The first day.

Well I made it through the flight. It was arduous and uncomfortable. We left Brisbane by the last few minutes of the 11th of the 11th. We flew for about 9 hours and landed in Singapore in the very early hours of the morning just before sunrise. We waited in the airport for 3 hours until our flight for Hano left at 9:20 am. The flight to Hanoi lasted for 3 long hours. We were most relieved to see the man waiting to take us into the city and our hotel.

I have focused on the trials of the flight because I want to reflect on the journey in the context of being an "old man". I want to highlight the challenges and benefits of travelling as an old man with the aIm of demonstrating how easy it actually is, boots and all. The long flight is a case in point. Usually I would travel Air Asia pay a pittance and endure a long flight with my knees around my ears and very uncomfortable.This time I flew with Singapore Airlines. The thinking was that I would have more leg room, have better food and free alcohol. When flying home I was going to try out business class with Air Asia. They give you a capsule bedlike thing which looks good. It is about the same cost as Emirates or Singapore Airlines.   I recommend that if you are a little frail or Arthritic that you consider seriously business class with one of the  cutthroat airlines.

It is a really good thing to have a little man waiting at the airport to take one to the designated hotel. There is something very calming not to have to struggle for bus or taxi. This was doubly true for me as I had 2 friends with me who havenot been to Hanoi before. It was very good for them too.

That night we went out to dinner with Thanh, Le and Lan. A great night was had. Superb food, great Hanoi Vodka and we finished the night at the Irish Wolfhound. I renewed my acquaintance with Lan's boyfriend Ewen who is now a partner in the pub. Wonderful night, drinking Tiger beer and telling/listening to stories. It was like coming home, feeling comfortable with old friends in familiar surroundings. This bodes well for the rest of the trip.