International Travel<\/p>\n
My travel time to Ho Chi Minh was 26 hours. \u00a0As much as I prepared mentally, \u00a0I could never be physically prepared for the longest trip I have ever taken. \u00a0Who knew sitting could be difficult? \u00a0I have never pulled an all-nighter for school, but I imagine I would have felt just as exhausted if I had. \u00a0Despite my excitement to reach Ho Chi Minh, I was in a bad mood. \u00a0I blame this mood on my lack of sleep, which is a great psychological factor on mood. \u00a0But even with a bad mood I was able to enjoy flying in a double decker plane, the blankets and slipper shoes provided by Korean Air, and the 5 new movies I was able to watch. \u00a0Detachment <\/em>was the best (rent it now). \u00a0I arrived in Vietnam at 11:30pm on August 24th and was safe asleep at 12:30am August 25th.<\/p>\n Day One- I crossed the street!<\/p>\n Day one began at 8am on August 25th. \u00a0I forgot how tired I had been the day before and was ready to explore with my roommate Oanh. \u00a0Our first task was to buy a prepaid mobile phone. \u00a0Once that task was complete it was time for breakfast and the time I had been waiting for upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh, crossing the street. \u00a0In America we have stop lights and cross signals, but in Ho Chi Minh there are few stop lights and just hands to hault traffic. \u00a0The traffic avoids you, you don’t always avoid traffic. \u00a0The key is to move slowly, giving the drivers ample time to move around you. \u00a0The first crossing to the alley for breakfast was exciting and shocking. \u00a0To think Michigan Avenue on a perfect Spring day is chaotic is nothing compared to here.<\/p>\n Day Two- Getting to know all about you.<\/p>\n A key component to studying in Vietnam is the opportunity to live with Vietnamese students. \u00a0The students become hosts, tour guides, and long friends. \u00a0Many have had the opportunity to host Loyola students once or twice the previous semesters. \u00a0My roommate’s name is Oanh. \u00a0She is short slender and rocks a bob. \u00a0I already notice a slight language barrier, but I have surprisingly have not been frustrated. \u00a0The key is to correct the other or rephrase and define. \u00a0I have learned to say hello<\/em>, thank you<\/em>, and rice<\/em> paper<\/em> in two days. \u00a0The language is drastically different than English so it is hard to pick up on recognizable phrases after two days. \u00a0Beyond language, now that I have arrived I am more excited to get to know all of the roommates and the similarities and differences that we share. \u00a0I am already surprised at how much they love Western Pop Music. \u00a0Our group totals 14. \u00a07 American students. 7 Vietnamese students. \u00a0We share small spaces but I anticipate a lot of fun. \u00a0The first group trip will be to the Mekong Delta in Southern Vietnam in September… it is going to be excellent!<\/p>\n I can finally say farewell from Vietnam! \u00a0Stay tuned, it is going to be a fast and exciting semester.<\/p>\n Stephanie<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" International Travel My travel time to Ho Chi Minh was 26 hours. \u00a0As much as I prepared mentally, \u00a0I could never be physically prepared for the longest trip I have ever taken. \u00a0Who knew sitting could be difficult? \u00a0I have never pulled an all-nighter for school, but I imagine I would have felt just as … <\/p>\n