Just got to my hotel in Danang..... and fell asleep exhausted for a few hours. When I opened one of my suitcases, I found that all of my shoes had been stolen..... so, at least I have the one pair I was wearing:( That... on top of the fact that last week the windows were knocked out of my car at the gym, and my purse with ID and credit cards were stolen... had made me a bit untrusting of people. The reason I was stuck in Economy class in the middle seat all the way is that yes, it was a short notice, but I was also waiting for all of my new credit cards to come in. I won't go into any more of the negative stuff... other than just to vent my opinion that Vietnamese Airlines and the Vietnamese airport is THE most inefficient place I have ever been. Good thing I had a 3-4 hour layover in each city because it took that long just to do things ... like pay for extra baggage.....wait in several lines just to do one thing, then pay them extra for stealing my stuff. I think from what I have seen so far, Vietnam has a long way to go in being tourist friendly. Tomorrow can only be better.
I haven't seen anything of the city yet because it was almost dusk when I got here. Apparently Danang has alot to offer, but I leave early in the morning for Hoi An, about 45 minutes away, where the orphanage is. It is there where I will get to meet my daughter for the first time, only after meeting with the orphanage director, I am told. I am not being cynical when I say that I am sure that they will not let me see her until I pay more money.... I was told to prepare for another $1000.00 cash. This is how Vietnam works. I will never purposely enter into any business dealings with a Vietnamese person or the Vietnamese government again... although the end result tomorrow will be the culmination of a 2 year pregnancy and a very difficult labor:)
Here are a few photos, just from the Ho Chi Minh City airport so far. Tomorrow I will have more. I am so grateful I brought my computer.... I tried getting on the internet and my blog site from their computer. Everything was in Vietnamese.. so it was useless.
1 comment:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! I can't wait to see pictures of you and Jasmine! Remember, it is easy to take pictures of the two of you, if you use the mirrors, LOL.
I hope and pray that the first meeting with your daughter is wonderful and memorable.
Be thankful that it is raining and only 80 degrees. When I was there it was so hot and humid that I could hardly breathe. Be sure to get some beautiful silk Aoi Dia for you baby girl for the years to come. I bought one for every other year for Jolee. I also got her a pink sheet set, silk robe for her teen years, and hand sewn bird picture, just in case I do not return to Vietnam until she is older.
If you have a chance, it is cheaper to purchase things in Saigon than Hanoi but Hanoi has some really special silk outfits, which can be custom made just for you.
Have a fun time with your precious daughter and kick back and relax!
Love,
Joan and Jolee
Post a Comment