FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX: Vietnam Vacation

Wednesday 17 May 2023

Vietnam Vacation

D-Day. A much awaited mother and son, which quickly became mother and son, and Oma and Opa trip, was finally here. Believe it or not, Elliot would be starting full time work next year, and this was part of my poor coping mechanism to deal with the end of our annual big family trip. We had enough points for Singapore Airlines business class flights. Elliot was able choose any Asian destination that Singapore Airlines flew to, and he chose Vietnam

The planned early night did not eventuate. My mother was not able to install her Airalo e-sim properly and Airalo of course, chose to respond right as I was going to sleep. An hour later, still no resolution but at least they provided a new esim for me to try help install when we met up in Singapore during transit.

Our flight was at 0755 but we were flying business class. What could go wrong? Well...Elliot left our suitcase behind at home! Which we didn't discover until we arrived at the airport! It was a mad scramble to try and wake Lara up, and for to drive the suitcase halfway to meet up with Malcolm, who then proceeded to drive to the airport a second time. I mean...surely this was only stories of travel noobs?!?! I was in shock that this could actually happen to US. Fortunately for us, Lara and Malcolm's heroic efforts got our suitcase to the airport in time. There was NO ONE else at the check in counter when we got there, so it was super quick! Fortunately for us, Sydney airport had installed the new scanning machines, so security was super quick too and a walk through. 10 minutes from check in to drinking my much needed latte at the lounge. We managed to get a quick bite to eat before they started to board our flight.

The travel drama didn't end there though. There was obviously truth to the saying "when it rains, it pours"...Our plane arrived at Singapore as scheduled however had to circle the airport because of a sudden change in weather preventing safe landing. The mild delay meant that we arrived at 2:45pm. Our flight to Hanoi was at 3:05pm. Yes you read that correctly. Elliot and I sprinted like champion Kenyans through Changi and made it to our boarding gate. Oma and Opa were waiting for us at the gate to board, equipped with jerky for Elliot of course...We were the last ones to board. Phew! At least now I made my required step count for the day. Our suitcase though was not as lucky. After landing in Hanoi and making it through the longish immigration lines, I was made aware of our suitcase left behind in Singapore. Kudos to Singapore Airlines here. They were on top of the situation and had staff there to sort out paperwork. Our bag was already put on the next flight and they had organised for delivery to the hotel. The staff at the airport was super helpful and told us that he would liase directly with the hotel to coordinate drop off and that we wouldn't have to worry.

The much needed latte

Happy pants

A "light" refreshment

Elliot trying the Singapore Sling

Duck noodles

Hello Kitty!

Our guide, Kevin, was waiting for us outside. He gave us a history lesson on Vietnam and some fast fasts during our 45 minute drive to our hotel, La Siesta, in the Old Quarter. He helped us check in, ensured that the staff knew about our coming suitcase, and then left us to our own devices.

It may have been more apt to rename this blog "Oma and Opa's Adventures". They could not contain their excitement after seeing all the shops and street food outside. Elliot and I retired after buying deodorant and pants suitable to see Uncle Ho tomorrow. Despite comfortable flights, it was a long day and we were smashed by the time the time difference was taken into consideration. Oma and Opa, however, went on wandering the Old Quarter like young backpackers. They bought fruit, ate pigeon salad, and found some mango spring rolls. They didn't come back in time for me to fix my mother's esim! We later found out that they got lost, walked into the wrong hotel, and didn't realise until they went up to the 3rd floor and couldn't find their room.