1002 steps

This morning, Lauren and I went downtown to participate in a vertical race up 49 floors of the Bitexco Financial Tower. We had been training by running up and down the two flights of stairs in our house. Apparently, running up and down two flights of stairs, no matter how many times you do it, does NOT prepare one for running up 1002 steps.

It wasn't far into the race that I moved from leaping up stairs like a gazelle, to walking, soon followed by pulling myself up by the handrail. It was a great event and a great way earn a spectacular view of this sprawling city.

Prior to the race. A beautiful, sunny day in Saigon!
We ran to the floor below the helipad you can see above us.

To the top!

Hanging out "on the top of the world" with other teachers who joined us.
Yeah, I'm wearing a fanny pack. Sorry 'bout that.

Great view of Ben Tahn Market from the top.