Traveling to Vietnam was so GREAT!

While I complained in my last post about the hassle trying to get to Vietnam with all the forms....I had a change of mind once I got on the plane.

That's because I went Business Class.  I was treated like a diva....great food...very attentive and the chair folding into a bed made for a peaceful ride.

I slept like a baby in my own little kiosk where I closed everyone away.  

During the nine-hour layover in Istanbul, I went to the private club where I had free food, free drinks and I was able to sequester myself in the lounge.

Of course, I did some shopping in this massive airport.

All in all the trip was heavenly.

And I made some friends too.  In that long layover, I chatted up with others in Business Class.  It was great!

So I had food, fun and made some new friends! 

The hassle of traveling

Grrr...

That's the sound of me trying to navigate all I need to do to get to Vietnam.

Fill out visas, convert money to Dong (just in case), review all of the documents and make sure you adapt and bring the correct clothing.

Then there's the 20 hours in the air (40 when you include return) and trying to find a way to keep moving and stay busy during that time.

Then, there's the nine-hour layover in Istanbul.  

I'm tired and I haven't even started.

Chicago Police Department

The criminals in Chicago have a field day carjacking, killing, robbing... Why?

Because the solve rate is only 12%. That means 88% of the time, the thugs don't get caught and only continue to terrorize the innocent citizens.

And, where Blacks are concerned, the police don't care and don't expend the effort.

I don't know if there's a city that does it right by investing the time, resources to track down these thugs and hold them to account.

One thing's for sure:  Chicago Police don't give a ___ and the stats prove it.

Sad.  But true.

Bamenda Fresh Grocer

So happy to be working with Bamenda Fresh Grocer, a new Black-owned grocery in the Black community.  

Felix Leshay is the owner whose vision is behind this successful enterprise.  It's a way of countering the trend where major chains are fleeing the inner city.

The store is filled with the usual items but also has a section with African and Caribbean items.

Bamenda Fresh Grocer -- and Felix -- are blessings.

And I'm happy to be part of his success!

Vietnam

Vietnam has always intrigued me.  I had friends who fought there and either didn't survive -- or survived with mental problems.

But now that the war is behind us, tourism is on the rise.

I caught the bug.

So, on March 6, I'm going to Vietnam for a tour and to see whether it's as beautiful as so many have boasted.

In anticipation of writing a book about my solo travels, I'll record impressions and prepare a journal. I'll also take plenty of pictures.

But the biggest surprise is my decision to ride in Business Class.  In past trips, I've taken the tourist route by going on economy, which keeps the price down. It also means you'll be exposed to crying babies, a cramped seat, little air between passengers meaning being susceptible to colds.

This is a pricey option but friends who have taken this route say it's worth the money to be away from the discomfort.

So, that's what I'm doing. I want to enjoy Vietnam...and not tired. I want to be vibrant and ready to discover this city wide awake!

Bra problems

As a woman more heavily endowed, I knew the day would come when these ladies would cause problems.

The day arrived.

I am in pain...hurting...and seven weeks to Vietnam.

So, I am going into action:  Get fitted again. Consider breast reduction surgery.

I will not let these ladies ruin my trip.

So, I'll do what is necessary to get by.

And when I get back, ACTION!

2023 - It's HERE!

 2022 went out with a bang -- a bad bang. Susan Peters died and, despite holding on for a week, Steve Strode succumbed to his injuries.

So, I begin 2023 sad -- but hopeful it will be better.

I left Gerald behind in 2022. He sent a little note and I reflected on his occasional shabby treatment and decided not to resume the "conversation."

THe exciting news is that I'm going to Vietnam.  Gathering all of my coins so I can make this awesome adventure.  Plus, I have to build up my physical reserves so I can make the trip.  Going in style...Business Class.  I get tired of arriving exhausted because of crying babies, coughing seat mates and shabby service.

So, I'm paying BIG but going in style!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!