The weary world traveler has arrived safely in Saigon. Wow. It's definitely different here. And hot. Very, very hot. It feels like Florida's summer. That will definitely take getting used to but it's nothing I wasn't expecting. Luckily the few buildings I've been inside so far are air conditioned well so it's not too bad. I tried to take as many pictures as possible but I'm so tired it was hard to concentrate on much more than staying awake in the car. The traffic here is as horrendous as I thought. I was terrified just being the passenger in a van. I can't imagine being on a motorbike. After picking me up from the airport we went to KinderWorld's corporate office where I met the HR manager and took care of paperwork and things. She told me that renting a motorbike is my best option and that she will teach me how, so I guess that will be happening soon..... :-/ The good news is I live/work in the quieter part of town where traffic won't be quite as bad. I'll be good if I can at least ride a bike to and from work. I'll take a taxi anywhere else.
I know I asked for adventure but right now I'm wishing I had been careful about what I wished for...but I think the fear/overwhelming is coming partially from my sheer exhaustion. I am now at the hotel and they are picking me up at 10am tomorrow to take me to look at apartments. It is nearly 4pm and I think I'm just going to take a nap and possibly just sleep until the morning. I am beyond tired at this point and I've had more than enough adventure for one day so venturing out on my own does NOT sound fun. The good news is there are a few American channels on the tv lol. It's the small things.....it's nice to have a few comforts.
I feel like this post is a bit jumbled and I have left out many small details but I simply can't think straight anymore so this is going to have to do for today. Attached are some random pics from today. Enjoy! Feel free to comment. My access to facebook may be a bit spotty due to the ban by the government (hello communist country) but I seem to have found a way to get on ;) Well, I hope things are good back home....I miss it already (mostly because I know it's going to be a loooong time before I get to see it again).
-Erica
P.S. They really do where those rice patty hats.......lol
Sounds like you're doing great, all things considered! And, it sounds like you were prepared - expecting the heat and traffic! Just keep taking things One Step At A Time. Jet lag's a bear - particularly the kind of time zone travel you've been doing! Be present. Stay focused on today, for now - get some rest, good meal, stay hydrated... Breathe in, breathe out, move on! :-) Hugs to you!
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