Friday, February 1, 2019

Wednesday

We got up for breakfast and finished packing.  I stopped at the front desk to try to explain what we needed to do, which was get a big cab (we have received multiple comments on how much luggage we have) to take us to Nicole’s, wait for us (this part was very important) for my dress fitting, and then continue to bring us to the domestic airport terminal.  You never really know what is going to get lost in translation, sometimes I think I have an awesome conversation and we are on the same page, and it turns out completely different.  I felt confident that the hotel reception understood our plan, so at 9am we were there (with our luggage) and a minivan taxi pulled up. 
The Wilson girls leaving Saigon!
I wish I had a picture of the five, yes FIVE, Vietnamese men loading up our bags.  There was the taxi driver, the man at the hotel who calls the taxi, the bell man, the security man, and another sucker they asked to help (I literally have no idea who he was).  Alas, we were off to Nicole’s for my shell of a dress fitting.  I had no idea what to expect, as I have never tried on a wedding dress shell.  I was hoping it would be somewhat similar to what I had asked for, as I wasn’t really sure what I would do if it was nothing like what I wanted.  It was about a 20 minute drive and I felt confident the taxi understood we wanted him to wait (the not paying him yet might have helped, too) and in we went to Nicole’s to meet with Ni, the same woman who met with us last Friday.  She had a little curtain that she pulled around in the back so I could try on the dress! 
Erin & Mom nervous about seeing the dress!
I actually asked Dan if he wanted to see pictures (if you don’t already know, I don’t care about a lot of the traditional aspects of a wedding, and we will be doing a first look, but alas, Dan must have some tradition in him as he doesn’t want to see.  So, neither can you!)


However, it was so fun!  I panicked a little because the neckline wasn’t exactly what I had asked for.  Now, I would be perfectly happy with whatever I ended up with, but I figured I should provide some decent feedback, especially because Erin and Mom knew what I was looking for. 
Me & Ni!
However, Ni was quick to explain that it was just because it was the first layer, and showed me a picture of what it would look like when finished with additional layers and lace – perfect!  I paid for half the dress my first appointment and then at this appointment I paid for the remaining half of the dress and the cost for it to be shipped to the US.  She said that they are closed next week for Tet, and then it’ll take about 2 weeks for them to do all the final sewing, and then about a week for it to ship!  So exciting!  We have been communicating via WhatsApp as it’s free for us to text each other so before we boarded our flight I texted her just again to say thank you, and her response was so cute! 

 We joked about how she must have been stressed telling her friends/family about work and these three Americans who brought in pictures and were drawing sketches, etc. so hopefully she can rest easy now!

Our cab was waiting and we were on our way to the airport!  We were spoiled to have business class so check in was easy in our own private line.  We learned the first year that flying economy within Vietnam really limits your carry on and checked baggage (both in number of items and weight).  After doing the math of the extra money for the weight and number of our bags, we realized it was often cheaper (and more fun) to book a business class seat so now we live the good life.  The domestic terminal in Ho Chi Minh has actually improved SO MUCH, but it use to be incredibly crowded and hot with limited seating while waiting for a flight, so business also gets you a lounge.  We checked into the lounge, which wasn’t much, but gave us a more relaxed place to sit and wait.  Our flight was a bit delayed, but again, with business it was so nice to skip the line to get on the plane! 

The business class section had 8 seats total and they were just larger than the economy ones.  It was probably one of the oldest plans I have ever been on – it was pretty gross!  But luckily a pretty quick flight (just over an hour) and we landed in Hue.  The airport in Hue is teeny tiny – we were the only plane there!  We got our bags and were greeted by our driver.  It already felt cooler than in the big city!

It was about a 30 minute drive from the airport to the hotel where relaxation could begin!  We sat in the reception and were treated to a warm facecloth and some tea while they checked us in.  Mom and I stayed here 4 years ago and loved it (staying in an overwater bungalow was on my bucket list and this was one of the only places in the world where we could afford it).  Since it is also on Erin’s bucket list we thought it would be a good place to come back!  We are REALLY splurging this year (thanks Mom & Dad) for a double bungalow with our own private pool!  A pool over the water is pretty legit – and this place doesn’t disappoint!  It is beautiful!  AND QUIET!  Ohmigoodness it’s amazing how quiet it is after crazy Saigon! 
Our home!


After the first year Mom and I realized it was too much (physically, emotionally, etc) to go right from the orphanage/Saigon back home.  Also, Vietnam has some beautiful locations, and we thought it would be fun to see some of them (Saigon is beautiful in its own way, I guess???) so we started added on a couple of days at the end for some R&R before returning home.

After getting settled in our room, we decided to take our bikes (how cool right?) to show Erin the peasant pool (I mean the pool for those people who don’t have their own) the restaurant, and spa area. 
We were all starving, so decided to get something to eat, before making spa appointments for the evening!  The spa is beautiful as it is multiple bungalows over the water, so really feels tropical!  Erin and I enjoyed the steam and sauna before we all split up for some R&R.  Granted you pay more at a place like this (and you get what you pay for) this was SO relaxing as there wasn’t the sound of horns, people, cell phones ringing, etc.  It was so wonderful and relaxing!

After we came back to the room to change and then headed back (via bike) to the restaurant for dinner.  Tomorrow will be another beautiful day of R&R! 

1 comment:

  1. The bungalow...<3 <3 <3

    Can't wait to see your dress!!! Lava!

    ReplyDelete