Gooooood Morning Vietnam…

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.

Written by Terri Wingham | January 17, 2012

With a three day delay because of a visa issue and a stolen iPhone on day one in Ha Noi, this Adventure of Hope has so far been higher than I expected on the adventure side of things. But, as a friend shared with me online earlier this week (words I needed to hear as I curled up in the fetal position and had a good cry over the “loss” of my 10 day old phone), “Adventure without risk is Disneyland.”

Ha Noi is a pulsing city filled with honking scooters, exhaust-clouded air, and some of the best street food I’ve ever eaten. If you walk down the narrow alleyway outside my hotel, you can watch the chicken that will eventually make it into your Pho, killed, cut up, and presented for sale. My time here through GeoVisions has been high on exactly what they promise, cultural immersion. My incredibly sweet host has invited me into her family home for a Lunar New Year celebration dinner, toured me around the city on the back of her “moto” and helped me see the Ha Noi that few tourists get to see.

With limited time before a meeting at the cancer centre, I thought I would go light on words and high on images today.

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Comments (11)
  • BreastCancerSisterhood.com • January 17, 2012

    I love the look on the little girl’s face as you’re preparing what looks like Spring rolls. She’s very curious about you. What an adventure you’ve embarked on. You’re not only there to volunteer, but you’re bringing them a look at people and a country they can’t imagine. Whether you realized it or not, you are a United Nations ambassador, my dear.

    Take care,
    Brenda

  • Terri Wingham • January 18, 2012

    Thank you Brenda,
    I always love reading your comments and it is an honour to have the chance to engage in other cultures. I spent time at the K Cancer Hospital in Ha Noi and met women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I will be sharing a big of that experience in my next blog post. But, it was definitely humbling to say the least. Big hugs and hope all is well for you. T xo

  • Tory • January 17, 2012

    Looks amazing!

    Enjoy your fabulous adventure,

    Tory

  • Terri Wingham • January 18, 2012

    Thanks so much Tory! Hope you’re doing well. T.

  • joanne D • January 18, 2012

    hi Terri so great to see the pics from your great adventure! Also that you are having a great trip. Sorry to hear about your iphone though. Amazing what you are doing, I am full of admiration. Look forward to next post.
    Love Joanne aka SnowyJoey xxx

  • Terri Wingham • January 18, 2012

    Thanks Joanne, It has been a challenging week, but my time spent at the K Cancer Hospital this morning reminded me why I’m here. Looking forward to having you along with me on this big crazy journey. Have a great week and hope to meet you in person when I come to the UK in March. Big hugs, Terri

  • Marie Ennis-O'Connor (@JBBC) • January 19, 2012

    I’ve had a few heart stopping moments following your journey and although I know this past week has been a challenge for you, I just know that you are going to grown in strength, wisdom and bravery from all of this!

  • Terri Wingham • January 23, 2012

    Thanks Marie – every challenge makes us stronger. Big hugs. xo

  • Renn • January 19, 2012

    I am adventuring vicariously through you! Can’t wait to read more and also hear about your experience at the cancer hospital.
    Your photos are amazing and provide us with a peek into your new world! Have fun.

  • Weekly Round-Up « Journeying Beyond Breast Cancer • January 20, 2012

    […] of us have been following Terri’s progress as she made her way to Vietnam this week – it has been a challenging week for her, but as I […]

  • AnneMarie • January 20, 2012

    Forgetting to comment here because of the quick tweets! The pictures are beautiful and they each tell a story. I know you are on a mini journey and I can’t wait for more pics!

    xoxox

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