Happy Birthday to Me!

March 8 is International Woman's Day - a great day for a birthday abroad!! I don't know why we don't celebrate this day in the states -- apparently it's a big deal in the rest of the world. The day is marked by women receiving flowers, and men going out of their way to do the little things -- open doors, carry luggage, etc. It was fantastic!!

We arrived back in Hanoi from the boat trip around 4:30, and after settling into our hotels, we (Amy, Laura, Michelle & I) all put on new tailor-made dresses from Hoi An, and set out on the town! First, we enjoyed free cocktails at the I Heart Vietnam bar (women drink free on Intl Women's Day!). Then, we had a lovely dinner at the Green Tangerine (recommended by the Irish girls who'd already done Hanoi!), and we closed the night dancing away at the Amazon Bar where within minutes of entering the place, an Australian guy made me stand on a bar stool as he announced to the entire bar that it was my "21st" birthday - I couldn't believe how many people actually believed him! Before I could come down from the bar stool, they made me sing a song. Sadly, Row, Row, Row Your Boat was all that came to mind, but somehow everyone seemed to love it and the rest of the bar joined in! Then the Aussies started spraying champagne everywhere and the bar sang Happy Birthday back to me. Laura then hopped behind the bar and assumed DJ duties for the night, and we had a great time singing and dancing till the staff kicked us out so they could close up shop.

Thank you Hanoi for a great 21st birthday! :)

Cheers!
Mere