The Journey

We have been in Saigon for a bit over 24 hours.  The process of getting here was not without complication, but it wasn't as bas as it could have been.  The worst part was that United in COS cancelled our flight to DIA (apparently not enough crew bothered to come to work that day) and had no way of re-routing us or bumping people on other flights so that we could make our connection to Tokyo.  The only solutions she could come up with were "Wait to go until tomorrow" or "We can put you on a shuttle." Neither worked for us because we had people waiting for us in Saigon and would have had to bring carseats to ride the shuttle.

Thankfully, Steve and Melissa volunteered to drive us up to DIA.  We got there around 9:30 and had a bit under 3 hours to get through international security.  Only one of our checked bags was over 50 pounds, so I was able to pull a couple items to ensure all 8 bags could fly.  Our carry-ons all passed through security without a hitch. We were not asked to remove our laptops, take off our shoes, or even remove the liquids from the bags.  It was a little weird.  All said and done, we got to the gate about an hour before they started boarding.  The airline was unable to sit us all together, so Oliver and I were in one pat of the plane and Derek and Owen were in a different part.  It was lame, but not the end of the world.

Oliver had his own seat, but he insisted on being held the ENTIRE flight.  There was another little boy the same age in the seats next to us, and Oliver cried WAY less than he did.  I guess that means he did pretty well despite a few freak outs.  My arms are still stiff today from holding him while he slept in those uncomfortable chairs.

Owen was a trooper.  He was chill the entire flight for Derek, happily playing on the iPad mini or watching a show on screen on the back of the seat.  All the snacks they kept serving didn't hurt either.

Our flight arrived in Tokyo about a half hour early.  We had to go through security again which I found odd considering we had just gotten off a plane.  But I guess not all incoming flights are coming from countries with as tight of security standards as Japan and the US.  We had to pull out all of our electronic equipment (external hard drives, AppleTV, baby monitor, ect) this time, but otherwise it went smoothly.  Fortunately, both time we went through security, it was not very busy, so we were not rushed at all.

The Tokyo airport was very interesting simply because it is so different than anything in the States.  We were especially interested in the different bathrooms.  Oh!  And they had special rooms just for nursing moms all throughout the airport.  It was so cool to feel such support for breast feeding even without talking to anyone.  The rooms had comfy chairs, changing tables, sinks with soap to wash bottles/pumping parts, and even outlet adapters to accommodate different pumps.  It was awesome.  And really clean.  They also had a sweet play area near the gate that the boys loved.

The plane ride to HCMC was a completely different experience than the ride to Tokyo.  The plane was smaller, yes, but there were many other differences.  The food was healthier.  They brought around hot towels before meals.  They had toys and books for the boys to play with.  Even the apple juice was different.  It was very clear that the Japanese are incredibly supportive of moms and children.  It was an incredible feeling.

We got into HCMC about 40 minutes early.  We picked up our visas which took about an hour.  Then we went to collect our 8 suitcases.  They told us to go to the wrong baggage claim area.  We waited for another 45 minutes while panicing a bit (okay, a lot) waiting for our bags to come out.  They never came.  So we went over to lost baggage.  On the way, we passed another carrousel   All 8 of our bags were piled up next to it.  I don't think I've ever been so relived.

Next, we went through customs which was not a big deal.  We just had to pass all the bags through another xray.  No biggy.  Then we left the airport.  The humidity hit us instantly.  The school's bus driver was there to collect us.  We went on an exciting drive at midnight to get to the apartment.  We got checked in without a hitch and were helped to get all our baggage upstairs.

We showered and bathed the boys, got jammies on, and went to bed.  We only slept for about 4 hours and woke at about 5 am Wednesday morning.

I'll update more later abut our first day.  We need to get ready to meet the realtor now...

Shipping...

As part of our job offer, we were given some money to ship our things to Vietnam.  It's been a bit of a hassle working with the shipping company.  First they told us 2 cubic meters (not very much space), then they told us 4 cubic meters for the same price.  Then, after I had what I considered only the most important items, we were told that each additional cubic meter is only $150.  So essentially, we could go up to 6 cubic meters and still be within our given budget.  It would have been nice to know from the beginning exactly what we were getting ourselves into.

Needless to say, we packed everything we thought we would need and a lot of stuff that we simply wanted.  Most of the shipment is kid stuff: books, toys, balls, hockey sticks, air hockey table, stroller, bike trailer, bikes and trikes, pack'n'play, puzzles, games, and giant bucket of Thomas trains and tracks, larger sized shoes, and so on.  We also shipped a few kitchen items: my nice knives, my cast iron skillet, and kid silverware and cups.  Then there are the toiletries: shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, hair goo for my crazy curly hair, lotion, tooth brushes, and lots of contact solution.  Enough stuff for a year.

Here's the kicker though--it takes two to three months for the shipment to arrive.  So we still have to make sure we have enough goods to get us through the first few months packed in suitcases.  I know we will be able to get nearly everything we need over there, but things like contact solution and children's tylenol I would rather take from home.

Goodbye stuff!  See you in a couple months!

