We had an amazing trip with Vietnam Airlines.

Although the flight was delayed departing by 30 minutes, we arrived on time at 4.10pm Vietnamese time.

Upon checking in we were provided with a voucher for the Lounge, which was just a few steps from our departure gate. Although I have included here the standard shot of the ‘bubbles’ and the passport – I must confess I did not partake so early in the day, and chose some yoghurt and cereal instead for breakfast.

Yesterday was our son’s 40th birthday (as well as his younger brother’s 36th birthday), so he decided it was definitely suitable to celebrate the occasion in style.

I was surprised we boarded about 45 minutes before departure, but soon realised why. The Business Class guests are treated to a selection of wines and cocktails while they wait. We also had to look at the menu and make our selections for the first meal for the trip. Oh, and we had to pair the wines with each course of course!

The flight to me felt like going to a fancy restaurant and ordering the degustation meal with matching wines.

The Business Class flight crew soon realised it was our son’s birthday and made a special presentation to him which included a glass of French Champagne and french petit fours while they sang “Happy Birthday to You”!

Mick was like a pig in mud. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed it very much too, but as mentioned before, travelling this way has been one of Mick’s dreams for years.

When we were not eating, drinking or watching movies we tried to complete DA’s Cryptic Crossword from the Sydney Morning Herald – our favourite challenge each week. It was one of the hardest we’ve done for awhile – but we got three quarters of it out.

Well what is different about this trip to flying Economy??

Besides having loads of extra space in our own ‘pod’, which could be converted into a platform for sleeping (I would not call it a bed), we were treated to glasses of wine from a mostly French selection throughout the trip, we had a table cloth at meal times, real plates and real cutlery, and real little salt and pepper shakers.

What is NOT different, is that the procedures for passing through Customs is universal. ALL passengers must present at a window and show his/her passport and visa (if applicable) before getting the OK to exit the airport. I chose the wrong line – ours moved at a (possibly French) snail’s pace, and it took us an extra 20 minutes than our travelling partners.

Our son had organised a driver to meet us and we were taken in style to our accommodation in District 2 – the area and the accommodation our son lived in when he was working in Vietnam. We will stay for four nights in a three bedroom apartment.

As it was Friday afternoon, the traffic was chaotic. There was so much to look at.

This photo was taken from my seat on the bus!!

Tomorrow we have a friend of our son’s who is going to meet us – she will be our tour guide for the next week. We have a lot of interesting activities planned – so we are told.

Anyway, time for bed.