A Stress Free Travel Day Plus an Inflight Miracle (Day 1, Saigon)

I didn’t grow up with a lot of ceremony. Mom was too busy raising elevens kids and a monkey to add any gravy to our buffet of life. So when I do witness ceremony: my kid as a ring-bearer, the playing of Taps, Mufasa presenting baby Simba, I get embarrassingly emotional. 

So I was looking forward to flying Japan Airlines because we had heard that 20 flight attendants line up in customary dress and bow in grand ceremony as you board.  Without belaboring it too much, the boarding process felt more like a Pierman family game night and the pre-board was a lesson in sociology. 

The airplane tended more toward shabby than chic but they made up for it by putting a mattress on my fully reclining seat. I would’ve slept quite soundly but there was one couple who stayed up all night watching movies and playing cards. 

It was Tom and Addie. 

They are literally old enough to be my parents if I were as young as I feel. They never faltered, stayed awake, alert, and friendly, so I’m awarding Addie that Happy Girl (Hap) nickname she requested.

Lack of ceremony and sleep aside I have to share with you this: The hand of God was on that flight because an astonishing number of people who required wheelchairs to pre-board just got up and walked off that plane! Y’all, can doubt me but I saw what I saw.

Photos from our first day full day in Saigon. We did a 4 hour cooking class in the afternoon (with everyone but Sarah and Juls who arrive tomorrow):