From my 'pod'...to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
What a difference a day makes!
It has been a whirlwind 24 hours...from London to Ho Chi Minh. We took
the evening flight with Cathay Pacific which gets a thumbs up from this flyer.
We slid into our 'pods', set up shop with assorted books, magazines and movie selections
and got the business of travelling underway. The food was delicious which is something
I can rarely say for airline cuisine. The 11 hour flight into Hong Kong was a breeze
with a quick stopover and 2 hour flight into Ho Chi Minh.
A very trim and slim Hr. H met us at the airport. He has been living
in Ho Chi Minh for the past six weeks and over that time managed
to lose 10kgs/22lbs. Mrs. H can not say the same for the past
It was stepping outside the airport when it happened...the wall of heat!
The proverbial 'sweater girl'..who is happiest when there is a distinct chill is in the air..
had thoughts which I care not to repeat. Those of you who are of a similar
nature will understand my emotion at that particular moment.
Being one to look for a silver lining in every situation, I started to imagine
fabrics, designs and a dressmaker. It took all of two minutes to think
through my master plan. I will not be defeated...
I will carry on, in heat (literally), in style!
Speaking of style... we ventured off to
The Temple Club in Ho Chi Minh for dinner. I managed this
not so perfect shot from my position on a bar stool.
I loved the decor in this restaurant with it's Indochine/colonial vibe,
swirling fans and antique silverware. I was besotted with the lampshades feeling
that my travelling chaise (here) might just need one by it's side. At this point,
moving to Vietnam is having some serious bonuses to it.
The food was beautifully flavoured..everything I love about Vietnamese food. I finished off
with a passionfruit sorbet that was to die for...just the right tang for passionfruit. I might have
to rethink the sorbet if I am to catch up with Mr. H on the weight scene.
I will save that thought for another day. :)
As I sit typing away, I reflect on the past few hours. This morning we visited the home
we will one day live in. I was finally able to put the drawing (here) Mr. H provided
of the house months ago into proper perspective. Let's just say his spatial awareness
skills need some tweaking. Mrs. H is much happier to have seen the house in person
and think it will do...very nicely indeed. :)
This weary traveller is going to put her feet up but before she does
she sends her very best wishes and thanks for all the postcard requests as
she loves picking out postcards! The hunt for the perfect ones begins tomorrow. :)
images~me
Jeanne, I'm fascinated by these images and by your journey. Please send me a postcard and I will do the same for you from New York City.
ReplyDeleteWondering how the Vietnamese react to Americans?
Will keep you posted on that one Teri...from what I have seen and heard they are gracious to all. :)
DeleteI so hear you when it comes to the heat Jeanne! I feel your pain but I know you will make the best of it all! Enjoy all that yummy food and stay cool!
ReplyDeleteBest wishes always,
Natasha.
xo
Loooved this post...and the travelling chaise post...and the drawing (lack of scale, labelling and all) post...
ReplyDeleteAdore the gorgeous picture of the print on the wall you managed to take atop your bar stool too...
Keep enjoying & sharing your travels...I love it all...
Melissa- Miss Sew & So
xx
Oh I do hope, for your sake, that it also has a pool!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI shall have to send my details as I think I would love a postcard!
Have fun exploring your new country. xx
Oh Jeanne, methinks you will be wearing lots of cotton and linen caftans, I know you love them! House looks lovely, well the gate at any rate. Mr H's drawing is hysterical I note he paid particular attention to the couch and TV, just as well you are now in situ to sort him out! I wish you and the family all the best in your new home and look forward to reading all about your adventures, of which I am sure there will be many.
ReplyDeleteXXX
Jeanne your adventure is so exciting. You, above all others, will adapt and embrace all the new changes with this new life. You have an amazing attitude and you are an inspiring role-model for your family and for us all really. Life is about change and making best of each and every situation. It certainly alleviates any ulcers down the road having that wonderful attitude!! Enjoy all your discovering this week. xx Debs
ReplyDeleteAnd the adventure begins! I can't wait to see your new rooms...
