Vietnam Arrival

By Kirsten Chong
6 November 2009 10:47:00

Vietnam

Flying into Vietnam after being away for a year and half was like flying home. I lived in Hanoi for over five years and while I was flying to Saigon it was still a great homecoming. I was on my way to Whale Island to teach for a few weeks and soak up some sun and humidity that was sorely missed in Europe. Oh, how I longed for the dampness that leaves my hair and skin so soft....

And like a wet blanket, stepping off the plane I was enveloped in a warmth and wetness that is so indicative of South East Asia. Mmmm. I breathed in the heat, shed my jacket and ran for the taxi queue as the skies opened up and rain came down in a roaring thunder storm and lightening show that our plane thankfully had missed.

Through the taxi windows spattered with rain I watched the rush hour traffic fight and jostle for a way through town. Hundreds of motorbike riders in full length raincoats peered through the wetness as rain ran off their hoods and drenched them, inside and out. Raincoats made for two, like a funny cow costume, attempt to keep passengers dry. And most raincoats are made extra long with a clear plastic window to drape over the headlight and keep legs dry! Only in Vietnam......

I woke up in the morning to sunshine and clear skies, the air clean and fresh but already you could sense the impending heat and humidity to come. I bravely made my way across a busy street allowing my instincts to return from days of old where you learned to just slowly saunter out into oncoming traffic, keep moving forward and let the motorbikes weave around you. Not the safest practice but must say the only broken bone I've suffered was crossing the street.... in Bangkok.

Pho was in order as my first meal back in Vietnam and I didn't have to go far to find it. Actually standing on the sidewalk in front of the friend's house I was staying at I could count at least three noodle shops within a short walk. At the nearest one, I climbed slippery aluminum stairs to an open second floor terrace, sat down and.... Mmm, heaven: Pho bo. Rice noodles, broth, onion and a hearty plate of lettuce, mint, basil, coriander and a slice of lime. Delicious.

Now.... On my way to find Saigon Yoga, HCMC's first dedicated yoga studio, and see if I can't release some of this tension I gathered on the flight from London..... will tell you soon....

Add your comment