My husband and I took a trip last year on our own. Just us. My phenomenal mother in law took care of our four children and we went for the first holiday alone (not including business related trips) since our wedding 12 years ago. We had a wonderful time being just us in Hanoi Vietnam. We liked the chaos of the place so much that we decided it would be fun to move there.
Of course I should really know better than to hatch crazy plans with my my dearest because he sometimes will just run a mile. I agreed it would be a kick to do and he ran with it. Of course 5 months later we have just arrived with the kids and as much life as we could pack into bags in Da Nang. In some ways I just didn't see it coming.
Over the last 18 months my life has changed in so many ways. From being very isolated to going out to the most amazing places in Sydney and other parts of the world frequently. I sometimes can't believe how utterly blessed I am.
That said I threw a lot of tantrums in the lead up to getting on that plane to come here. It's quite fun to watch other friends take on mad adventures or to move country with their family but when the reality of what you are doing hits the doubts and questions start rising up in your head faster than you can count them. 4 kids, school, health, language, money, income, living arrangements, lifestyle, happiness and so much more. I tried unsuccessfully to talk my husband out of it. But then there is this part of me that just wants to try everything. With no kids in my mix I'd have not hesitated, but with 4 there is a lot to consider.
So I ordered some boxes and started throwing in things I never want to sell or give away. Not too hard at first. But then I got entirely overwhelmed at times and shut down and simply couldn't face it. My husband booked a flight and so I had to get stuff done!
In some chaos we managed to leave with a fair bit of unfinished business. House not sold, trampoline still in the yard, and more than I can fathom putting into words. Even our cars are not sold. Amazingly some awesome people in our lives have actually volunteered to help us. How blessed are we?!!
So we arrived after a pretty awesome travelling effort from the little people. Because we really weren't too organised we didn't get visas or even the photos for them before we left so we prepared for it to be a mild fiasco. Probably the biggest glitch we had was the kids running around like mad things and despite that being annoying it was hard to to feel compassionate after the flights. Visas took hardly any time and we were out in the open and put into a big van and driven to our hotel villa in no time.
We were greeted by what can only be described as a very enthusiastic and attentive hotelier. Taken to the cute villa that accommodates a family of 6 for $100US a night. This includes a crazy kind of service and amazing breakfast for us all!! Minibar beer for a staggering 80c. It's not really compatible to the hilton but we have two bathrooms which we didn't have in our last place so we already win! Plus two living areas and a pool outside. I forget what it's called but it's actually in Hoi An not Da Nang. Hoi An is an old city and oozes culture like the kids have never seen. Bearing in mind these kids are familiar little travellers.
The drive from the airport brought more questions than we could hope to answer them. Gabe - the eldest and most reluctant to leave Sydney couldn't wipe the smile from his face. He was reading signs and trying to imagine what they say and how to pronounce. They were blown away by the number of scooters and crazy traffic - though Quinn and I found it very quiet compared to Hanoi. Realistically we may become scooter riders one day.
On the first morning we went for a walk with the kids and they were approached and even picked up and cuddled by locals.
Much to see.
After breakfast Q and I took the youngest to look at houses. We must have seen more than 10 places in total. Some terrifying and some like a slice of heaven. We have picked a favourite and put in an offer. We hope to hear back today or tomorrow how that goes. Then about 4 days until we can move in after that. Place of choice is beyond divine. Second choice is pretty kick ass too and though it's bit on the beach front it does have ocean glimpses. Either place would kick ass. Choice number 1 has 6 bathrooms and even the maid quarters is pretty decent. Everyone can pee at once - can you tell how much of a problem it's been sharing one bathroom between 6 people for the last bunch of years?
