My First Travel Fiasco & It Only Took 24 Hours…
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Terri Wingham is the founder and CEO of A Fresh Chapter, a cancer survivor, and someone who believes that we are not defined by the most difficult aspects of our story. |
Inching forward, I hoist my bag further onto my shoulder and shuffle through the long Vietnam airlines queue. The skylights above let in the grey mid-day light and I wonder if it’s smog or low cloud shrouding the Hong Kong International airport.
When I finally make it to 
the front of the line, thin fingers reach across the counter for my passport. He pushes his dark framed glasses up his nose and flips back and forth through the passport before saying something to the beautiful, doll-like attendant beside him.
“Miss, you have your letter, right?” He asks as he turns back to me. (more…)
Comments (23)
My fingers are definitely crossed for you. Good luck!
Thanks for the support! I made it into Vietnam late last night and the adventure has already begun. Hope you’re well:)
Oh Sweetie,
Sorry the first hiccup happened so quickly but it’s a little misstep and you will be fine. Your 2nd word may have been calm (and just fyi-CALM was my first word!) but I pick Determined as your main word. You made a choice, you went for it…. You will only be a few hours behind schedule. Determined, flexible and resilient. That’s you! And I LOVE the picture….
xoxox
OOhh determined, flexible, and resilient. All amazing words. Maybe I should just start a word collection? I’m in rainy chilly Hanoi, wishing we could meet up at Lucy’s for a drink, or you could come here for some DELICIOUS Pho. Get on the plane girlfriend – don’t you want a starring role in the film 😉 Hope you’re having a relaxing weekend. Chat soon. T. xo
I know exactly how you feel, it happened to me last year when I was travelling. I had half an hour to sort out a Visa. I was sick to my stomach. Luckily I was in a UK airport and it could be done on line. The stress of trying to find the internet point then get to the right sight was awful. We did manage it and actually had to run for the flight, just like you see on the movies. The actual trip was supposed to be an escape from worries as I was awaiting the biopsy results. You are so brave, will be following you all the way. Good luck xx
Clare,
Thank you so much for the comment. I’m not going to lie – the image of you running through the airport helped me feel a little less alone in my fate 😉 Hope you enjoyed the trip once you finally got there. I arrived in Hanoi last night and am so happy to be here in Vietnam so I can get this journey started. Thanks for reading and for your support. Big hugs from Asia! T xo
Terri, same thing happened to me on my way to Vietnam in Bangkok , that’s their way. I’m sure it will be sorted out soon and everything will be fine!
Thanks for the support Avi. I am HERE:) Will email your friend in the next couple of days to say hello. Have a great day!
Oh lovey, my heart skipped a beat when I read of your experience. I could just see you in that airport and feel your rising panic but you got through it! And therein lies the lesson – whatever happens, YOU can handle it!!! This is how we become brave and fearless and you are well on your way x
You are such an amazing support. Brave and fearless – that’s where I’m heading, even if it takes a few panicked tears along the way. Big hugs from Ha Noi. Wish you were here. xo
Girl, I had a small heart attack just reading about your mishap. Hang in there and keep your eye on the prize!
Thanks Nancy – You’re the best. I am safely in Ha Noi and have a meeting at the cancer centre here on Monday. So looking forward to learning more about the similarities and differences in this part of the cancer world. Big hugs and hope the weather is sunny and warm in Texas. T xo
[…] dear friend Terri is off on her adventures again, but things haven’t quite gone according to plan. Terri wonders what the lesson could […]
Maybe it’s a good thing that this happened first thing out of the gate. Now your travel disaster’s over and done with and you can smoothly go on your way. ; )
That’s what I’m hoping, anyway. Sounds like you handled it extraordinarily well, Terri. I wish I had your nerves of steel!
All the best and looking forward to reading more about your adventures!
-Diane (aka http://www.doublewhammied.com)
Yes – all travel disasters are officially declared over:) Nerves of steel – I like that and will definitely remember it the next time I’m about to melt down all over an unsuspecting airline employee! Always so great to connect with you and look forward to keeping in touch and hopefully meeting up in the not so distant future. Terri.
I can see you there on the floor in the airport & know how you’re feeling: Something of a desperate, lost, sinking feeling.
You are gritty, brave & tough & yes, stuff happens but you will cope. You may be on the other side of the world, but you are in my prayers. Take a deep breath & let it out slowly & know you will be fine.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
Thanks Brenda – I just arrived in Vietnam and am so grateful for the support and prayers. Would love to catch up soon and hear what’s new in your life. I’m keeping you in my thoughts and prayers too. Big hugs from Ha Noi! T xo
As a friend of mine likes to say “You are the BOMB” What a great and amazing trip…courageous is your next word. Thanks for your posting.
Kathleen,
So happy to know you and loved watching the video of our friend AnneMarie on your blog. Courageous – thank you. I will hold that word close to my heart on some of the tougher days. Hugs from Ha Noi!
Aw T.
I`m so sorry to hear that. I`m glad you got that all figured. I`m praying for you and wishing I had been stranded in Asia with you rather than staring blank-faced at a professor who is hellbent on teaching me about lesson plans 😉
Hi! Missing you too. It has been a challenging first week, but hopefully the worst of the mishaps (including the theft of my brand new iPhone) is behind me and I can move forward. One day at a time, one hour at a time sometimes. Keep at the lesson plans and the listening to the blank-faced professors. It will all be worth it in the end. Big hugs from Ha Noi. Terri. xo
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