Yesterday, our "facilitator" made us check out of our beautiful apartment in Saigon and led us on a forced march to Hanoi. Our place in Saigon (which we found ourselves...we refused to stay where they made all the other families to stay) was a beautiful tropical paradise with a great outdoor Hawaiian-style floor plan, a huge 25 meter pool, baby pool, large playground outside (plus an indoor playroom in case of rain) tennis courts, poolside open air restaurant and bar. Plus Saigon is warm and tropical and vibrant. We had planned on staying there until Tuesday and then coming up here to Hanoi and having the Embassy interview on Wednesday at 2:00. Well, our facilitator had gone ahead and bought plane tickets for us on Saturday night along with all of the other families and so we were kind of stuck there.
We left our hotel and the wonderful staff there and headed to the airport. Of course the facilitator woman wanted us to meet at the Kim-Do hotel where the others were staying and take their ground transportation for $10 a per family (and they cram 5 families into a van) By now, we had caught onto the whole scam and got our own private new Toyota van to the airport, which cost us $6 including a nice tip!
When we got the Saigon airport, there was a HUGE line to check in for the flights. Luckily we gave ourselves 2 1/2 hours lead time so I just got into the line with our giant trolley of bags. I waited about 20 minutes in line and did not move one spot. I noticed it was because there were no stantions and people just cut in wherever they please. I looked over to the first class line and noticed there was no line. All I knew was that I was NOT going to stand in this free-for-all line for 2 hours so I went to inquire about first class. The lady told me it was going to be $90 difference for us to upgrade to 1st. OH YES! I would pay any price not to stand in that "line" over there. She reticketed us and then took all of our bags. We would have had to pay $75 in excess baggage charges but they were waived since we were in first (CA CHING! Already a payoff), she then gave me our boarding passes and and invitation to their private first class lounge! We went up to security where people were hoarded into another "line" but there was a separate lane for first class with no line. We breezed through that and went to the gate area. Naturally there were just hard plastic chairs there and TONS of people. Luckily, the first class lounge was right there and we went in and sat down on two of their over-stuffed sofas. We were delighted to discover the buffet of fresh fruits, salads, and hoer d'ouerves, not to mention crackers, cheeses, and cookies for Brian. What a difference from the Delta Crown Room! A lady would then come and tell you when your flight was departing.
Once on the flight, we settled into our big comfy seats and noticed the rest of our group crammed into the oversold smaller seats in the back. Of course they all were asking how we ended up in front....right before the flight attendant gave them a sneer and whipped the curtain shut. The onboard service on Vietnam Airlines was great. They serve meals (even in coach) on every flight. They are dressed to the nines and are very gracious and hospitable.
Kevin did great on his first flight. He drank a bottle and went right to sleep in Rick's lap for the rest of the flight. I was with Hell-boy and he wasn't about to get into his car seat. He was used to flying around the streets of Saigon in a taxi without being restrained. He just said "NO! Play with toys!" and proceeded to dump out his backpack of toys on the floor. Whereas at home, he would have been greated with a spanking, we have been doing everything possible not to let him make a scene (not taken well in Asian culture) so I coaxed him into his seat with a cookie. Two minutes after takeoff he was out. Oh JOY!
We landed in Hanoi about 9:30 pm and claimed our bags (first ones off because we had the first class tags on them). As soon as we went outside, it hit us (the cold). Vietnam is a very long country and flying from Saigon to Hanoi is like flying from Orlando to Cincinnati. Although it wasn't cold by U.S. standards, we went from 89 degrees and sunny to 64 degrees and foggy. I wanted to get back on the plane and head back to my wonderful, tropical Saigon!
Oh well, we are here and are going to make the best of it!
I think I've finally gotten my account fixed where it will allow me to post a comment. So hope you get this.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your adventurous trip to Hanoii, I am in awe of your resourcefullness. David Tews never doubted it for a minute and that is why He never travelled ANYWHERE without you on the cell phone, paving his way at every turn. You brought back vivid memories of David's and my trip to Vietnam (Hanoi) in 06. We stayed in a GRAND hotel and had a wonderful time.
Love, Helen
PS: Hour long masagges where women walk on your back were $12 at the hotel spa. Check it out. - Hanoi Daewood Hotel - with a beautiful lake next to it with swan-like paddle boats.
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