I booked a trip to Hanoi for the weekend to celebrate a friend’s birthday, but I completely forgot about the letter from the gov’t permitting travelers to enter the country to buy the visa at the airport. So I got up to the Vietnam Airlines counter and the agent checking me in for the flight asked to see my entry letter. I told her I was buying my visa at the airport. She called her manager and he said without the letter I could not board the flight. It was 3:00pm and my flight was at 5:30. He said if I could call someone in Vietnam like a travel agent, perhaps they could get a letter. But he doubted that it would be possible in such a short time.

I found the contact info for Lai Tran – the fantastic travel agent in Vietnam (email: cozyhotel@gmail.com) and she spoke with the manager at the ticketing desk. Then the phone was passed back to me. She said to try to offer money and perhaps he would Lt me on the flight. She would try to get a letter so that by the time I landed it would be ready.

So I winked and tried to let him know I was willing to pay. Saying how much would it cost to get the visa at the airport… wink wink. But he was not going for it. So I had to call my friend and tell her that I would be there the next weekend because I had stupidly forgotten about the letter. I talked to Lai and she said she would get me the letter and send it to me through email by Thursday, which she did.

Vietnam Air rebooked my flight for an extra $100. Oh well… at least I was going back. I love Vietnam!!!!!!!!! Also my friend was celebrating her 50th and we were going to celebrate a chicken street.

My friend is just one of those good people whom everyone loves to be around. She has an infectious laugh and always finds the humor in bad situations. I had the best time getting to know her in Hanoi last year and she came back to DC with me when the school year ended. We had a great time then and I was looking forward to celebrating her 50th.

When I arrived in Hanoi the following weekend, the weather was great and seeing old friends was terrific. We had a great time laughing about old times. To my surprise Starbucks had come to Hanoi. It was really a great weekend with fun people and a lot of laughs. I really miss Hanoi. Oh and I ate so much I think I gained a kilo. The food in Vietnam is sooooooo gooooooood!!!!!!!