Two Weeks

We have exactly 14 days left in Colorado.  I'm starting to panic a little bit.  Okay, a lot bit.  We still have SOOOO much to do!  Packing, shopping, more packing.  It feels like we are never going to be ready.  I'm glad we are going over there a little early otherwise I would probably be feeling like this all summer.  I can not wait to be in Saigon, playing with my kids at the pool.

Our flight is set for July 1st.  We found a flight that goes from COS to Denver to Tokyo to Saigon.  If figured that having fewer lay overs would be a good thing.  We shall see...

As of right now we are debating taking the car seat for Oliver on the plane.  It would give him a very comfy seat/place to sleep, but, man, would it be a pain to haul around four different airports.  We are leaning to "no," but I'm nervous I'm going to end up holding Oliver the ENTIRE flight.

Our trip to Wisconsin went pretty well.  Here are a few pictures from that trip:

 

Plenty to do while still in the 719

We are just over one month away from leaving and there is plenty to do.

Things left to do:

• Pack the rest of the items going. 
• Pack the items that are going into storage. 
• Sell/give away items that are not staying or going. 
• Finish up paperwork for visa and work permits. 
• Cutting off services to the house, changing correspondances to come electronically (if possible). 
• House maintenance items (spray trees, install bathroom fixture, paint areas outside). 
• Sell our cars. 
• Finish up insurance changes for cars and house. 
• Set up banking to allow for money to be transfered easily.  
• Buy plenty of clothes to make it through the year (for boys and adults), toiletries for the year, and other miscellaneous purchases (power converters, medicine).  
• Make sure that AT&T will hold out account/numbers for when we return. 
• Second round of shots, final dentist appointments, eye doctor visits. 

In early June, we will be taking a trip to Wisconsin to see Becca's family.  It's about 18 hours with stops, so two fairly long days out there.

We will host a garage sale the 14th and the 15th of June.  From there, any remaining items will be donated.

It's hard to believe it's the end of May already.  Time flies when you are having fun!

Going Away Party

Please stop by the Old Chicago on N. Academy on Friday, June 28th any time between 2:30 and 6:00 to say goodbye to us before we leave.  We will also be going to the Sky Sox game afterward.

Vietnam? Why? How? When? Where?

As I have told people about our choice to move to Vietnam, I've noticed that most people ask a lot of questions.  Well, here are the answers:

WHY?

1.  Derek and I have always dreamt of teaching abroad.  We had assumed it was something that we would do when our kids where in middle school or even in college.  After talking to several friends of ours that have taken the International Teaching plunge, we realized that NOW is the time to travel the world with our children.  Now, before they have clubs and athletic commitments.  Now, before they have a group of friends that they can't live without.  Now, when language acquisition is natural and far easier than it will be for us.  Now, while they are young, is the time to do it.

2.  Finances.  I won't bore you with the details, but we will be able to save more money working in Vietnam than we could ever dream of saving here.  If we look at childcare alone, we currently spend close to $1600 per month on daycare.  (That's ALMOST as much as I make.)  In Ho Chi Minh, Owen will go to Pre-Kindergarten (free of charge for teachers), and Oliver will have a full time nanny who comes to our house for $400 per month.  Oh, and she will also do all our cleaning and laundry.

3.  More quality time with our children.  Did you see that about the cleaning and laundry?  Yes?  We will also be able to hire a cook.  If I look at how much time I spend on the weekends cleaning, doing laundry, grocery shopping, and cooking, it's a wonder I have any time left with the boys at all.  And after school everyday, the first thing I do is cook dinner.  In Vietnam, I will not have to do any of that.  Seriously.  I will have evenings and weekends to completely dedicate myself to being Mom.

4.  Expanding our careers.  Derek has been in education for 7 years already, and I have been teaching at the same school for 6 years.  We are ready for a new, exciting challenge.  We both still love teaching and are passionate about what we do, but we need opportunity for growth.  Teaching at the American Academy will provide both of us with exciting new challenges.

How?

One of Derek's colleagues at his current school searched long and hard for an International Principal position at a great school.  When he started at the International School of Ho Chi Minh City American Academy, he was asked if he knew of any good math, tech, or social studies teachers that might be interested is going with him.  He passed the information on to Derek.  We both loved the idea and sent our resumes to the school the very next day.  We interviewed via Skype a few days later, and we were offered the positions on the spot.  We took a few days to really discuss the details and make up our miss before we told our families.  We emailed the superintendent back and formally accepted the positions with a two year contract.

When?

We leave in July.  Yup.  That soon.  Don't worry, we will come visit for a few weeks next summer.  (We get a flight home each year as part of our salary.)

Where?

We will be teaching at the ISHCMC American Academy.  It is in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City, formally known as Saigon.  

That about sums it up.  If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask!

Motorcycle Lessons

From what we have seen, the main mode of transport in HCMC is motorbikes.  I did some reading and discovered that a motorcycle license is pretty difficult to acquire once in Vietnam, but a current license from the States will transfer easily.  So when a Groupon deal popped up for lessons and a license test, Derek jumped on it.  I can't believe I'm going to learn to ride a motorcycle.  This is something I had assumed I would NEVER do.  Craziness.

Here's a link to a YouTube video depicting some rush hour traffic in downtown HCMC.  Yikes.  Also, notice the children who also ride with both parents on one bike.  Yes, this will be quite the adventure!