Traveling DIY style requires a lot of decision making. Hell, it requires more research than a final year project!

I guess life in general does requires a lot of decision making as well, but at home a lot of your daily decisions are already made. You have to wake up at a certain time, showering is pretty much required, you pretty much know what the weather is like so you can dress appropriately, you eat whatever is handy, have a cup of coffee, and then you have to go to work.

These are pretty much givens. And these don't exist on the road. Everyday is literally a blank slate. This can be exciting or overwhelming, depending on your mood and the options at hand.

Me? I find it both exhilirating and extremely frustrating. Missed trains, sudden cold weather, pickpocketed...

The constant battle is: How much money can we spend? USD or DONG? How much time do we have in this city? What are the must sees? Do we rough it or take the comfortable option? It's a million little decisions. Some are difficult and some are quite simple.

And I, I shall be braving this all come tomorrow, for 8 days. I can't wait! I do hope the my other travel companions read up and come prepared!

:D So Hanoi, here I come!