January 2009 Newsletter

 

Count Down – 2 Months to go

 

Saigon Reunion 2009

 

 

Hope everyone had a nice Holiday and is as excited as I am as we get close to the Reunion in Saigon. As of today we are 64 days away from the official Reunion start date (March 12th, 2009 arrival). Also, as of today, we have 17 confirmed travelers with a potential of 24 once I hear back (hopefully) from those still in the question mark status (see table below). Sarah is feverishly coordinating our dinner activities for Friday and Saturday nights (13th & 14th) as well as the Puppet show at Cerc Sportif on Sunday (15th). We are trying hard to be less formalized and just plan for two dinner nights where we can all get together and leave the day-time activities fluid for individuals/mini-groups to explore their old haunts (if they are still there) and enjoy the trip at their own pace and schedule. I will be repeating a lot of the past “reminders” to prepare you for the trip, and foremost, I think I have more paraphernalia packed in terms of camera’s and downloadable drives to be able to capture you videos and pictures so that I can assemble a collective Video of our trip and post it on the website once we get back. So, I may be spending evenings downloading all that stuff if you will allow me to capture them while there. Excess baggage charge is definitely going to be on my credit card. Another item to stress is the available Polo shirts and hats with the Reunion logo for purchase (Shirts = $27.00, Hats = $15 plus shipping) weather you are going or not. Just let me know and I will send them to you and collect later. Here are some repeats and some new items:

 

(1)               Passport – You should make sure that it is current (valid for three months beyond your planned return date from Vietnam).

(2)               Visa – You need one! Use the link and prior Newsletter information on costs (currently $65.00). Send/Receive your passport via priority mail. My wife’s passport was once stolen through regular snail-mail.

(3)               Shots – You should want them! Check with your family physician. Normally you have to start them 2 to 3 months before departure. See CDC link in FAQ.

(4)               Airlines – Lots of choices but do not wait until the last minute. If you are an anal-planner like me, start now.

(5)               Hotels – The memory lane hotels (Caravelle, Continental, Majestic, Rex, etc.) are on the steep side. B&B’s, small hotels (See the link on B&B Newsletter) much affordable but with limited rooms … many close to the center of town. Try to stay in District 1 area.

(6)               Events – Sarah is organizing a group dinner on Friday (13th), Restaurant TBD, group dinner Saturday (14th) at the Continental Hotel, Sunday (14th) Water Puppet Show at the Cerc Sportif. So, schedule your sightseeing/tour plans accordingly.

(7)               Hats & Polo Shirts - With Sarah’s help, we have purchased limited number (24) Reunion 2009 hats/caps and Polo shirts for those interested in purchasing them. The Polo shirts are in Royal Blue with the same logo in various sizes (S, M, L, XL, 2XL (they run a little larger than usual, so if you are borderline, choose the smaller size)). The hats (Royal blue and white) go for $15.00 plus shipping and the shirts go for $27.00 plus shipping. If you are interested, please let me know and I will ship them to you and let you know the full cost (shipping) later. Check the website <Reunions> tab and follow links to Reunion 2009 (Saigon) and Hats & Polo Shirts for pictures. If you (whether going or not) want these items, please let me know soonest since I will be limited in my luggage space and will not be able to take them with me to Saigon.

(8)               Trip Video – For those attending, if you bring your camcorder/camera and allow me to compile what you have captured, I will, after the Reunion, post the video on the website.

(9)               Unbelievable CDs – Frank Stoddard is compiling the top 40 songs of our era in Saigon for distribution to those attending (after the Reunion). If you have not had Frank’s previous CDs, you are in for a treat!

(10)           Itinerary – Allowing me to post your itineraries on the website and the Newsletters will help everyone in knowing not only who is going but when they will arrive in Saigon and possibly form mini-groups which can make the trip more enjoyable. So, please send them to me if you have no objections.

(11)           TripWatch - I signed up for a Newsletter that provides updated information on hotels in Saigon (HCMC) and Vietnam proper. There are a lot of Bed & Breakfast and hotel ratings from recent travelers. The link is available through the website <Reunions> tab and follow links to Reunion 2009 (Saigon) and B&B Newsletter since it is an e-mail. I will update it as I get it weekly for your access.

(12)           Business Cards – Arlene has made up a SaigonKids business card for distribution in country. I will have them with me for those that want to hand out any cards with our logo as well as an e-mail address saigonkids@saigonkids.com. For now, any e-mail addressed to saigonkids@saigonkids.com is mapped to my e-mail address.

(13)           Article in NY Times – Arlene has sent us an article on 36 hours in Ho Chi Minh City that you will find interesting. Go to News tab and follow the link at the bottom of the page.

