These first few weeks in Vietnam have been a whirlwind of excitement, surprises, discomfort, and adaptation. Having only traveled through Canada and the U.S., I wasn’t sure what to expect being so far from home in a country so different from my own.
Olivia and I started off our journey in Hanoi, a vibrant city full of life (and tons of traffic). Staying in the Old Quarter, we explored the crowded streets, enjoyed cafes and delicious food, and visited the iconic Train Street. We even experienced our first Vietnam thunderstorm– which was quite possibly the most intense downpour I’ve ever seen. Tip: always have a rain coat or poncho handy, because the rain can fall fast, hard, and without warning. We were quite ill-prepared, so we ended up absolutely soaked.
Once we landed in Da Nang, we realized how much quieter it was than what we’d experienced thus far. Da Nang is actually fairly similar in size and population to Calgary, but its relaxed atmosphere was almost eerie compared to the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. At first, we compared the two cities constantly– but after a few days of reflection, we began to accept Da Nang for its own unique pace and rhythm. Da Nang truly is beautiful, and there is so much to see and do both in and around the city!
Something that I’ve realized throughout this experience is that, although culture shock and unfamiliarity can feel isolating, you are certainly not alone. After talking with some of my Vietnam cohort, I learned that I wasn’t the only one feeling overwhelmed about adapting to a new way of life. Having a sense of community and people to lean on when you need them is important, and I’m very thankful to have all of my cohort by my side to navigate the ups and downs with.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue finding comfort in a new routine– but, I am also learning to let go, be flexible, and adapt to the unpredictability that each day will bring. Above all, I am trying my best to embrace the present moment, because I already know how much I will miss it when our time here is up. I’m proud of myself and the resilience I’ve shown so far, and I cannot wait to see how much more I’ll grow and what I will experience in the weeks to come.
Natalia