I finally made a list.
So many people have told me to make one. I don’t remember what exactly my reasons for resisting this was. .. Maybe it was my commitment phobia, maybe it was the idea that I might limit myself… regardless, I did it.
5 days in Mui Ne. It was a hard decision to make but I needed a vacation from my vacation and I really wanted some sunshine on my skin and maybe some blue water and sand too. I laid on the beach for two days. I got a massage and my nails done. I read a book. I drank a fresh coconut and made more “friends” with locals through my candies. (even typing that makes me giggle.) My evenings in the hostel were fine, but pretty boring. Again I found the party hostel and I wasn’t feeling the vibe. A few friendly people but nothing really open or with a willing connection. It was fine, I was in my refill mode and I was happy to just be. I moved hostels to the one closer to the beach. I wanted a quieter place to play my ukelele. My bed wasn’t ready when I arrived and my exhaustion was evident. The sweet swiss girl that shared my room told me to use her bed to nap if I wanted. I was taken back by her kindness and we ended up chatting for a bit. She invited me to join her and a few other for dinner and that was that. We ended up being buddies for the rest of my time in Mui Ne and I may visit her in Zurich in the spring and she may make her way to SF next year as well. She is also a photographer and I truly enjoyed the conversations we shared.
On my bus back to Saigon I recognized a guy that had hung out in our group in MuiNe. We ended up walking around the city together and tackling the war museum and some of the other main attractions in the city. A night market, a street market. Our hostel was hosting a happy hour. Somehow I ended up the only girl in my group of 12. We went from bar to bar to dinner to bar. All except me were just arriving to Vietnam and I told them some of my stories and passed on travel notes on places to go see etc etc and how to “Mo hai bo” haha. My flight was early the next morning and I had decided not to bother sleeping and so they all ended up celebrating my last night in Vietnam with me. One of the best group of guys I’ve hung out with yet. Great conversations and really chill. I had to bid them all good night so I could pack and shower before my taxi. I came down to the lobby luggage in hand and they were all waiting for me and walked me to the taxi. haha.. This is my life? I wanted a travel partner but I don’t really need one. Everywhere I turn is a friendly face. A new friend. I suspect many travelers gracing my couch next year.
souvenirs –
Bumping into the street vendor again who made me laugh with her smile. I was so excited to see here again and she matched me excitement which turned into this weird funny moment everyone stopped to see. I took her picture. and bought the stupid dental gum she was selling and over paid by 90% because I had nothing smaller and the idea of asking for change was absurd. She dancing around and kissed my cheek.
Gorgeous sunsets on the dunes.
Listening to the waves crash.
Hanging out with 12+ different countries in a single moment.
Watching other travelers interactions. Those who have met along the way, their romances and the delicacy of their future. So sweet. ( Me thinks english is the language of love after all.)
A reminder that I love photography. A reminder that I have an insatiable desire to create/capture. A reminder to continue to push myself outside my comfort zone.
A small fishing village. Watching the locals hand knit the nets ripped pieces back together. Candy for a small group of men and a little boy. The little boy shared his with his mom and then blew me kisses.
What I feel was either “resting bitch face” or that person just doesn’t like the tourist me walking around her space. I decide to challenge it and offer a candy. Face transformed and small nods of thanks as the sweet hits her tongue.
One of the guys says to me “You’re like the Oprah of Vietnam”.. “You’ve given smiles to so many people. I laughed out loud at this. I’m so pleased.
It’s silly I know. It’s just candy. But, I wanted to be different. I wanted to give and not to take. I think it worked.
