New home....for now.

In the course of the past four days, we managed to secure a local apartment for three months. We wanted a good location to the school we will be attending, quiet and comfortable. We did not want to commit to anything longer until we spent some time in Hanoi, went through the school, met people and decide if this is where we want to stay longer Also, our new pad is only a one bedroom and with the amount of friends that want to visit, will will need at least one extra room. We were hoping to have a three bedroom place for $500 a month, but are thinking that may not be possible unless we live more 'local' as in 'less western".

It is all an education and shock of the new. We like our new home. It meets almost all of our needs. We have the most lovely outdoor patio to ourselves and at this time nobody else lives in the other units in this building. The flat is down a very quiet, narrow alleyway. The big negative is the extremely, HARD bed...(slightly better than the floor). Very glad we brought our own sheets and pillows. It seems extreme, but it all about polyester sheets and bad pillows. Now, we must find a mattress pad.

It is good to be settled for a while. Living out of suitcases for months has its drawbacks and though I do not need complete comfort, I do have my standards for living happy. If I wanted comfort and security, I never would have endeavored on this adventure. There will be many joys to go along with a few hardships. Isn't that life anyway?