Finally Got My Package!

This story begins a few days ago when I received a slip for a package my mom had sent! I was so thrilled to get my Christmas package that I went home, got money out and took the treck to the post office. Now I should have known something was different about this package because the slip wasn't a normal package slip and I had to go to the post office in District 10 to get it, opposed to our post office over the bridge. Carolyn was not feeling well that day so I decided to take on the adventure by myself. I was a little nervous venturing on my own but I was so eager to get the package, it didn't matter. I hopped on an unfamiliar bus (bus 91) with my bus map and headed out. Because of my pride, I didn't want to ask the ticket collector where to get off but when I did, I was no better off than if I had figured it out myself. I say this because he told me to get off at the first stop on the street I needed to be on...the address was in the 30s when I needed to be at 270! A little frustrated but with the feeling of excitement overruling those feelings, I started the long journey to the 200s! It felt like an eternity but I had arrived! Except, it was closed! I have neevr felt so defeated! By this time, the sun was beginning to set and not being in a familiar part of the city, I turned around in hopes of finding a bus to take me home. No familiar buses passed by. I tried to retrace my steps but not being the most observant person, I didn't know what street my bus had turned from to get onto the street I was on now. Luckily I saw the bus I had taken turn down a street...so I followed. Again, I found no bus stops with any familiar buses so began another half hour treck. I finally found a stop with bus 49! Now this bus doesn't directly take me home, it actually stops right in front of my school, but I concluded that by the time I got back, it would be time to meet Carolyn anyway. I finally arrived, ate dinner and met with Carolyn, empty handed.

The next day I attempted again. This time I knew where I was going and it was during the day. Shockingly however, the bus I had taken didn't take the same route. By the time I realized the bus was not going to get me any closer to my destination, I had already set myself 15 minutes back. When I finally got to the street I power walked all the way to the suuposed address on my package slip only to find that it wasn't a post office at all but a metal shop! Great! So again, humbling myself, I asked someone where the post office was. All they could do was point straight but at least it was a start. However, in my head I was thinking, how am I going to find a post office that has changed addresses, especially when some post offices aren't too recognizable. After walking a ways I stopped in a glasses shop and asked. All this time I was texting Carolyn updates by this time I had texted her that I was ready to turn around but I kept on knowing that this was my Christmas package! Finally, I had reached the Buu Dien! but it was closed...once again. Instead of texting, I called Carolyn this time almost in tears. I figured they were closed for lunch so I had decided to find a coffee shop as I talked on the phone with her. Just as she had asked me if I was sure that was the right post office the Heavens opened and I arrived at a gigantic post office that matched the address on my slip! I practically ran into the office when I saw it was open. When I showed a woman at the counter my slip she pointed me to an office where a woman sat who began miming to me what I was supposed to do. Realizing we were getting no where, she handed me a magazine and rushed to find someone who could translate. A woman came in and hit me with the news. Today, all I was coming in for was to sign the slip saying I would pay the fees for the box. Oh my gosh! I didn't know what to feel at the moment. I was happy because I knew I was one step closer to receiving my package but I was also frustrated as heck to know I had to wait longer! At least they were going to transfer the package to the post office in my District and even though I have not had a good experience there in the past, I at least knew how to get there and how to get home. I was in such a mood that I half decided to walk home. I had brought my helmet so I could take a motorbike home but I rejected driver after driver until I got it in my head that it would take hours to walk home. So I gave and took a motorbike home....again, empty handed.

Today, I came into the office to get my schedule to find that I had a package slip! Carolyn had two as well so we took the bus over the bridge and within a few minutes, I was handed my package! Because my parents were not allowed to wrap anything, I saw all of my presents but I am still waiting to enjoy them on Christmas day. My grandma had also sent Christmas ornaments and crafts so I began on those right away. After days of fighting for this package, I am thrilled it's finally here!

Cute little Christmas tree I made from a craft set my grandma sent

Some other highlights of the week:

Vietnam was playing Singapore in soccer for the Sea Games. The streets and every place with a TV were packed!

The other night I was so fascinated at how quickly they made these wantons. This night she was making them at the table when she stuck a sheet in my hand and told me to scoop some meet in. Carolyn and I both got the chance to make a few each and then we got some for free! This was not the first time we got something for free from her. She gave me a whole meal after I had brought one from another place. I think she wanted to prove hers was better.

Another highlight of my week was visiting the Bien Hoa girls. We had a Christmas party with great American food and ended the night with a viewing of Elf!

Carolyn bought the girls cute ornaments for their tree

The girl in the pink is Vietnamese. Notice the difference in utensils when eating salad between the Americans and the Vietnamese

We found a comfortable way to have back support