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I was thinking about doing a Masters this year and when I actually booked my flight to Hanoi I was so glad I wasn't doing a masters that I was only doing to fill in a year of my life. I'm reading travel blogs, trip advisor and books obsessively. As long as I can remember, I've been saying I wanted to travel after college and now I' flying out 2 days after graduation, true to my word.
I have found conflicting information regarding vaccinations in other countries. Basically, I went to one doctor, got a prescription but when I went to the chemist I was told that one of the vaccinations wasn't in production. I returned to the doctor and he gave me another prescription which was gone out of production! I was extremely worried at that point. My sister then rang her doctor and made me an appointment. I walked out half an hour later €160 poorer but with 4 jabs against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid and Tetanus. I have to return next week to get another Hep B jab. The nurse administered the vaccines and both the nurse and doctor had a good chat with me about risks with water, food etc. They were helpful beyond belief and printed out loads of information for me and gave me an international certificate of vaccination so that I can keep track. Phew!
I need to look into some kind of repellant that will stop the bugs/mosquitos feasting on me. I have read that Deet spray is the most effective but can cause skin problems. Apparently, it depends on your blood type whether they are attracted to you and Rhesus negative bloods are more attractive to them for some reason. That information is disputed and there are loads of arguments about it on the internet but I know that I am B- and I get eaten alive even in Ireland.
Whenever I've traveled before, I have used a suitcase so now I need to invest in a good rucksack. Given that I'm going for at least 8 weeks and possibly more, I'll need a large enough one. From reading travel blogs, it is advisable not to bring and excessive amount of clothes and I suppose that I'll have be carrying this bag half way around the world. There are huge amounts of rucksacks available and I think that I will need around a 50-70 litre bag. I ended up buying a 65litlre bag with loads of compartments and a rain cover and it cost €55, not bad at all.
I don't intend on bringing good clothes and think that I should be able to buy anything I need cheaply in Asia anyway. I'm have a mini hair dryer which I think I'll sacrifice in favour of my GHD! (It doubles up as an iron to de-crease all of the rucksack smooshed clothes-that is my justification). My frizzy curly hair will be a nightmare with the humidity, think Bon Jovi/Kate Bush. I have become a dab hand at pleating and braiding my hair though that is probably how I'll deal with it. As for shoes, I have good runners, flip flops, cheap runners and a pair of standard issue black penny's flats with a bow for going out in. Heels would be a ridiculous waste of space I think. I have a few vests, tee shirts, 1 denim shorts, I black maxi, I short skirt, 10 underwear, 2 bras, 7 pairs of socks. I also have a multifunctional scarf which can be used as a blanket, sarong and towel if necessary. I only have one bikini though but will probably pick up a spare along the way if needed.
I bought a cheap tablet and plug in keyboard for €70 which will be handy because it doubles as a kindle, music and movie player. I can also use it to Skype, internet and sat nav so hopefully it is a good investment.
I also need a durable camera, maybe waterproof for amazing shots on the beaches and in the clear blue sea!
Other than that, the beauty and hygiene products. I will definitely limit the make-up bag to essentials. BB cream, pressed powder, bronzer, one lipgloss, mascara and an eyeshadow palette. No room for fancy makeup brushes! Obviously theres shampoo, conditioner and showergel. I need to find to some kind of miracle product for my hair too! Razors, shaving cream, dry shampoo and hopefully that is about it.
Its 2 weeks til the big day and Sorcha is flying out today. She's going to Sapa in Northern Vietnam to do a trek. So I fly in the 6th and we will all meet in Hanoi for a night. I arrive at 12 during the day hopefully it will be easy to figure out how to get to the hostel.
I'm starting to get really excited now!
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