ReplyDeleteJeanne, I can feel the heat via this post. I too prefer a little chill in the air, but you have the perfect solution..... a new wardrobe. Heaps of linen perhaps? Paula
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Paula! Maybe I will even invent a new type of fabric for optimum coolness! :)
DeleteGlad you had a good flight and now comfortably insitu... Sounds like you're going to have a wonderful 6 weeks... Looking forawrd to receiving my postcard. I will need to send you my new address which I'll have early next week. Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteBestest
Jo xx
No problem Jo...I think you sent it to me, I will double check. :)
DeleteJeanne, your optimism, and adventurous spirit always inspire me! I wish I were half as cool as you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephanie...I think crazy may be more like it, but I will take cool...just need to get my kids to think the same! :)
DeleteLovely! Waiting for a peek inside the gate. :-) JudyMac
ReplyDeleteHappy travels: check. Happy discovery: check Happy adventures!!
ReplyDelete.. Jeanne ... linen is scratchy .. I would try to find some kind of gauze ... with a lightweight cami under it, cotton of course .. OMG, I can't imagine. But would LOVE to be there ... gate looks great too!
ReplyDeleteI can't stop thinking about the adventure you're having. I know what you mean about the heat, it's what I call tangible heat. The type that threatens to suffocate you. But a good dressmaker sounds like a good idea :)
ReplyDeleteI agree, the chaise most definitely needs one of those fabulous lamps. I am not someone who does well in the heat, my sympathies are with you. I know you will do well though. Enjoy your adventure. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear that you have arrived safely and that the country and your future home have made you smile so far. The heat - I must admit, I don't think I could do it. I suffer during the Danish summer:-) But the weightloss thing sounds great. Do you think that is something which can be achieved by living in Vietnam vicariously through you?:-) Fingers crossed.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your stay and Happy Easter.
Lots of white linen!
ReplyDeleteI can already see you dressed as Catherine Deneuve in Indochine...
And I can't wait for a peek inside that front gate either....
Janelle x
Lots of white linen! (Or cotton is good too.)
ReplyDeleteI can already see you dressed as Catherine Deneuve in Indochine...
And I can't wait for a peek inside that front gate either....
Janelle x
Ooh, Temple club.. yes, yes.. stunning pics.. happy settling down to that heat/beep peep/ Blessed and safe Easter.. yes please re a postcard.. I'd love one from you Jeanne.. I'll send one from Brissy too.. xx j
ReplyDeleteOh it all sounds so wonderfully exciting and fun! I can't imagine that type of heat, there's just too Scottish in me to like it much. I loved your reaction of thinking of fabrics and a seamstress!
ReplyDeleteWOW you are intrepid!! Love the pod...have never experienced one. Need to try that! You are a world traveller Jeanne, I am so impressed. Here I am snuggled in my everyday sameness, whilst you take on Vietnam!! Embrace it big sis! L x
ReplyDeletePs.. love the look of your new front gates.. happy days ahead for you/r family.. May HCMC be filled with much new adventure and excitement all delivering those great expectations.. looking forward to meeting you in Saigon in August.. I have a ladies tour.. with a personal shopper/stylist.. blessed Easter Jeanne.. x me - ps.. Temple Club pic were great! Keep them rolling.. I await to hear many more such stories..
ReplyDeleteJeanne
ReplyDeleteGood Luck on your new adventure. Thanks for sharing it all with us! Linen and those beautiful Vietnamese cottons will be your friends!
Yes new fabrics.New clothes. Dress like the locals to beat the heat and humidity. There should be lots of dressmakers.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful country and people.
Jeanne,
ReplyDeleteSo happy to see you had a pleasant trip, a good pod, reading material, and food always make the journey better.
I cannot wait to see your new wardrobe! I love caftans! But the heat is my downfall...
Be brave and enjoy it all. I love the preview of the house.
Elizabeth
Thanks for sharing this information from your pods to Vietnam. I really enjoyed this article.
ReplyDeleteIn a vacuum all photons travel at the same speed. They slow down when travelling through air or water or glass. Photons of different energies are slowed down at different rates. If Tolstoy had known this, would he have recognised the terrible untruth at the beginning of Anna Karenina? 'All happy families are alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own particular way.' In fact it's the other way around. Happiness is a specific. Misery is a generalisation. People usually know exactly why they are happy. They very rarely know why they are miserable. Cheap Flights to Ho Chi Minh City
ReplyDeleteWhen walking in Vietnam you can expect to come across a wide range of stunning sights, both natural and manmade. Ho Chi Minh City is no exception to this, offering a selection of must see destinations that will be the highlights of your trip to the country. Amazing travel experience.
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