MIND
Embracing the Unexpected: Discovering Magic at Sunworld Ba Na Hills
Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a thrilling adventure at Sunworld Ba Na Hills in Danang.
Our friend Andrea visited Danang for a 1-week holiday, so C and I were excited to show her around. We decided to make the most of her visit by playing tourists ourselves, exploring new places, and indulging in the wonders of Sunworld Ba Na Hills theme park. You might have heard of it—it's the one with the famous Golden Bridge adorned with giant stone hands, often used to promote Danang.
The day began with a mix of anticipation and fatigue. After a long Saturday of walking under the scorching Hoi An sun, we decided to power on with Andrea on Sunday morning to head to Sunworld.
However, Cindy woke up feeling a bit under the weather, sneezing and sniffling, which left her irritable and not exactly her best self. But it was really our only available day to do this trip, so we decided to make the most of the day and set off.
We started with a delightful breakfast of Bánh canh cá, a Vietnamese noodle soup dish made with fish, bánh canh noodles, and a flavorful broth. It was only 7:30 am, yet the heat was already unbearable.
Nevertheless, we pushed forward and hopped into a Grab ride. Unfortunately, the car smelled strongly of smoke, which wasn't the most pleasant start to our adventure.
Arriving at Sun World after a 40-minute ride, we eagerly queued up at the ticket booth, ready to immerse ourselves in the magic of this renowned park. However, we were taken aback when we learned that the price had recently increased, with foreigners now required to pay 900,000 VND (approx. 57.89 AUD). While I understood the reasoning behind the pricing, it still left me feeling slightly annoyed.
But our journey was just beginning...
We stepped onto the cable car that would transport us to the top of Ba Na Mountain. It literally felt like the longest cable car ride I've ever been on.
(FYI - Bard tells me, "The cable car ride at SunWorld Ba Na Hills takes about 15 minutes. The ride is divided into two sections: the first section is a 5-kilometer ride from Da Nang to the foot of Ba Na Mountain, and the second section is a 2-kilometer ride up to the top of Ba Na Mountain. The cable cars are suspended 1,487 meters above sea level, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.")
As the cable car soared higher, relaxing chill music played through the speakers, enhancing the tranquil atmosphere. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to be swept away by the serenity of the moment. It felt like we were transcending reality, journeying to a truly special place.
Stepping out at the top, I was greeted by a climate vastly different from what we experienced at the bottom. The scorching sun and sweaty heat had disappeared, replaced by misty skies and a winter-like ambience reminiscent of a ski resort. It was a surreal transformation that left me in awe (and thankful that I had brought along my sweater).
We excitedly lined up for the Alpine Coaster, an exhilarating roller coaster winding through the mountains. However, just as we reached the front of the queue after an hour of waiting, the rain started to pour. The staff informed us that we would wait for five minutes to see if the rain cleared for safety reasons. Unfortunately, it continued to rain, dashing our hopes of experiencing the coaster.
Seriously, what else could go wrong?!
But here's the beauty of life — it often surprises us when we least expect it. Despite the initial setbacks, the rest of the day turned out to be nothing short of extraordinary.
The theme park's sheer scale and architectural marvels left me in awe. The cable car alone felt like a miracle, carrying us effortlessly through the misty mountains. And then there was the enchanting castle, the famous giant hands sculpted into the mountainside, and countless other mesmerizing structures. I felt like I had stepped into a fairytale.
But what made the day truly special was that Andrea, Cindy, and I could enjoy this rare experience together. The laughter, the sense of wonder, and the shared memories forged an unbreakable bond.
In addition to the captivating experiences and valuable lessons, there was one particular moment of pure joy that I can't help but share with you.
We all loved the bumper car ride, where we had the chance to gleefully crash into each other and total strangers in the name of fun. Laughter echoed through the air as we playfully bumped and spun around, relishing in the exhilaration of the moment. It reminded us of the importance of embracing the childlike spirit and finding joy in the simplest pleasures.
Our journey at Sunworld Ba Na Hills taught me several valuable lessons:
Embrace Unexpected Twists: Life often throws unexpected challenges our way. We open ourselves up to unique experiences and personal growth by embracing these twists and maintaining a positive mindset.
Cherish the Journey: Sometimes, the journey itself holds more beauty than the destination. Take the time to appreciate the little moments, even when things are unplanned. It is in these moments that we discover unexpected treasures.
Adaptability Leads to Joy: When faced with setbacks, redirect your focus to alternative experiences instead of dwelling on disappointment. Adaptability allows us to find joy in unexpected places and make the most of every situation.
Snaps from Sunworld Ba Na Hills, Danang
As you embark on your own adventures in business and life, remember to embrace the unexpected, appreciate the journey, and cherish the connections you make along the way.
Life is a roller coaster, full of surprises and lessons waiting to be learned.
(This newsletter was drafted with the help of GPT-4 and edited by yours truly.)
🔨🧰 MARKETING TIP
Content Every Stage of Buyer's Awareness Journey | Jammy
jammydigital.com/content-awareness-journey
👍 3 THINGS THAT CAUGHT MY ATTENTION
1/ Read: The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Newsletter
Looking to start a newsletter? Check this guide out.
2/ Listen: Getting started with betting on yourself
Is fear hold you back from betting on yourself?
Are you wrestling with how to get started?
This episode of The ME Bet podcast with host Erica Johnson is for you. (it features some tips from yours truly too)
3/ Watch: Discover Your True Worth - A simple zen story
💸 WEALTH BUILDING TIP
Determine your “Enough”.
How much money is enough?
I ask every podcast guest this because I think it’s such a fascinating (and loaded) question.
Even if you hit it, would you stop working? Or sell your business? Or work less?
Most of us wouldn't.
Some because they love the game. Others, honestly,… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…
🐦 COOL SOCIALS THIS WEEK
A common question in traditional management is: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What a depressing question. I don't want to know! In 5 years, I want to look back and think: “Wow, I had no idea this was possible, but here we are.”
Challenge for the Week:
Every single day, reach out to one person and tell them something you love, appreciate, or respect about them.
It's a shame that we wait until a person's funeral to say all of the nice things we thought about them.
Let’s change that: Tell them today.
If you're a new podcast host and you ask someone with a large following to join your show early on...
Consider inviting them back 6+months later, when you've gained traction. It's a nice way to return the favor.
🔧 TOOL OF THE WEEK
Better Proposals
Ever feel overwhelmed by the task of creating professional, winning proposals that impress your clients?
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🤔 PARTING THOUGHTS
I still have some available slots in my schedule for additional Community Connect calls over the next month.
Fancy a 15-minute pitch-free chat soon?
I'd really like to hear about what you're up to and answer any questions you might have. We can exchange ideas, and I'll point you towards some useful resources or people who can help you.
Click here to schedule a time, and thank you for reading and supporting my newsletter.
Anfernee Chansamooth
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