The more you travel the smaller the world becomes

Many people have noticed the small Eiffel tower necklace I always wear. I asked for it as a Christmas present in 2009 because my favorite designer on Project Runway (I’m unhealthily obsessed with tv competition shows, nbd) wore a much larger statement piece of the Parisian landmark. I don’t put too much effort into outfits so the necklace just became a staple and I’ve worn it ever since. I researched the history of the statue, learned it’s origin as an entrance gate to the World’s fair (which led to a longstanding desire to experience the 2015 World Expo in Italy), and understood why the French disliked the monstrous metal structure in the center of their short, flat, pristine, stone capital. Although I never was intrigued by the French culture specifically, my necklace evolved to become a personal motif of my desire to travel and experience the history and unique traditions saturated through Europe and Asia.

Then I landed in Paris, and within a few hours, I fell in love. The train system was so comprehensive, you can get anywhere in the city for under two bucks. The streets and sidewalks were rarely strewn with litter and often sported bike/pedestrian separation lines. Joe and I sat in a park when we first arrived and watched children actually playing tag and soccer and parents sitting watching them or conversing with other caretakers. Throughout the hour we relaxed in the cool summer breeze (which was much appreciated after a month without a moment below 90F), I could count on one hand the number of cell phones we saw being intently stared at or tapped on. Talk about refreshing.

Not only are the streets spotless, the buildings themselves are downright impeccable. My friend, Kandasi (it’s a small world when you get to have wine in Paris with someone you haven’t seen since 3rd grade), explained that there are strict codes about the cleanliness of every building facade, and it shows how much the French love and respect their city.

Thanks to Ai-Lien (roommate reunion!), we saw the Louvre, all the beautiful cathedrals, the Tech History Museum (one of my favorite stops) and got to climb to the top of the Arc de Triumph! I went to the Modern Art Museum and Picasso museum, while Joe wandered around Napoleon’s garden, Rodin statues, and the Catacombs. We joined a free walking tour - one point during which Owen Wilson biked by and stopped to listen to our tour guide until he got called out and hurried away. 

Of course we ate at least one new pastry every day, tried foie gras, kir (white wine with a dash of blackcurrant liqueur), pate, crepes, and shared a baguette, french cheese, and french wine to finish our week under the Eiffel Tower. I never thought I would love Paris as much as I did but so far, it has been the only city I could see myself settling in for more than a week.

Un"pho"gettable

Vietnam as a culture can be divided into three parts: the south, central, and north.

Ho Chi Minh/Saigon: It is difficult to decide what to call the city, but as I am a foreigner I feel I must use the politically correct title, Ho Chi Minh City, even if I do not agree with the history behind the name. It was renamed in 1976 to honor the emperor, Ho Chi Minh, after his communist northern soldiers defeated both the South Vietnamese army and the US allies. You can tell each citizen’s feeling towards the outcome based on what they name the city. We spent two nights, one day in HCMC, and that was more than enough. We were about 2 miles from the center of the city, but that didn't matter. I walked out on the main drag to grab some lunch and after the sixteenth time of almost being run over, I gave up and headed back. They say there are as many motorbikes as people in the city, and I could darn well believe that. The traffic is senseless! If you wish to cross the road, the best thing to do is stare right ahead and just walk, the bikes will swerve around you based on you pace. We chose to take the rest of this as a rest day for good reason.

We flew up to Hoi an, which could not be more opposite from HCMC if it tried. It was a lovely little beach town and the place we stayed was comprised of villas situated, each with their own small patio and outdoor furniture, around a large expanse covered in tall plants, flowers, and a beautiful pool. They even had bikes we could take out whenever we wished. After breakfast at the villa, which included eggs, baguette, bacon, coffee, and of course any fruit juice you could desire (I swear this place was like an oasis), we rode leisurely into town, which was only 3km away, or to the beach, 2km the opposite direction. There were only 2 main streets and I never once felt in danger of traffic or being too slow or even being pickpocketed. Hoi an is a must if you go to Vietnam (I think they have the best food as well).

A short flight later we were in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. It was another big city, though they have a nice night market which is blocked off to vehicles on the weekend. We chose to do a cruise our only full day there because everyone said we must go see Ha Long Bay. It is a wide bay full of thousands of small islands, natural caves, and floating fishermen's villages. It was a gorgeous sight and a nice break from the urban life. One thing Hanoi is well known for is Bia Hoi, a fresh beer that each cafe makes a weekly batch of. The taste, alcohol content, and freshness can change with each batch, so you never know what you’ll get, but for 25 cents, it’s hard to say no! The Sapa mountain area is the one thing I wish we had the time to do. It requires an 8 hour bus ride from Hanoi but the rice fields and remote villages are supposed to be breathtaking and the women take you to their home and host you for a few evenings to experience their lifestyle and culture. Next time, I suppose.