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Published: October 20th 2011
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Our 'welcome' to Viet Nam
with lotus flowers for all of us Good morning, indeed - and an early one for all of us. Wake up calls started as early as 2:00 a.m. (for the team) and 2:30 a.m. for the passengers. Up and at 'em - coffee and pastries in the lobby - lovely touch at such an early hour. So great to see Jenny May downstairs at that crazy hour - superb customer service, that's for sure.
On the bus, down the road and off to the airport - The Chinese prefer that charter planes come and go 'at the crack of stupid' (translation: unbelievably weird hours in the middle of the night, LOL!) - not always a fun time to be up and travelling, but always exciting to be on our way to a new adventure. Great spirits on the bus - and we're on our way to Viet Nam. Remember Robin Williams in the movie "Good Morning, Viet Nam!" - I can hear the sound of his happy voice.
Most enjoyable flight to Viet Nam - always great to see the crew again - we all come to know each other very well as we spend all this time together on this particular trip. They were telling
us great stories about their own travels around Beijing - including attending a tea ceremony, and the experience of eating centipedes (ewwwwwwww!).
Once the door of the plane opened, the humidity hit and hit hard - it was 30 degrees celsius and sunny. Nice day! Getting through Customs was a breeze - a nice welcome by some young Vietnamese gals along with flowers - and we're on our way to the Sofitel Hotel. I've been here 2x before- for many of the passengers, this was the first visit and they were stunned and shocked by all the scooters, bikes, etc. on the roads. You've really got to see it to believe it!
We've got quiet time/free time for the afternoon - everyone appreciated that - and then, off to a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.
Such a perfect evening for a cruise down the river - a very comfortable boat, a perfect breeze, great food (we do like to eat!), music, conversation, laughs, some dancing - it was a really fun evening for all.
And back to the hotel and tucked into bed. This was a very long day for all of us - we
get a normal night's sleep tonight - and it will feel soooooooo good! Because, we are rearing to go tomorrow - off to the Mekong River and so much more. Y'all be sure to come back - you hear?!!!!!! Love reading your comments - thanks for being with us.
(Good night, Mom. I love you!) (and P.S. - Staciann - thanks for keeping me updated on DWTS!!!! I so appreciate you!)
Happy Pat
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Carrie
non-member comment
Thank you!
Pat, just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying my virtual tour around the world!