I am starting to realize about the different zones in the city. I am in zone 7 and we went to zone 1 last night. It gets dark here faster and that is an adjustment as well. I feel like I am the crazy person who smiles at everyone but I have felt welcome. Went out for dinner and I thought I would eat Pho every meal, WRONG! At 30 plus by body doesn’t want soup, so lots of vegetable rolls. The close down the traffic in the main section to allow for this festival.

It is hilarious that everyone here will ( I mean between 16-25) and start taking photos of themselves. The Instagram game on some of the people here seems outstanding. My selfie game consists of checking to make sure my nose is clean and my hat is straight.

What I have learnt so far

1. don’t buy currency at your local in Canada, the rates at the bank machines are better and this includes a service fee than the ones I got in Canada, that made me sad
2. the currency machines so far give out large bills
3. it is a law for an adult to wear a helmit on motorcycles but not children. There is a skill and most possess this riding the motorcycle
4. I see why it is a popular tourist destination as this city can accomadate the high end to the budget traveller

I checked in to the airport and asked for a free upgrade to business class, after we both laughed, ( I was laughing on the outside but crying on the inside) the kind people Eva air gave me the security seat, and wow it was amazing. Be kind and ask and you might get a great seat, and yes I get my toes done!

arrived from first flight of over 15 hours, a must to travel is airport passes, check to see if yours has them. Usually 4 free per year and worth it for this one is a loungekey and after the flight went and had a shower, felt amazing all things considered

One of the perks of my BMO travel card is lounge pass access, they give you 4 a year and for me, its food and a shower before I travel that makes this card amazing. The 2 hour wait is so easy in a lounge that you can relax, drink if you want to, eat and get ready for your journey. If you are travelling find a credit card that offers these complimentary passes as you will never be able to wait in the general area again

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today is tough, as I am in the airport I look at this photo and I have a couple of tears that I had to wipe away. I am so thankful that they supported me going on leave for change, and so excited about this opportunity but its going to be a hard next few hours as I wait to board the plane

I have been going to Global Currency in Guelph on Gordon now for everything currency. This place has the best rates and best service.

I have learnt that selfies
backing onto glass
shows my butt, i almost rhymed there

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So last of the needles until i come back and then something else in 6 months. These are not covered by OHIP and you don’t need your doctor to refer you at least all i did was call Dawson Travel and both experiences they were amazing!

This weekend went to Toronto for training. For me the training confirmed one thing. This is a human interaction not a task specific volunteer opportunity. For me I feel fortunate that I get to go to Vietnam as i can still communicate with my family and that is going to be so hard for me.

Today i had a list of vaccinations i needed to get, measles, hepatitis a and b, and something else but i really kinda started getting a little spaced out and thinking about the next episode of games of thrones. For me needles was a little uneasy as last time i gave blood i passed out, yep it was a fun time.

I went to Dawson Travel clinic and they even had a 10% discount on there website for the consultation, (i am all about coupons)

How my goals are going, posting today so that is good, down to 264 pounds and my language practice is falling behind but will make up the time.

The realization that i am 7 weeks out from leaving hit me this morning. I am excited about this, as it is helping me set some personal goal and professional goals.

Goal one is personal – it is going to be hot, like melt me hot, currently i am 268lbs, healthy to lose about 2 pounds a week but my goal is to be 250lbs before i leave. So to keep it healthy, no sugar (yep easter is coming up and its going to be tough, and no breads)

Goal two is professional – working on learning a new language and using Duolingo, not going to fib, really not impressed yet with it as I don’t like how the learning is layed out but it filled my requirement of free and highest rating. 45 minutes a day

Goal three is a bit of both, to get use to sharing my story, this is the most uncomfortable part for me, my selfie skills are weak and my taking a picture before i eat is even worse. (post every 3 days)

Things to get done this week. Need to go get my vaccinations for the trip. I don’t like needles and this hopefully is going to be all pills.

I am starting this first Blog to give updates on where I am before I leave for Vietnam. I just finished with the initial making sure my passport is updated (fun fact went to Scotland last year and almost left with an expired passport) and now in the process of making an appointment for getting all of my shots. Needles are not for me, when I was younger I gave blood and it wasn’t about giving blood, it was how fast I could do it by squeezing my arm. Last time I had to give blood I fainted. I am learning how to create on this blog as well.

Next post will be finding a language app to help me communicate more effectively, hoping not to say words that mean other things.