We arrived safely in Hanoi this morning at about 10:00 a.m. local time, 10:00 pm back home. After a very eventful car drive 26 km from the airport to the hotel (we saw late night traffic at LAX, and that looked like Hutchinson compared to these crazies. Bicycles, mopeds, buses, cars, you name it. Lane markers are merely advisory, not to be relied upon. Oh, and did I mention people just randomly crossing highways, vehicles driving against traffic, and simply backing up on the highway when they miss their exit. When Joni and I were able to tear our eyes from the whirling dervish of automotive mischief around us, we saw a beautiful countryside, being tended to by people in the same way they have for thousands of years. Our hotel is nice, and the staff are helpful. We'll get some pictures up eventually.
We did venture out to the local Mall, which is very Western. It was a bit odd to see another culture so interested in ours. Having said that, everyone seems very nice, and we felt no fear walking the sidewalks and streets (except for the cars, scooters, etc--which also drive on the sidewalks). We had a bit of local cuisine, though, so far, Saigon restaurant back in Wichita winds in a walk.
The big news of the day is that we've learned we should be able to go to Lulu's orphanage tomorrow to meet her and those caring for her. We still won't be able to take her home with us, but it will obviously be wonderful to finally lay eyes and some comfy arms on her.
Joni and I are both very excited to be here, though we miss Gabe and the family back home. Continue to keep us in your thoughts, and we'll keep in touch.
Love,
Aaron & Joni
P.S. Although we have good web access, we continue to have troubles with e-mail. If you need to reach us while we work on this, feel free to post a comment to this page. We check it regularly.
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3 comments:
Hey Guys -- It is okay to miss Gabe but don't fret too much about home. This is Kansas in late July. It is hot and windy. I have been out of touch with everyone being in a trial in Western Ks. It is kind of funny that the people I can stay in touch with the most happen to be on the other side of the world. Looking forward to the pictures.
Barry
Hi Aaron,
What a great post. It was so descriptive I could really picture what you experienced. I can't wait to hear all about your adventures and of course, pictures ALWAYS help (hint, hint).
Elizabeth, your OO Friend
www.elramey.wordpress.com
Glad to hear that you made it to Hanoi. Gabe misses you but is doing okay. We are getting ready to go pick him up so he and Nicholas can have a sleepover tonite.
Love and hugs,
Gale & co.
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