My Dream Bucket List Vacation Checked Off My List!

1. I'm pretty sure many of us here have a bucket list of vacation destinations, and not all of us will get to travel to all of them. In my top 5, one that I was almost certain I would never get to see is Vietnam. Ever since my nephew went there a few years ago, I have wanted to go. He's a professional photographer, so his photos really captured the essence of that country. It is known to be one of the most friendly and beautiful countries in the world, with its diversity, scenery, incredible street food and one of the best coffee cultures in the world. Which brings me to my big news...I am going! My daughter, her wife and her mother are heading there in mid January (yes, next month)! And this was just planned a week ago) for two weeks. Her mother was born there (she is Chinese though, but more about that later) and came over as a Boat Person in her 20s. Has anyone here ever been to Vietnam?

2. Her mom was born and lived in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) and lived in an area known as Chợ Lớn (often called Cholon), known as the largest Chinatown in the world by area, offering a vibrant cultural mix with Chinese temples, markets, traditional medicine shops, and unique architecture reflecting centuries of Chinese-Vietnamese heritage. Imagine how amazing it will be for her to return after over 45 years! She doesn't have family there, but apparently her old house, school and temple are still there. Her cousin went back a year ago, and she's thrilled to be able to see her old neighbourhood. And we are thrilled to be able to see it all through her eyes. Plus, how great to be travelling with someone who speaks Vietnamese fluently! Are you familiar with the history of the Vietnamese Boat People (many who were Chinese)?

3. I am so excited and we're all in full planning mode. All our hotels and flights are booked, which brings me to my next question. Before this, the longest flight I had ever been on was to Portugal, which was about 8 hours (direct). The flight to Taipai (our connection city) is almost 16 hours (yikes) and then on to Ho Chi Minh City is another 3 1/2 hours (piece of cake). We do not want to upgrade our seats because the cost is ridiculous. None of us are super tall, and we can all sleep pretty well on flights, but I have never been on such a long flight. Any tips of surviving this long a flight?