I finally made it to Vietnam! In the 24 hours before my trip, everything has unraveled, then been put back together completely differently than I had expected. Originally, my friend Dan (who I met during my trip to Japan) was supposed to come with me. We planned this trip as the most crazy awesome super cool trip ever. He was supposed to fly in a day early, then we would meet in the beautiful city of Hoi An. I had everything researched and planned to the T. Except for one thing -the visa.
My response when I saw Dan's text.
Both of us assumed we didn't need a visa since the visa information was never asked for when we booked our flights. I've been to a few Asian countries now and I've never needed to get a visa before arrival, so it didn't cross my mind. Dan went to the airport and was told he couldn't board the flight. He sent me a text "early" that morning (it was 9.30) telling me about the visa problems. I'm glad despite my instinct to ignore the ringing and sleep, I checked my messages anyways. I felt like the worst person in the world. I had planned so many awesome things and insisted "don't worry, I'll do all the research" yet I didn't research one of the most important things. I was also frantic because it meant I couldn't go to Vietnam either, so I did what any respectable grownass woman would do and called my mom. My mom and I were able to find a website that guaranteed a visa within thirty minutes. It seemed pretty sketch, but we decided it was PROBABLY alright. "Don't worry, we're not a scam" the woman on their website's chat told me. Cool, seems pretty legit.
Within two hours, I had my visa to board the flight (pickup of actual visa on arrival), some passport photos , and USD to pay for my visa. I decided to not get my hopes up until I boarded the flight in case it really was a scam. I decided if I could at least get on the plane, it wouldn't matter if I had troubles in Vietnam then. Maybe I could use some crocodile tears and they'd take pity and give a visa to the stupid foreigner who didn't know the company was a scam.
My approximate reaction in the airport if they weren't going to let me on the plane.
When I signed into Asiana's booth, they said nothing about my sketch printed paper. Sweet, I was in. After a five hour flight with a tiny girl reaching her hands back to me, I was finally in Vietnam. It was 31°C and hazy, but not as humid as I expected. My flight to Hoi An was delayed by 2 hours, but I just feel incredibly blessed. I thank God, my parents, and my lucky bow for this opportunity to come to Vietnam. Especially after these turn of events, I feel extra blessed to be here!
Once my flight got in, I took a 40 minute car ride to Hoi An. Once I checked in, I headed across the street to a tailor shop with my modcloth dress pictures in my hand. I ended up getting two dresses handmade of nice light material and a skirt. Then I went across the street where I got three pairs of shoes made for me. I think I should have haggled for them, it was 200 for them all, but the clothes were a very nice quality. It's like what I would have paid for the dresses, except they were made just for me, so I didn't mind. Afterwards, I took a 25 minute treck to find a vegetarian restaurant I had looked up before leaving. There were so many small dogs and puppies running around on the street -I really wanted to play with them!! The restaurant was amazing and I was excited to hear that they did cooking classes every morning.
The Minh Hien restaurant. They had a huge menu of Vietnamese vegetarian food.
Next day, I woke up early at 7 so I could take the 8.00 tour to My Son, which is a UNESCO site of ancient temples from the 7th-11th century. It was an hour bus ride to the site, but I loved passing through the small villages along the way. There were many dogs and many cows in the towns. I wanted to pet the cows, they seemed so gentle and sweet! My Son was gorgeous, but our tour guide was a lot to handle. I met a girl, Theresa, from the Bay area and we decided to just go off and do our own thing instead. On the way back, we took a boat and got to go to a wood carving village. It was cool seeing them carve these huge wooden ships!
One of the many pups in Vietnam.
My Son means "beautiful mountain". These were temples built from the 9th-11th century.
We were dropped off at the Cam Nam island, where I happened upon the most perfect hat. Theresa haggled the price down for me and I ended up getting it for $5. We decided to spend the day together since we got along well. Also, she was a pescatarian too! We ended up going back to the vegetarian cafe and splitting a few things together. I went back to the tailor and shoe maker for my first fitting. Everything needed a little bit of alterations before it'd be perfect, but I was really happy with how nice everything looked! I met back up with Theresa and we spent the rest of the day walking around the town, and got some cheap shorts made for us. If only Korea would custom make shorts for $9!
My new favorite hat. I'm glad Theresa taught me how to haggle!
The Reaching Out Tea House. Most of the staff was deaf.
Theresa and I at the Reaching Out Tea House. We enjoyed the quietness and peace of the tea house!
Saturday morning, I packed up my bag and went back to the vegetarian place for a third time for my cooking class!! I was the only person in the class, so I picked two of the local dishes that I wanted to learn how to make. It was the best $20 spent. Look at my next blog post for more pictures and step by step instructions! Theresa stopped by during my lesson and joined me for the eating part since it was too much food for one person. I can't wait to make these meals for my friends and family!
The ingredients I used for my two dishes. My instructor was a middle aged Vietnamese woman who didn't speak much English.
My attempt at cutting up some garlic.
I was taking too long, so my teacher stepped in!
Banh Xeo (crispy pancake) and Bun (spicy noodle soup). Both were so delicious!
We ended up going back to my hotel and renting bikes for $1. It was a much faster way to see the city. We rode to central market, where there was tons of fruits I had never seen before. After a few more hours of poking around the city, we went and got massages and facials for $20. Theresa and I got to know each other pretty quick as they were like, "hey, strip down to your underwear in this room of four massage beds." Initial awkwardness aside, it was a nice massage. Although I got a hot stone massage, it was much more than that. I am almost positive the lady started walking on my back at one point.
Some men wading through the stream for maybe fish?
The vegetable marketplace in Hoi An.
The beautiful city of Hoi An.
My flight was delayed by an hour, so I wouldn't get into Ho Chi Minh City until 12.30 that morning. Guess I didn't need to rush back to my hotel so quickly! I was able to pick up my shoes from the shop. I was happy with how they turned out! I especially appreciated that the lady added extra arch support after my first fitting so they'd be more comfortable when I stand on my feet all day. I've gotten so many souvenirs and clothes for everyone (and of course myself) that I need another bag. Off to Ho Chi Minh City! Can't wait for the adventures in store there. (/^o^)/
My friend in the airport. He really loved staring and waving at me!
