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Published: April 26th 2010
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Good morning Vietnam!
On Saturday I made my way to Ho Chi Minh via bus. The entry into Vietnam was smooth enough and I found a backpackers without any fuss. It was a strange feeling to be in another country and for the first time since I arrived I felt that sinking feeling- I realised that my bubble had burst. I was now in a country where everything was again unfamiliar and it was now all up to me. Luckily I shared a dorm room with 3 other gorgeous girls and we had dinner and chatted the night away. When we got back from dinner a new dorm-mate had arrived and she happened to be one of the girls whom I had met in KoRu. Coincidences just keep happening to me.
On Sunday morning I caught my flight to Hanoi without drama. Upon arrival I jumped on the $3 mini bus into the French Quarter bound for Hanoi Backpackers. Luckily I had read my trusty Lonely Planet guide and I knew about the scam where the drivers drop you at their mate's hotel and pretend it's linked to the one you wanted to go to. I blew up and told them they were liers (got the reaction I wanted and they conceeded, then told me the directions to my real accomodation). I'm so glad I stuck to my guns cos the backpackers is hip, clean, loads of other young travellers and basically the best place I've stayed in (yes hot water, air con, roof top bar and tv room, free internet, free breakfast included AND run by Aussies who were keeping the ANZAC spirit alive with televised Dawn Service, AFL footy, free beer and BBQ. It felt like home even if it was only for a few hours.
Once I had checked in I walked up the laneway and happened upon a small restaurant. I climbed the stairs and walked straight into 2 girls who had volunteered at Seametrey when I first arrived. More coincidences. So I spent the next few hours catching up with Kate and Sharn. They had just checked out of the backpackers and were bound for Hue' that night. It was a lovely reunion and they showed me the ropes at the new place which always helps.
Today I plan to do some research into my next few weeks. There is a chance that after Sapa I will put Loas on hold for a while and catch the train from Hanoi to Bejiing to see the Great Wall. It is a strange yet wonderful feeling to be making up plans as you go. I forgot how likeable Hanoi is so I have already told the backpackers I will stay until Wednesday. I hope you are all enjoying your day off today. Will write soon.
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Esther Whitmee
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happy resting
Hey Chloe, so nice to hear of your beaut accomodation. Some real character building moments happening for you. So glad to see you bing assertive and that it paid off in the form of great accomdation. Small world over there bumping into friends. Enjoying hearing of your travels. have a great few days in Hanoi. Look forward to hearing of your travels. We went to the dawn service at Dawesville for ANZAC day. Beautiful. The student councillors laid a wreath and Steve read a nice passage. The sunrise was through a smoke haze as CALM had been doing controlled burns and the winds had not moved it. So the sun was bright orange till it lifted out of the smoke . Symbolic and moving.Happy travels. Esther