Sensory Overload!!

As you all know, some more than others, my arrival in Vietnam has been one of slight confusion. My arranged pick-up was on time in the Old Quarter after my arrival. I was greeted by a very nice Vietnamese man named Duc who spoke impeccable English- I was pleasantly surprised. I was no loner staying with the original organization which I had previously arranged everything I needed. I was/am starting anew and finally, on day 5, things are becoming a bit more clear

Unfortunately all pleasantries of the first few days were limited in my eyes. Upon pick-up in the very busy and loud Old Quarter, I was thrown into a cab and sat in silence as the Taxi wove its way through the very busy streets of Hanoi to the office of SJ Vietnam, my host organization. I was already feeling confused and apprehensive about Vietnam and this was not helping. I was greeted at the office by another Vietnamese guy named Nam, his English is also great (I think we will become good friends while I am here). Though he did little to curb my anxieties. He showed me the small office space of the organization then took me to my hotel- where he didn't know how to get to. I am not in a volunteer house this time but an unclean, dingy hotel -alone. Picture a 1-2 star motel room you would stop at on the side of a highway. The rooms smell of second hand smoke, the floors and counters exhibit a nice thick layer of accumulated dirt and the bathroom....well lets just say I could not be more thankful for hot water (I have sprayed down that entire bathroom many times with the hottest water available). This again did not put me at ease...The part of the city we are in is quaint and simple, far from amenities but I can find the essentials- aka water. 

Since my first few days I have been on an emotional roller coaster trying each day to put a smile on my face and take on the challenges I have been given. By the end of the day I am often exhausted by the sheer effort this takes, a few days ending with tears. Hanoi is a city that excites every sense in your body. The no rules traffic takes you by surprise (especially if new to Asia) as motos, scooters, cars, buses and some bicycles weave through the various "lanes" of the road. Cruising through the city you will see barbershops on the streets, abundant power cords strung in bunches from one pole to the next, full roasted dog (yes this stereotype is true), markets of various size with a diversity of goods, street "restaurants," and endless cafes. The traditional form of Vietnamese dining entails eating on the streets at small plastic tables in little "kid" chairs. Each location serves 1-3 dishes, so I've been trying to learn what the various foods are called so I can order (in my area no one speaks any English). 

It's been an adventure to say the least and my head is constantly spinning in this place -SENSORY and EMOTIONAL OVERLOAD!!