HERE
on Charley and Jane in Vietnam (Vietnam), 08/Sep/2009 10:37, 34 days ago
Now the Vietnam blog can properly begin. We're here. After a long, tiring– bumpy! - flight to Hanoi via Bankok we arrived at 9.30am (3.30am UK). Hanoi airport is very usable for an International airport. Stands in marked contrast to Bankok where the concourses seemed to go on for miles – especially to a man with blistered heels (don't ask). We were met at Hanoi by the VSO Programme Office staff and what lovely people they are! The volunteers have been arriving in dribs and drabs from all corners of the globe – but by this morning we were all here. I think there's 10 of us and for the next three weeks of In Country Orientation we'll get to know each other nuchbetter. But already the drinking contingent is making itself known (needless to say Jane and myself are founder members!). After a superb meal at a local restaurant hosted by the VSO Country Director, a few of us adjoined to a local beer hall and sank a few of the local ales. Excellent!A couple of observations– the VSO Vietnamese programme staff are all lovely and helpful – the hotel we're staying in, goes by the name of the 'Au Co', is great, simple clean and airy (plus A/Cs!) - and our intial impressions of Hanoi fantastic! Colourful, anarchic, hot and sweaty, friendly – I'll add other adjectiveswhen I've time. Got to go now and prepare for another group meal – oh did I tell you the food is GREAT. Feeling very optimistic...