We said our goodbyes to Danang this morning. It was emotional to say goodbye to the 2 reps that walked us through each step of the process this past week. They love the children so much. I guess it was also emotional because we were leaving the city our son spent the first 8 months of his life. It was emotional but I can't say we'll miss it! Fredrick was a real trooper on the plane while most other babies were crying. Entering Hanoi airport was music to our ears...ENGLISH! People actually speak our language...YIPPEE! Not only that but we saw chocolate and chips and cafes...all things we'd see in Montreal...this was thrilling! We loaded all our stuff into a large taxi and travelled about 40 minutes to our hotel and OH what a beautiful hotel it is. I knew things were going to look up as soon as we walked through the doors. There was door man who greeted us nicely and the people at the front desk spoke english and were very pleasant. And it smelled wonderful! Our room wasn't ready so they sent us to the 4th floor restaurant. There was real food...ingredients we could understand and knew we would enjoy. Burgers, salmon, chicken, pasta, pizza. We ate and enjoyed every bite...we actually think our stomachs shrunk because we were full after a few bites, although this did not stop me from having dessert! When the other adoptive family saw us they asked if we ate well and they all laughed at me because I was smiling ear to ear with satisfaction!
There is a beautiful pool, and a play ground for kids...Nathaniel & Jon have gone there now to check it out. There are tourist guides here for us so we know what activities there are in the area. There are shopping plazas and not just the Big C. I know, I know who comes to Vietnam to go to a plaza, but seriously we are not world travelers and we are here for 1 reason, and 1 reason only...to complete our son's adoption. We agree we were glad to see how people live here in Vietnam...so primitive I couldn't even begin to explain it but we're happy to be somewhere a little more advanced, and where we feel somewhat safe to walk around.
Our hotel room (1203) is absolutely beautiful. Jon & I have our room with a king size bed and our own bathroom, and mom & Nathaniel will share the other room. There are 2 single beds so mom doesn't have to share the bed with Nathaniel. She'll get a better night sleep. We have a kitchen with a stove, kettle, large fridge, utensils, pots & pans, microwave and are you ready for this...a washer and dryer 2 in 1! It washes and then dries! I'm in the process of doing our first load! If we had these at home, my bathroom would have a lot more space! Nice flat screen televisions, stereo and there are even clocks!!! The hotels in Ho Chi Minh and Danang did not invest in clocks...I was constantly asking Jon what time it was...very annoying, especially in the middle of the night! This has changed our attitudes completely...although I'm sure we'll be tired of even all of this by the end of next week. 1 week down...2 to go.
It was so good to read your blog this morning and know that you arrived safely in Hanoi and the it has been such an uplifting experience for all of you. You probably feel as though you are back in civilization again!! We are so blessed here in Canada and have no idea how the rest of the world lives, their "normal" is somewhat different to ours, I'm sure. Very glad to hear how well Fredrick travelled and can understand somewhat the emotional roller coaster you were on as you left his birthplace behind. Your hotel accommodations sound absolutely wonderful and I'm sure you'll be quite happy there until you get the word that its time to head home!! Glad to hear there is a play area for Nathaniel, do any of the other adoptive families who are there with you have children Nathaniel's age that he can play with? You will all be eating & sleeping so much better now. Is it as hot there as it was in Danang and Ho Chi Minh? Thank you again, Jess, for this wonderful blog, and the time you take each day to keep us all in the loop - it is very much appreciated. Hope this finds you all "fed up" and rested after a very hectic and emotional week. Our prayers are with you every day, and we are praying for expediency in the processing of little Fredrick's passport so you can come home asap!! Love to all, and of course a big hug to Lolli from me. Take care. Love, Ron & Sharon
ReplyDeleteHi everyone! We're back and the first thing I did was open the computer to read up on your blog. I'm so excited to hear things are going well. Is Nathaniel the proud big brother?! Nathaniel, you look like you are loving your brother and helping Mommy and Daddy take good care of him - good job. Congratulations everyone and we just can't wait to hold our 2nd great nephew. Lots of love, Tita Dianne and Uncle Doug, Adam & Corey.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you have better accomodations in Hanoi. There'll be more to see and do and the main thing is you have you're youngest son with you! He just seems to be taking everything instride. Amazing, almost as if he was waiting for his parents to come and get him! He is one blessed boy to have a family such as yours to be a member of. Try to rest and enjoy this portion of your journey. Thank You for sharing these precious moments with all of us. Love Rosalind
ReplyDeleteP.S. The Canadiens won Game two of the series in Boston, play in Montreal Monday night. FYI Ros
ReplyDeleteI'm from vietnam. sothat i can say vietnamese.
ReplyDeleteLòng bồi hồi khi nhớ về Danang. Tôi tự hỏi bao giờ mình tới danang 1 lần nữa không nhỉ?
i love danang sea.