(14)           Travel Roster - I hope to see the column “Going” continue to increase and the remaining ones diminish. So, if your plans have changed, please let me know soonest. E-mail me at rmcdonal@sesi.com (or saigonkids@saigonkids.com)  and put Saigon Reunion 2009 in the subject field. There is so much spam that I can’t keep up with e-mails if there are no subject fields or things that are not familiar to me. Thanks.

 

Travel Roster

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Updated 1/6/2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Too

 

 

 

Polo

 

 

Names

Going!

Planning

Thinking

Early

Maybe

Can't

Total

Shirts

Hat

Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allen, Kathleen

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon - Confirmed

Arbuckle, Les

 

 

 

 

 

0

2

 

 

Saigon

Berven, Mary Lou

2

 

 

 

 

 

2

2

2

Saigon

Blackmore, Ruth

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon

Busa/Safrannek (Kandi/Tom)

2

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

Saigon - Confirmed

Bush, Charlotte

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

 

 

Been there/Done that

Christensen, Paul

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon/Baguio

Dunn, Mike & Yen

2

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

Saigon

Emery, Dick & Kathy

2

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

www.Gate1travel.com

Hamilton, Kim (Murray)

2

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

Baguio PI, Saigon VN

Johnson, Stephen

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon

Johnson, Cindy

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon

Kotzebue, Dave

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon

Kent, Allen

 

 

 

 

 

0

1

1

1

Saigon

Kent, Christie

 

 

1

 

 

 

1

1

 

Saigon, Baguio PI

Landgraf, Susan & Gabriella

 

2

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

Saigon

McDonald, Roy

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

1

1

Baguio PI, Saigon VN-Confirmed

McIntyre, Cathie

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

 

 

Teaching Conflicts

Murray, Mark

2

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

Baguio PI, Saigon VN

Oakley-Melvin, Deborah

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon

Pei, Linda

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon

Porcher, Annie Herndon

 

2

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

Saigon

Porcher, Jacqueline B.

 

 

 

 

1

 

1

 

 

Saigon

Rogers, Sarah Bush

1

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon - Confirmed

Rubira, Claude (Arcache)

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

 

 

Can't - Date Conflicts

Schutt, Rickard

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

 

 

Can't - Business Conflict

Shahpazian, Bobbie

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

 

 

Can't - Date Conflicts

Stann, Susie

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

 

 

Can't - Date Conflicts

Stephenson, Jane (Anthis)

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

 

 

Can't - Business Conflict

Stoddard, Frank

2

 

 

 

 

 

2

2

2

Hanoi/Saigon - Confirmed (LG)

Thomas, Bruce

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

 

 

Can't - Date Conflicts

Turner, Richard

 

1

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Saigon

Viroly, Michelle

 

 

 

 

 

0

1

 

 

Saigon

Yeager, Ken

 

 

 

 

 

0

0

 

 

Economic factors

Zucker, Arlene

2

 

 

 

 

 

2

2

2

Just got back - will go again

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

24

6

2

0

1

0

37

9

8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(15)           The following is a list of travel related links that can help you in your travel planning:

 

Travel & Accommodations

Website/Links

Used by

 

 

 

Air China

http://cnomy.com/?dn=airchina.com&pid=1POEL38TR

Barbara Bush Parker

Caravelle Hotel

http://www.caravellehotel.com/default.aspx

List

Cathay Pacific

http://www.cathayusa.com/offers/aapinsider/home.asp

Eddy Pay

Eva Airlines

http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/

Arlene Zucker Claiborne

HCMC (Saigon Hotels)

http://www.vietnamstay.com/hotel/saigon.htm?gclid=CKKupavh4pICFQksswodKAOAAA

List

Gate 1 Travel Agency

http://www.gate1travel.com/STW/STWProduct.aspx?SessID=858AC71F-6723-4ADD-B6AD-878961266021&productcode=VN-12DAFFVN&Theme=Gate1

Ted & Kathy Emery

Majestic Hotel

http://www.majesticsaigon.com.vn/

List

Maps/Books

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Arlene Zucker Claiborne

Northwest Airlines

http://www.nwa.com/

Christy Kent

Rex Hotel

http://www.vietnamstay.com/hotel/rex/

List

Thai Airlines

http://thaiairlines.com/

Barbara Bush Parker

Travel Guide/Agency

http://www.saigon-tourist.com/en/travel/travel.htm

Barbara Bush Parker

United Airlines

http://www.united.com/

List

Visa Requirements

http://www.vietnamembassy.us/consular_services/visa_info/

Arlene Zucker Claiborne

 

 

 

 

 

(6)              The following is the Itinerary of confirmed travelers as of this Newsletter:

 

 

 

 

 

Itinerary 1/6/09

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dep.

Dep.

 

Flight

 

Arr.

Arr.

