While it was a little rocky, I have finally made my way to Da Nang, Vietnam and met up with the rest of the GVN volunteers. Normally, I am a very happy traveller and am not really affected by long flights and jet lag. To put it nicely, this was not the most pleasant travelling experience. 13 hours to Tokyo, 6 hour lay over, 6 hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City, overnight layover outside the airport because it was closed- one of the more frightening experiences of my life but I made it, then a delayed flight to Da Nang. I picked up my bags and just hoped that when I walked out that door someone was standing with my name on a sign because I was exhausted and hungry after 2 days of travelling. I was so happy to see the GVN coordinator Viet waiting to take me to the hotel. I walked into the hotel and ran into 6 other volunteers that were travelling to Hoi An- Sarah and her dad Pat, Kate, Susanna,and Katie & Linda who have both been here for 2 months. They asked if I wanted to go to Hoi An for the night and even though I had barely eaten, slept, and definitely hadn't showered in awhile, I was in. I put my bag in my room, threw some items in my backpack and was trudging through the rain to the bus station. After haggling over prices, we jumped on the bus which drove haphazardly through Da Nang barely stopping to pick up more people to crowd in the bus and barely slowing to let them out. We are staying in a hotel run by a local woman who has previously interpreted for GVN. We immediately put our stuff in the room and headed out in Hoi An. This area is known for its tailors so we were all excited to get dresses made. I did get one dress made but would love to come back for another night to get a few more dresses and coats made. A nice winter coat would cost $30 here versus hundreds of dollars back home. We ventured around the streets and ended up taking a boat ride along the river to see some of the local fishers. After a nap it was out to dinner with everyone including 3 volunteers from the previous month that leave tomorrow. It was nice being able to hear their advice and stories from volunteering. I am really getting excited to start.

Since I travelled to Hong Kong and Beijing last summer, I don't feel the same culture shock that many of the volunteers feel. I remember the horrible humidity and constant state of disgusting sweatiness, chaotic driving with no type of traffic signals- just go, small shops and strange food. Well, tomorrow we are heading back to Da Nang. I have orientation on Monday and will then move to my Tam Ky placement. The time change here is directly opposite of back home. My night is your morning. It seems pretty easy to get online so I should be able to stay in contact often. Also, if you are on facebook or messenger, we can talk at the same time. My placement can receive international phone calls so we could schedule a day and time if anyone wants to talk. I know this was long...I promise my future e-mails won't give every detail of my day!!! I am planning on using a blog instead of e-mails but I'm not sure what will work at my placement so I am waiting to send that out. I hope everyone is doing well back home. :)

Jenna