German Couple Explores The Beauty of Ho Chi Minh City

German couple Jennifer and Philipp in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Zing News

German couple Jennifer and Philipp shared their latest photoshoot online, showing big smiles and candid moments in the temporary second home - Ho Chi Minh city. These two expats brought out a new side of the city that created an unexpected chain of positive energy for Saigon inhabitants.

Jennifer Arrenberg (26 years old) and Philipp Mertin (32 years old) has been living in Ho Chi Minh city since early 2021 but they have not had a chance to explore many places due to months of lockdowns. What added to the sorrow is that Jennifer planned to leave for Germany by the end of 2021. The couple decided to have a photoshoot as one last special thing before leaving Vietnam. It is their excuse to travel around the city, Jennifer shared.

Jennifer and Philipp both like to take pictures together. Photo: Zing News

Since they both like to take pictures together, they quickly planned everything right after the city allowed traveling. For about two months, the two carefully looked for locations, inspiration, theme and photographer. It is not an easy quest for foreigner but they were able to get with a reputed English-speaking local who is both a photographer and a city guru.

The photoshoot is their excuse to travel around the city, Jennifer shared. Photo: Zing News

The concept of the photoshoot is a weekend date in the city. Photo: Zing News

A special weekend outing

The German couple felt comfortable in front of the camera thanks to the photographer. Photo: Zing News

Jennifer and Philipp was please to learn that language barrier is not a big problem during the shoot. Vo Gia Thien, the photographer, was very friendly and professional. They became close quickly and the photoshoot went smoothly.

"When presenting our ideas to the photographer, we were very excited when he suggested more unique places that we have not visited before,” Jennifer said.

Thien presented the photoshoot to help save the couple's precious memories. Photo: Zing News

“I want to capture their (the couple) happy moments so I came up with the idea of them going on a weekend date in the city.” said Thien. The photographer shared that he was nervous because this was the first time he work with foreigners. He was afraid they would not able to communicate."

However, the German couple felt comfortable in front of the camera thanks to Thien. "He also took us to take pictures in a few empty places, so when there is not a lot of people, we are not shy to act out our emotions and poses many different poses. He also care about social distancing, so we feel safe, and the outcomes appear more natural.", the German girl shared.

The couple is excited to explore many places after months of lockdowns. Photo: Zing News

“They do not have to be professional models, as long as they feel comfortable in front of the camera, the photos will be beautiful,” the photographer shared his secret for taking the best photos.

The love story between Saigon and the German couple

The love story between Saigon and the German couple has a pause for now and will continue in the future. Photo: Zing News

The couple had known each other for a long time before coming to Vietnam, yet being in love in Ho Chi Minh city is a totally different experience for both. One of the reasons was that they never expected to fall in love with a city that quick.

Jennifer's boyfriend came here for work while Jennifer merely decided to come along to be with her boyfriend. Jennifer loves the Saigon's heat and Philipp the food.

Before social distancing, since the weather is so ideal, they enjoy their weekend playing all kinds of sports like: basketball, tennis, swimming, cycling, gym, jogging sessions.

“What I love most is Vietnamese food. The delicious taste is unforgettable, even when I had returned Germany it still lingered." Philipp shared.

Thien presented the photoshoot to help save the couple's precious memories in the city so that Jennifer and Philipp can look at whenever they miss Ho Chi Minh city. Thien and Philipp already plan a dinner together since they have become such good friends.

Jennifer could not help but feel regret leaving Saigon even though she has only been here for a few moths. "I feel lucky to be able to have this photoshoot before I have to go home for my work. I cannot wait to return to Ho Chi Minh City when the situation is better.", Jennifer confessed.

As for Thien, he found a new passion for taking photographs of foreigners. He cannot wait to challenge himself in the future with more meaningful projects like this one.

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