Monday, September 10, 2007

Vietnam


Big doings around here...

About a week ago, after getting back from our camping trip, my husband received a letter from his father saying that his health is deteriorating and that he doesn't feel well. He has had several strokes over the last few years, so we were immediately concerned.

We have thought about traveling to Vietnam a lot since Nguyen's trip back a couple of years ago, but time and money (and the hassle factor, I think) have prevented us from moving forward. But you know what? We have to go now. We want Nguyen's dad to see the kids in his own town before he passes on. We want the kids to see their dad's homeland. Heck, I want to see his homeland. So we put the little trailer on the market and sold it within 2 days. It is going to finance our trip.

In February, we are traveling to Nha Trang for a couple of weeks. Maybe three. But at least two.

I am intimidated by the 23 hour plane ride and the 8 hour drive from Saigon to Nha Trang. I am a little worried that I am not usually at my best in humidity. And I am pretty sure I am going to miss western food at least a little. But I am also incredibly excited, even as the list of things to do gets big before we even start. (Visas, passports, inoculations for terrifying diseases.)

It feels, though, like this is some kind of major shift in our lives. I think it is going to be huge.

Off we go.

2 comments:

Lauralew said...

You know what? Once you get to vietnam, you will be just fine. You'll find western food if you want it. But getting to make the trip will be one of the signal events of your life. Good for you.

Laura, who spent 3 weeks in South Korea 2.5 years ago, and tasted there some of the best food she has ever put into her mouth.

Rachel Nguyen said...

Hey Laura,

It doesn't hurt that I love Vietnamese food! When my DH went a couple years ago, there were all kinds of dire warnings about eating at street vendors. For two weeks straight he ate everything he could find and wound up gaining weight!

I am seriously excited.

What brought you to S. Korea?