Looking with New Eyes

Landing in a foreign land, I was looking forward to learning about a new culture and people.
Little did I know how wonderful this country was and how it would change me.
Hanoi is a city of contrasts. There is the old section of the city with its traditions and charms where you can learn about the culture and family traditions of the country. You can also see the many changes that are taking place with the introduction of automobiles to the traffic and the western culture with the introduction of restaurants and stores.
After crossing the Red River, I could see the new part of the city where the homes are newer and differences are even more obvious. The architecture changes with the influence of the younger generation and the homes become more elaborate and different.
Ho Kiem Lake is in the center of Hanoi and is a place where the people gather every morning to exercise, jog, run or walk before going to work for the day. If only, I could be so dedicated to beginning my day with exercise.
At night the city looks different too, with the many neon lights and the traffic. They were breathtaking. Traffic was filled with many motorbikes, bicycles, taxis and automobiles. When crossing the streets, I was told to walk and not stop once I was on the street. The first time I crossed a busy street I was reminded of crossing the street in college. I was scared, but enjoyed the challenge.
Looking around Hanoi, I saw beautiful trees and flowers along with the many buildings that were side by side. The people were smiling and polite. It was refreshing to see the many changes that are ocurring in Hanoi, but I hope that many things remain the same: love of family and pride in their home, city and nation.

Preparation

Excitement is building as I prepare for my journey to the other side of the world. I have been packing, picking up last minute items I will need and reviewing what I will share during my trip. This trip is much like a recipe I would make for the first time. I am collecting the ingredients to make my trip successful. Lists are important and necessary as I collect what I need. I am hoping that I don't forget an important component to complete my task.
I went online yesterday to check out the hotel our group will be staying in and showed it to my youngest son. He thought it was cool and pointed out the restaurant was on the upper floor. It was new to him.
I am preparing my suitcases, but I am also preparing my mind and heart for this journey. Preparation for this trip continues to build my anticipation. What will I learn? What will I see? Where will this trip take me?

Anticipating New Experiences

Next week I will be off on an adventure. It will be the first time I have visited a country on the other side of the globe. There are a mixture of emotions as I look forward to learning about the people, country and culture of the country I am visiting. This week I am preparing for the flight and working toward being prepared for whatever I may come across as I enter a new chapter in the book which is called, "My Life".
What kind of things will I see? What kinds of new foods will I be trying? What kinds of people will I meet and interact with? Will I get lost or remember how to get back to the hotel?
I have been looking on the Internet for ideas, but know that it cannot possibly describe the beauty of the country or its people.
I can hardly wait to see what lies ahead of me.