ANZAC Day

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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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Comments

[Esther Whitmee]

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

[Brenda]

Dawn Service
Hi Chloe, how wonderful it must have been to be able to celebrate ANZAC Day with fellow aussies, in true Aussie style. It is indeed lucky that you had read your guide book... and good that the guys conceded you were right and gave directions to where you wanted to go.... they could have just left you were you where without directions. I wish I had been there to witness you in full flight telling them they were liars!!! We all went to the Dawn Service in Corrigin. It was lovely .... short but dignified and then at the end there was a lovely touch.... school kids served Anzac biscuits to everyone. I am glad you met up with past 'friends', it must be nice to see a familiar face. I think these things are meant to be. Am glad you are spending a few extra days in Hanoi.... it's lovely that you can do so, that you are not so 'organised' that you can make such spontaneous decisions. Why are you thinking of going to China instead of Laos at this point? Wherever you go, enjoy and be safe! All my love, Mum.

[Sam Skinner]

Hi Honey You are so amazing! I read your blogs and am so proud and totally in awe of what you are doing. What a clever girl you are- to be doing all this on your own! Me- i am far too much of a chicken to be travelling alone. I totally understand that it must be wierd and yet maybe a bit exhilerating to be able to just fly by the seat of your pants and make each day up as you go. Are you loving it all? Or are you too consumed with each phase just yet to be able to fully absorb everything?? So much too ask!! All is well here. Levi is walking everywhere now- our sweet little monkey. Bella is doing really well in full time school although really tired. Demi and Evan are going well. Evan is here with us most of the time now. He has just started part time work at McDonalds so that is great for him, giving him some independance and pocket money. Demi is just lovely. Has started dancing again- which she lvoes, and is such a great help at home. We cooked the family a three course meal the toerh night- which was so much fun. She's getting so grown up now. Anway- all is good here. Think of you and your crazy exciting adventures often. Take care, love you lots Sam and Family xxxx