Hello from Hanoi- Boy is it hot here!

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Hi Everyone,
I apologize; I have been really bad about keeping this blog updated. I really intended to write something everyday, but I have really been busy with work here. There is a lot to do here and not a lot of time left to do it. I had planned to return home on the 4th of November, and I still may, but there is about a 50-50 chance that I will need to stay until the 18th. Hanoi is going to be on “lock-down” between the November 12th and the 17th due to President Putin, President Bush and others being here. The “lock-down” really means that they are not allowing any tourist visas and security will really be high. That is already the case. President Bush was going to stay on an aircraft helicopter and come into town daily via helicopter, but we are hearing now that the Secret Service has secured a hotel here in Hanoi for him.

There are of course still a few world-wide problems that could get in the way of his visit. You may have heard that Kim Jong Il in North Korea is threatening more nuclear tests and since that is a hop and a skip away from Vietnam, there is a bit of concern here.

The exciting news is that if President Bush does make it here as scheduled is that he is going to speak on our Customs Solution (E-manifest) and will introduce our tem when we present the demo.

Regarding Vietnam, it is really hot and humid here. I just left the hotel for lunch and I am soaked. No one is wearing ties here- everything is casual- even with the clients.

I am including some pictures in this entry. Next time I write I promise-no more business. I will try to write about the more interesting and touristy parts of this trip. Everyone please take care.
Arlyn

PS- While I was looking at saved photos I found the one of John Knab, Chris Ortyl and myself in the back of the taxi. It is from two years ago, but it always makes me smile!

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Photos

Market Stand
I try not to eat on the street. No telling what you will get. Some of those steaks once had a leash!

Old Pagoda on the Lake
There are lots of old and interesting buildings here.

Three Americans in a Vietnamese Taxi
Getting three americans in the back of a Vietnamese Taxi is never a good idea!

Comments

[deleted_22731]

Oh No!
My wife and I are due in Hanoi from 14th - 17th November as part of a tour organised by a travel company in Vietnam. (Visa on arrival) How accurate is your rumour about a Visa Lockdown? At the moment I can see nine months of planning and saving going down the plug-hole :o(

[Arlyn]

I talked to the hotel and to my boss regarding the "lockdown" If the tour has already been organized and the visas have been obtained, you are probably unaffected. The only caution I put is that Hanoi is going to be extremelly crowded and hotels are pretty much been booked solid. I have been staying at the Hilton Hanoi Opera House and they can only gurantee me a reservation un November 8th. Hopefully your tour company has already secured your rooms. I hope all goes well with your trip. Vietnam is a wonderful and beautiful country.