Mai's Travel Journal: Chapter - 1 Ha Noi

Preparing for the trip:

I'm sure you are probably wondering how I'm preparing for my "journey for a better tomorrow". I'm wondering the opposite - how would others prepare - and I tried to prepare according to what I think others would do, had they been in my position.

First off, health is everyone’s most valuable possession. So I worked toward staying healthy. Speaking of being healthy, I'm reminded of the flavour of an ice cream cone, the cooling effect of a glass of iced tea. Oh, I already gave up my 3-cups-of-coffee-a-day habit and even got off the bus and walked ... occasionally! Just to improve my leg strength. I didn't even think about these things before and already I'm practicing them.

Next, I packed my bag, which is as big as my back; a few pairs of pants, shirts, a raincoat, a flashlight, some flu medications, anti-diarrhea medications, bandages, balm patches etc.. and most important of all, a bottle of mosquito repellant, unsheathed! Just so the mosquitoes would be properly warned about my might. But of course, the most valuable item is a blank notebook, where I will record my diary and store my photos. These are things I'll share with you each day on the web, as I journey the country. So please check back with me everyday.

Lastly, my protective good luck charm, which I will treasure and care for during this whole trip, is my family's, friends' and everybody's support. Wishes for a safe and lucky journey have come from my loved ones, my friends, people I've just met, and people whom I have yet to meet face-to-face. It is also my passion, my strength and the courage I currently have and will have. I firmly believe with the protection of this good luck charm, I will be able to finish my journey for a better tomorrow; just as the name of this journey implies.

2/9/2004

I have had a short day, though it felt very long; a jumbled day of excitement and silences; a day as though everything had all been mixed up. Just when things appear to be out of control, that’s when there's the opportunity to begin again. I have tried to learn this point.

At dawn, I bolted out of bed, as if valuable time had been stolen from me, took a piece of paper and began to fill it with activities and things I wanted to do before I began my journey. I carefully observed each stroke, each word, not because I have beautiful handwriting, or neat script, but because I have a constant fear of forgetting or missing something.

Mingling in the large crowd, I was excited and happy to visit Uncle Ho's mausoleum. The happy faces of people around me and the patience of thousands of people waiting in line was such a lively kind of sign, one that helped me understand what it's like to build interpersonal relationships based on trust, friendliness and equality. I thought about the 8th goal and other goals in the MDG, about things I will do and about what I hope to share with others.

I had a nice lunch on the street and a loving dinner surrounded by close ones. I received countless well wishes; from wishes of a safe trip to wishes of luck. Sentimentally, I do not want to let go of these feelings. Really!!

I double checked my back pack; taking things out and putting things back in for fear of not having enough, then took things out because I thought I had enough. I was like that; optimistically ready yet anxiously worried.

At last, when everything didn’t appear so chaotic anymore, I finished my day. I need to recharge my reserves so tomorrow I will not only be ready emotionally, but also physically to fight for the dreams of MDG in real life.

Chapter 1 - Ha Noi - Images

Photos: Giovanni di Giorgio, Sarah Katz, Vern Weitzel
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