We
have been overseas for two years and last month we had the pleasure of welcoming
our first visitor, my father-in-law, Nat. Neither Douglas nor I expected anyone
to visit us while stationed in Algiers. We thought that would change at our
next duty station. Our expectations of anyone visiting us quickly diminished
upon learning that Vietnam would be our next stop. It’s Vietnam – what are the
odds that anyone has this country on their bucket list? After living here for
the past 7 ½ months we can easily say that the visit is worth the trek, time,
and money for those who are able. Before we left the US in 2012, Douglas’ dad
told us to expect a visit from him. We did not think much of the words at the
time because people say they will visit, but it is rare that they ever do. His
dad kept his word and surprised us at the start of the year with the news that
he would be paying us a visit in February. Within a few days, the details were
confirmed and the ticket was purchased.
Upon receiving Nat’s flight itinerary I went into automatic planning mode. I wanted to give him a pleasant mixture of tourist activities, time with the three of us together, and a good amount of father-son time. My big challenge was working around the Vietnamese Tet Holiday when all businesses shut down for approximately five days. Thankfully my father-in-law is an extremely laid back and flexible man. Those qualities are absolutely necessary when visiting Hanoi, but especially when visiting during Tet. We could not have asked for a better visit. All was accomplished within the one week he was here. We did everything from visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Museum to going bowling at Asia's largest underground mall.
It may seem odd to thank a parent for coming to visit. One might consider that an automatic obligation for a parent to do, so why thank them? Well, nothing is automatic and regardless of our expectations, as adults I believe no one owes us anything, not even a parent. Therefore, I am very appreciative to my father-in-law for not only having the desire to visit, but for setting aside time in his schedule to spend just with us. Thanks for the memories!
Upon receiving Nat’s flight itinerary I went into automatic planning mode. I wanted to give him a pleasant mixture of tourist activities, time with the three of us together, and a good amount of father-son time. My big challenge was working around the Vietnamese Tet Holiday when all businesses shut down for approximately five days. Thankfully my father-in-law is an extremely laid back and flexible man. Those qualities are absolutely necessary when visiting Hanoi, but especially when visiting during Tet. We could not have asked for a better visit. All was accomplished within the one week he was here. We did everything from visiting Ho Chi Minh’s Museum to going bowling at Asia's largest underground mall.
It may seem odd to thank a parent for coming to visit. One might consider that an automatic obligation for a parent to do, so why thank them? Well, nothing is automatic and regardless of our expectations, as adults I believe no one owes us anything, not even a parent. Therefore, I am very appreciative to my father-in-law for not only having the desire to visit, but for setting aside time in his schedule to spend just with us. Thanks for the memories!
We came up with the fun idea of creating a welcome sign. Look at that lady's face! |
He too got to experience what it's like to be a celebrity in Hanoi |
Yes, it's seriously that crowded in this tiny market |
Van Mieu - Temple of Literature |
Hoa Lo Prison, the famous "Hanoi Hilton" |
Douglas is finally learning how to play the game of spades... |
Vincom Mega Mall |
All is fair in love and bowling! (Douglas got lucky!) |
Guess what time it is? |
King's Island Golf Course where they were treated like royalty |
The breakfast table - where they were also treated like royalty! : ) |
I think his heart skipped a beat when looking at how much beer could fit on a motor bike |
The trip would not be complete without getting something tailor made |
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum |
Ho Chi Minh Museum |
Pho Ga - best chicken noodle soup ever! |
people eating "street food" |
Red bridge - Hoan Kiem Lake |
One would think they were old friends - this stranger approached him for a photo. |
Last stop before the airport - El Gaucho Restaurant |
I just love that he took the Gamecocks to Vietnam! Lol
ReplyDeleteGirl, he takes them everywhere! lol
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