Arrival in Vietnam

Temple of Literature

Touchdown in Vietnam:

Although we had different flights to Tokyo, another English language fellow, Jim, was on the same flight with me to Hanoi. After a grueling day of flying, we both finally landed in Hanoi, safe and sound. Luckily, all our bags made it and our contact from the US embassy was waiting at the airport to take us to our hotel (along with his adorable, but very shy, little boy!). We were glad to finally meet Mr. Le from the US embassy in person so we could ask him tons of questions that we still had about our fellowships. The hotel he picked for us is really nice and is located in the Old Quarter of Hanoi, close to all of the city's most famous attractions. Mr. Le made sure we checked in okay and then bade us goodnight, promising to meet us the next day.

Hospital in Hanoi:


Since the vaccinations I needed for Vietnam were really expensive in the US, I decided to wait until I arrived to get the vaccinations and asked Mr. Le to make an appointment for me at the hospital. I took a taxi to the hospital in the morning - 30 minutes and about $48 later, I had two arms full of rabies and Japanese Encephalitis vaccines. Good call.

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature

Once I left the hospital, it was time for a little sight-seeing. I stopped off at the Temple of Literature, the old school for anyone aspiring to work for the king. Plus, with a name like "THE TEMPLE OF LITERATURE" you know it must be impressive.

kids at Temple of Literature

I wasn't the only one enjoying the temple - there were lots of people there, including other foreigners and the cute class of kids wearing matching uniforms pictured to the left. Takes me back to my days working with young children . . . boy am I glad those days are over!

Hanoi Traffic

Other First Impressions of Hanoi:

Lady with lot of Balloons on Bike

I think the biggest thing you notice right away is the noise, the pollution, and the traffic! Right now, I'm not sure if I'm going to live long enough to make it to Hue - every time I make it across the street, I feel like I've just accomplished a tiny miracle. Motorcycles are everywhere, and they don't stop for anything! Also, the Vietnamese don't seem to understand the concept of separate lanes, and honk their horns constantly. A lot of people also wear masks all the time because of the pollution in the city.

When I was first matched to Hue for my fellowship, I was a little disappointed not to be placed in a big city, but now I'm really looking forward to staying in Hue. Although Hanoi is exciting, I'm not sure how much I could take of this crazy city.

The views and information presented are the English Language

Fellows' own and do not represent the English Language Fellow

Program or the U.S. Department of State

The views and information presented are the English Language

Fellows' own and do not represent the English Language Fellow

Program or the U.S. Department of State

The views and information presented are the English Language

Fellows' own and do not represent the English Language Fellow

Program or the U.S. Department of State."

Well, next time I write, I'll probably be in my new home in Hue, Vietnam. Wish me luck!



motorcycle parking

Disclaimer: This website is not an official U.S. Department of State website. The views and information presented are the English Language Fellow's own and do not represent the English Language Fellow Program or the US Department of State.