Love Me Reviews

(based on 55 reviews)

192 of 316 people found this review helpful

I Just wanted to give some feedback on the May 23 to June 5 tour to Chongqing last year. Unlike the Ukraine tours it was held in a brightly lit room with soft music which made communication very easy. I appreciate that a loud party may attract more girls but this environment was much, much better for getting to know people. We all had our own translators and we each rotated from table to table and talked with every girl who was there. The girls who turned up were genuine, honest and in no way did they want to take advantage of us. Of the girls I dated I always offered taxi money, gifts and expensive meals however they preferred to show me traditional places that were very affordable, often gave me small gifts and taxi money was always refused. I was told that many of the girls at the social were not poor, but actually wealthy with businesses and their own real estate. A few girls had even caught flights from distant towns just to attend the social. In my opinion the socials and invitation list was organized very well.

The tour manager, Yuan was new to managing tour groups however I think he did a very good job. He went out of his way to make sure we had everything we needed, he was accessible, easy to contact and gave good advice on the city, its attractions and things to do. I was most impressed that while we were in his office looking at profiles he was able to give additional information about the girls as he seemed to know most of them. There were only one or two girls that he said he did not know much more about, but he still knew details about their profiles without looking at them. He joined us for breakfast each morning. As I was there for the full tour I said he was always welcome to join me, but it was not necessary as I often enjoyed breakfast in one of the gardens on my own or occasionally outside the hotel. He always called me a few times each day to make sure I had everything I needed and was doing alright. The only additional recommendation I would make to the office is that on the Ukraine tours they always had a printed copy of girls and their profiles so you could look through a book. The profiles were only on the computer. Apart from this it was a very clean and pleasant environment (with a spectacular view of the city I might add.) I would also like to mention that Yuen noted my birthday fell on May 26th which was the same day as the second social. He organized a huge cake wishing me a happy birthday which was a very present surprise.

There was apparently a policy of no dating the translators unlike the Ukraine tours where it happens often. I spent a lot of time with these girls and they are real assets to AFA and should be treated as such. If travelling to China I would make sure I visited Chongqing so I could see these girls again and catch up. Of note, my translator Wendy, at my request took me to an animal shelter that took in homeless dogs. Her friend drove us out there, we bought a large box of dog snacks and I was able to make a donation to the shelter. Bud Paterson told me that AFA made charitable donations in the Ukraine when we did a tour. Last year in Kiev, Poltava and Sumy we donated about $2500 (of which AFA matched our donations so it was actually $5000) to orphanages and children�s hospitals. I was told this was not normally done on Asian tours which I think is a bit of a shame as it is a good policy. I also spent time with Apple after Terry left as she was his translator. We got along very well as friends and because of the no personal contact policy I hired Apple for about $90 for the day and we got our hair shampooed, foot massages, did some shopping, went to the movies to see Oblivion (which I highly recommend you see � awesome!), and had a great dinner at a traditional Beijing style restaurant. I can honestly say it was one of the best days of my tour. I understand the need for a working relationship between translators and clients, but policy or not I choose my own friends and relationships even if they work for AFA.

Overall I am very happy with the tour and had a great time. I felt very safe at all times, even after a few drinks at the local bar with short walks back to the hotel late at night. The people are friendly, very helpful and always happy to assist tourists. I can think of several small incidents on my Ukraine travels in most cities where I have been left feeling like I have been scammed or taken advantage of, but not in Chongqing. I would recommend keeping this city as a tour destination and have suggested it to a few friends from previous tours I have been on, and am already looking at future tours with AFA in Asia because of my experience in Chongqing.

Jason B

In summary, I would recommend Love Me to a friend.