It's the start of the first day here in Vietnam, one crazy evening later! We arrived slightly late into the airport and had to wait an inordinate amount of time for the bag that I was NOT supposed to be checking. I can thank Bobby's mom for sending me off with loads of liquids as gifts! I suppose it is really my fault for not checking what was inside before I stuffed it into my carry-on, but everything worked out fine.
Hiền, Hằng, and Thủy were at the airport to greet us, and brought a beautiful bouquet of flowers for Janice. They were anxious to meet her, and ran up to welcome her to Vietnam. I had promised Janice a ride on a motorbike back to the hotel, but unfortunately, they did not bring enough helmets and we had to take a cab.
It was wonderful to be able to see Hiền again after so long! Naturally, there was a slight bit of awkwardness when seeing someone in person that you have only seen "virtually" for the past 5 months, but that wore off quickly. I will certainly admit that I was anxious about seeing her again, but, just as I remember, she was beautiful, warm, and friendly; almost immediately, my anxiety was transformed into tranquility.
After freshening up at the hotel, we grabbed another taxi over to Hiền's family's home, where we stayed for dinner. We watched video of Bobby and Thủy's wedding as we ate some very delicious home cooking.
It is always entertaining to see how people respond in an environment where they have practically no control nor the capability to communicate effectively, and I can say with some confidence that Janice took everything in stride quite well. (Especially for someone who prefers to remain so much in control!) She was also wonderfully accommodating when, back at the hotel, Hiền and Hằng wanted to stay for a little while to look at some pictures, despite the fact that it was almost midnight. Of course, I was more than happy to spend some more time with Hiền, so perhaps she was doing me a favor! ;-)
Today we have a great day of sight-seeing planned! First, we'll grab some breakfast (we will introduce Janice to some real phở), then we will visit some sites in the city. Afterwards, we'll swing by Hiền's wedding shop, where I will attempt to convince Janice to put on a wedding dress and have her make-up done to pose for some photos!
I suspect I will only get as far as the make-up, but maybe Hiền will be more convincing... :-D
Saigon Traffic
5 comments:
Hooray! You made it! Hein and her family sound lovely, I'm still chuckling at the thought of Janny in full on bride costume posing for pictues, oh do post! Have fun, love you guys.
N
i'm somehow thinkin' that just won't happen... :-/ it may seem within the realm of the conceivable after some sleep though. will post tomorrow about today events and upload some pix of all my "mystery fruits." yum! no idea what they are--and one looks like an alien fetus, but darn it's good!
Don't know if non advenrurous and non American people (like me) are allowed to leave comments.
Despite the distance and the time since I visited your fascinating country, you are are still often my thoughts.
Daniel, take care of your "aunt" who, by the way, looks younger and younger when time passes.
Janice, did you eventually try on the mariage dresses ?
Bonjour de Paris à tous les Américains
Maurice
Mystery fruit has really gotten my attention....alien fetus fruit huh...post a pic soon, my mind cant produce an image worthy. I demand a picture with each post you two.
Hi Maurice! Thanks for dropping by! It remains to be seen whether I will be made up, much less don a wedding dress. Let's see if I can gracefully avoid both until we leave for Siem reap Wednesday afternoon. :O
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