 

Flight

 

 

 

Date

Time

Airline

No.

Country/City

Date

Time

Airline

No.

Country/City

Hotel

Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frank & Charles Stoddard (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

23-Feb

8:15A

China Air

17

Honolulu (HNL)

23-Feb

1:00P

China Air

17

Tokyo (NRT)

TBD

 

23-Feb

2:15P

China Air

17

Tokyo (NRT)

23-Feb

5:20P

China Air

17

Taipei (TPE)

 

 

26-Feb

8:25A

China Air

791

Taipei (TPE)

26-Feb

10:35A

China Air

791

Hanoi (HAN)

 

Will Cyclo to Saigon

17-Mar

11:05A

China Air

782

Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

17-Mar

3:20A

China Air

782

Taipei (TPE)

 

 

17-Mar

4:30P

China Air

106

Taipei (TPE)

17-Mar

8:40P

China Air

106

Tokyo (NRT)

 

 

17-Mar

7:05P

China Air

18

Tokyo (NRT)

17-Mar

6:55A

China Air

18

Honolulu (HNL)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Roy McDonald (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1-Mar

1:20P

American

297

Orlando (MCO)

1-Mar

3:55P

American

297

Los Angeles (LAX)

 

 

1-Mar

7:30P

Philippine

113

Los Angeles (LAX)

3-Mar

4:50A

Philippine

113

Manila (MNL)

 

 

10-Mar

7:20A

Philippine

591

Manila (MNL)

10-Mar

9:00A

Philippine

591

Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

 

Manila Hotel - Hyatt

17-Mar

10:00A

Philippine

592

Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

17-Mar

1:50P

Philippine

592

Manila (MNL)

 

Baguio Hotel - BCC

17-Mar

10:00P

Philippine

102

Manila (MNL)

17-Mar

7:30P

Philippine

102

Los Angeles (LAX)

 

Saigon Hotel - Majestic

17-Mar

10:15P

Delta

1480

Los Angeles (LAX)

17-Mar

6:04A

Delta

1480

Orlando (MCO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dick & Kathy Emery (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles (LAX)

 

 

 

 

Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

 

Trips to Saigon, Hanoi,

 

 

 

 

Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

 

 

 

 

Hanoi (HAN)

 

Da Nang, Hue, Hoi An,

 

 

 

 

Hanoi (HAN)

 

 

 

 

Los Angeles (LAX)

 

Halong Bay

 

 

 

 

See Gate 1 Agency link in Travel & Accommodations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Bush Rogers & Kathleen Allan (2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2-Mar

1:20P

Hawaiian

455

Honolulu Int'l Airport

3-Mar

6:05P

Hawaiian

455

Manila (MNL)

 

 

4-Mar

12:45P

Vietnam

597

Manila (MNL)

4-Mar

2:30P

Vietnam

597

Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

 

 

4-Mar

5:15P

Vietnam

819

Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

4-Mar

6:05P

Vietnam

819

Phnom Penh

 

 

8-Mar

9:35A

Siem R.

992

Phnom Penh

8-Mar

10:15A

Siem R.

992

Siem Reap Airport

 

 

11-Mar

1:40P

Vietnam

826

Siem Reap Airport

11-Mar

2:40P

Vietnam

826

Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

 

 

16-Mar

11:00A

Malaysia

751

Ho Chi Minh (SGN)

16-Mar

1:55P

Malaysia

751

Kuala Lumpur

 

 

16-Mar

3:15P

Malaysia

853

Kuala Lumpur

16-Mar

6:15P

Malaysia

853

Denpasar Bali

 

 

22-Mar

1:50P

Malaysia

714

Denpasar Bali

22-Mar

4:45P

Malaysia

714

Kuala Lumpur

 

 

23-Mar

10:15A

Malaysia

704

Kuala Lumpur

23-Mar

2:05P

Malaysia

704

Manila (MNL)

 

 

26-Mar

7:50P

Hawaiian

456

Manila (MNL)

26-Mar

11:50A

Hawaiian

456

Honolulu Int'l Airport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kandi Bush & Tom Busa/Safrannek (2)

 

 

 

 

 

TBD

Finalizing Itinerary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Lou Breven (2)

 

 

 

 

 

TBD

Finalizing Itinerary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth Matteson Blackmore (1)

 

 

 

 

 

TBD

Finalizing Itinerary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

United

 

Kim Murray Hamilton (2)

 

 

 

 

 

TBD

Finalizing Itinerary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your Name Here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Please visit the website www.saigonkids.com and under the <Newsletter> tab click on <January_2009> you will find this and previous newsletters as we count down to March 2009!

      If you would like to NOT receive this e-mail on a monthly basis until departure, please click on the following and send me your request to be off the list: rmcdonal@sesi.com

Happy Trails!

Roy