This is the best I can do at this time of night.My goodness what a long day. On paper, today sounded like a 2 hour excursion (plane trip). In reality, its taken the whole day. After breakfast, we packed (which involved a trip to the market to purchase another suitcase). At noon, we checked out and took taxis to the airport. Let me tell you, navigating the airport with luggage is one thing--navigating it with luggage and a baby is another--navigating it as a group of 4 families with 7 kids and 9 adults and at least 16 bags is a whole new experience. I have no idea how we are ever going to get home. Note to family: we're going to need LOTS of help at baggage claim--but this is not ALL ours
Then, after entertaining ourselves in the airport for a few hours (not easy with so many kids), we boarded the airplane. Now mind you, the announcement said "We are pleased to pre-board families traveling with small children"--but in Vietnam this means that all passengers should rush the line. Still, we made it on board.
Now, Miss Molly spent nearly the entire day on my lap, and most of the time in the airport with a bottle of water in her mouth. So...when takeoff occurred, she wanted NOTHING to do with the waterbottle. Which lead to what I can only imagine was ear pressure. Which lead to the fact that SHE was screamer on board. They gave me a little seat belt extension that hooked onto mine and then went around her. In her fit, she completely squirmed out of it. It took me several minutes to win the "just put the bottle in your mouth" war--and once I won she completely passed out and slept through the rest of the trip. On landing, she was still reluctant to take the bottle but I managed to convince her more quickly.
Once off the plane, all 16 of us were loaded into a bus. Our luggage took up the back two seats and was loaded through a window. The ride was about 45 minutes.
This hotel is much more spacious than the last one (although it wouldn't have been if we had be forced to stay in the 1st room they provided for us). It had one bed--which I simply couldn't fathom the three of us fitting in! Fortunately, they moved us to a suite and brought in a second bed for mom.
All in all, we have arrived in Hanoi. It's late. Everyone is wiped out. We'd all rather be home.
But no one is looking forward to the long plane ride. Tomorrow will be a new day. We could all use it.
3 comments:
Ugh! That sounds miserable. Travel days are hard but loads of baggage and kids with ear pain must be much worse. At least you can relax for a week before you make the big and final flight. We, at home, will make sure your bags are easy to carry, your taxi is quick and your house has enough beds when you arrive. Thanks for giving a blog update even on a day like that. Say "allo" to Molly for me -- and "hi" to mom.
Hopefully the long airflight segments go smoother with more room, less noise, more comforts and longer sleeping periods. Regardless, several more trips and you will have Molly home-- and be home yourselves as well. We are all anxiously awaiting your arrival on August 30. I'm betting "home" will feel very good for you and Ann and Molly will be entering a new era of stability and tons of love. You were a trooper to post after that adventure. All my love to all three of you. John
Just think, by this time next week you and Molly will be home! Enjoy your week. Hopefully you will have some down time.
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