Movin' on to Hanoi.

Monday was a travel day, flying from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. We had to travel to Hanoi because adoptive parents are required to go to the U.S. embassy to obtain their child's visa to enter the U.S. It was sad for the mom and dad as our plane took off, knowing Sarah was now leaving everything she's ever known, all of her friends, caretakers, etc. But Sarah did extremely well and was excited to be going on a plane. In fact, she was a real trooper through all four flights she was on and had fun with it.

Airlines in the U.S. could learn a great lesson from some of the Asian airlines. We flew American Airlines between St. Louis and L.A., Cathay Pacific for the overseas flights and Vietnam Airlines from Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi. Even on short flights of less than 2 hours, both Cathay and Vietnam Airlines served very good, hot meals that are included. American serves a drink, but charges for even a snack. Their in-flight info stated on long flights like to Hawaii, you can buy a sandwich and chips for $10 on American. What can I say?

The view from the third floor, front of the Rex hotel, with the People's Committee building in the background. That's a statue of Ho Chi Minh in the park across the street.
Sarah checking out my sunglasses again.
The front of the Rex from the park across the street.
Sarah let Isaac pick her up and give her a hug before we left our room at the Rex for the last time.
Sarah and mom in front of the plane that took us to Hanoi.
Sarah on the plane.
Livestock on the edge of the Noi Bai airport in Hanoi.
Working the fields bordering the airport. In the background are shelters where several MiGs were stored.
Water buffalo on the drive to the Hanoi Hotel.
Local transport can be measured in cow-power instead of horse-power.
Ridin' side-saddle.
You don't want to be in a traffic accident in Hanoi. Looks like the odds are not in your favor.
The view from one window in our 9th-floor room.

The view at sunset from another window.
Some of the seafood available at one restaurant in the hotel.
Isaac checks out some other seafood.