Travels

Touch down after a nightmare start, stuck in Doha for two days, thankfully for one of them I got to ‘explore’ Doha ( walked around the city a little ) but it was very hot, I had no WiFi and I didn’t want to get lost. I also was put up in a very nice hotel – I should have used that to get more sleep as the following day was drastically different. Chaos in the airport as the US military base was attacked by Israel, flights delayed/canceled, people crying and running around, babies screaming it was all chaotic. Thankfully everyone was safe and within the next couple of days I was on my way.

Arrived in Hanoi airport, finally the travel truly begins, through passport control, beaming smile patiently awaiting my bag.. oh of course it had not arrived. For the next two hours I was stood in baggage control, hot and sweaty, feeling anxious and frustrated whilst at the same time trying to remain cool and collected. Being pushed about people leaning over, cutting in the line it was manic. Eventually I made it to the front, filled out the form and was told I had to wait up to five whole days to hear back from them. The walk to the exit was only 30 meters but seemed like a lifetime away, hanging my head low as I have a heavy weight of defeat on my shoulders, dragging my heals debating should I just fly home. All of a sudden a guy walks in with my bag over his shoulder, I rush over to him to say you got my bag! He explained and apologised he picked it up by mistake.. fuck me the relief – all of my anxiety and frustration quickly evaporated my travels actually begins now.

Arrive at the hostel, check it out was lovely – took a stroll into town got a beer and some food surprised by how cheap it all really was, I paid around £1.20 for food and a beer, life is good. Was a bar crawl the first night I got involved met some great people and had a fantastic night out. The second day I woke up around 2pm, I clearly needed it. Walked around the city some more, explored the old town and just took it all in – the evening was somewhat the same however it was not an organised bar crawl it was with some people that I had met from the night before. We all agreed to do train street the following morning so we had an early ish night (3am). The third day we did train street it was cool and definitely worth the visit, went to some nice food locations, tried Vietnamese coffee for the first time – it’s amazing but quite sweet, went for a massage and then in the evening I met up with some of the people who I got to know in the airport. We went to beer street and had some Bia Hoi Hà Nội, local beer a pint is around 20p, also explored the night markets. The final day in Hanoi I got a haircut, booked my trip for the Hi Gang Loop and again went to some famous food locations. Ban Mi 25 amazing food and also a location where Barack Obama once ate – I was not a massive fan of the food but it was still nice. I had an early night that night as I was up early the following morning for the Ha Giang Loop.

In conclusion Hanoi was great, it didn’t seem like I got up to much and I could have done the water puppet show, a walking tour and the museums but I was not massively interested in the museums – the water puppet show I had not heard good things and the walking tours I was just not up early enough, the heavy nights probably didn’t help. Something which did settle me though was the amount of people I spoke with who said they found it the exact same. Great night life but not to much to do. Overall I’d give it a solid 7/10 getting used to a foreign country, massively delayed getting there and it not having the most activity’s to do unless you wanted to go to loads of museums.

The day has come, travelling is imminent however for some reason it still does not feel real. I went by my day as I usually would, breakfast and a bit of Duolingo followed by the gym – the only difference was when I got home I had to pack, perhaps something I should have done the days before, I’m sure if it wasn’t for the help from my brother then I’d still be packing now.

On the way to the airport I was certain that it was all going to hit me, but not still relaxed. Parked up in Terminal 4 few snaps and off we went, dropped bags off and had the last bit of “scran” and a Guinness and it was time to go through the gates of no return. Mum bless her did a great job not to crumble, everyone held it together and I walked through with my head held high – I’ll miss them all so much but they are only a phone call away.

Straight through to my gate, boarding was smooth I also had a great seat as the plane was half full so lots of leg room! Everything set to be perfect until we were told the plane was delayed by about an hour, nothing can ever be perfect.

It was when the pilot announced “prepare for take off” phone switch to aeroplane and seatbelts fastened, that’s when it all hit me. Watching out the window as I leave the UK behind, all I could think about is what Danny Dyer was saying “fuck, what have I got myself into” so many thoughts crossed my mind – surely I can’t use the excuse that a family member has passed to cabin crew to turn this plane around this time can I? I had to pinch myself and shape up – this is an amazing opportunity and I should be proud that I’ve embarked on this adventure.

When the seatbelt signs came off and I released the buckle the stress also seemed to leave my body.. and relax – we off and that little wobble was only temporary and thankfully lasted only a whole 5 minutes – whiskeys were flowing – I had free WiFi, bit of journaling and even spoke to a couple of people. That one guy mum was pointing at in the queue during bag drop off, Joe, 35 from Bristol alright fella and then also met Jay, 21 from Liverpool and funny enough same hostel as me! Sure I’ll be bumping into him from time to time.

Landed safely in Doha and by the way, what an airport it’s like a shopping mall! However we were told that due to the delay from Heathrow, we would miss our connecting flight so we were given a flight for the next day… great!