Shopping? Me? Oh well, what the hell might as well!

OK, I've bought a few items I didn't have for my trip. First, I bought a backpack which I had thought of buying in Vietnam but decided otherwise since I found one at 40$ here at La Cordée. I'm happy with my purchase. It's a 35L with rigid back and padding and at least the front-upper strap is adjustable therefore it's woman-friendly (read: doesn't go straight across the boobs). I also bought mosquito repellent which I didn't have because I rarely use some here even though we do have mosquitos and black flies but at least ours don't carry diseases. My next purchase; hiking shoes. I've done some hiking before but believe it or not.... I've never had hiking boots or hiking shoes. I've used my running shoes or my winter boots depending on the season. It's never too late. First of all I want light weight. Then I wanted shoes instead of boots because honestly I don't really like ankle high boots and I've never had problems with my ankles so I'll take a chance without the extra support. Thirdly, but not the least, I wanted them a bit fashionable because I am packing light therefore I'll use them for the rest of my trip, not only for hiking Mount Fansipan. Now, I just have to buy them and use them to feel comfortable before my trip.

V for Vaccinations & Visas

It's been quite a while I haven't written on my blog. Not to worry, while I'm on my trip I'll be giving more updates but to be honest these weeks I don't have much to say about my trip planning because I'm trying to do the opposite. Which is contrary to my usual method of planning, or should I say over-planning. It's hard to recondition oneself. :-) Still, I had to keep you posted on my V-day which was today. So today, I had my vaccinations and I sent my visa request for Vietnam. Nothing too complicated for the visa. I thought there would be a long questionnaire but basically it's one page with simple questions. As for my Cambodian visa I'll get it when I'm in Vietnam.

The date of January 15th is approaching. Less than 60 days before I leave. Although, my work, my activities and the holidays will keep me busy before I leave. I hope this trip will bring me everything I wish for. I dream of seeing the rice paddies around Sapa and the summit of Mount Fansipan which will be my highest peak ever. The spectacular scenery of Halong Bay, the visits in the streets of the Hanoi old quarter, tailor made clothes in Hoi-An, the Emperial City in Hue, these are all things I'm hoping to see and learn from. These are only part of the scenes and experiences I'm hoping to take it all in and bring back as my best souvenir... MEMORIES!! Have I said it before that I'm already travelling in my head even if I haven't left Canada yet! My bank account suffers but it's all worth it in the end. Choices to make, things to live, it's not even a choice it's almost a necessity.