Last post before I head north…

So I’ve decided that even though I packed lightly (for a female westerner), I brought way too many things to lug around the country.  I am going to leave my suitcase and laptop at the hotel (where I stayed in Ho Chi Minh), and head north.  So this will be my last post until I return (although I’ll keep a daily journal and update my blog once I am home).

Here is what I am taking with me:  backpack, camera, hat, instant coffee (which is actually amazing – thank you brother for working @ Starbucks), one contact (yes, one), socks, undies (mom would be proud), swimsuit, shampoo, anti-everything medications (just in case), money (USD and Dong), passport, credit cards, ipod, Blackberry (I might be ok w/o the laptop but not the BB!) travel guide, toothbrush/toothpaste and my journal.  After sorting through all my belongings and deciding which items I need and which items I thought I needed (i.e. my leave-in conditioner and whitening mouth wash, lol) I’m quickly learning that: 1) I have way too many “things” in general and I need to condense immediately returning home and 2) I really can “survive” with very little…

Since I have access to Facebook on my phone, I will updating my status regularly so you guys know I’m alive (btw, the Vietnam gov’t has actually blocked sites like Facebook to it’s residents – crazy how much freedom we really do have in America).

That’s it for now!  Thank you all for your support and love.  It really helps to know I have so many people behind me.

~ Esther

Had to take a little detour…

It is almost midnight and I am in Narita, Japan.  I was supposed to catch a plane in Narita and head to Ho Chi Minh City, but there was a 6 hour flight delay due to mechanical errors and I missed my connecting flight… so, I’m along for the ride.  I have no idea where my luggage is, but I do have my laptop and my camera with me, so I am content.

I have absolutely nothing booked for my trip at this point (which is surprisingly exhilarating), other than my hotel for tomorrow night when I land in Ho Chi Minh.  However, I do know that I plan to do the following, at some point along the way: see Halong Bay (where I was told I can take a 2-3 day boat cruise around the bay that is unbelievable), visit Sapa (breathtaking mountain and hill area), visit the DMZ (demilitarized zone) and stop by Hoi An where I can get custom-made clothes for beyond cheap.

After visiting Sapa (the northern-most part of Vietnam, on the Chinese border), I am going to head back down south and visit the “Peace Trees Vietnam” organization site, which is located in Dong Ha.  I’ve been coordinating with the program directors for a few weeks now and they have given me permission to photograph/observe their work.  My hope is that when I come back to the states, I can educate others about this notable organization.  I also plan to hold a fundraiser benefit for them.  I was very moved by this foundation and I encourage you to read more about them at: www.peacetreesvietnam.org.

During my journey, I will be posting a daily blog with pictures and a summary of how my day panned out, so stay tuned.  Oh and thanks for following me

~ Esther