"Take the journey
No matter where it starts or where it ends
Take the journey
Someday you'll make it back home again" - Molly Tuttle
SEEKING ADVENTURE!
Happy New Year everyone!
I confess and apologize that I haven't been as regular with my blog as I know I should. I'm a slacker and I've made a New Years resolution to be less of one and to write more often. After all, the journey of a million miles begins with a single step, right? I've gotten off the beaten path but here we are (again).
Another resolution is to step out of the comfort zone more often and do more of what scares me. Having said that, last year my dad proposed the notion we should take the trip of a lifetime- visiting Vietnam in 2024!
But why Vietnam?
A little back story about me. I was born in Vietnam and left along with the U.S. Military as US forces were pulling out of the conflict and the country. That was fifty years ago, and I haven't been back to the country since. One of the things my dad wanted for me while he's still alive was to experience "the homeland".
I'd heard about the places my dad and mom lived and worked, and the thought of re-tracing their footsteps, to walk and experience some of the things they did really excited me and sparked my curiosity.
WHAT I KNOW:
Nestled in Southeast Asia, this enchanting country is a testament to the beauty of resilience, vibrant traditions, and captivating landscapes. I'm excited to embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary and to discover the magic that awaits in Vietnam.
From the bustling streets of Hanoi, where the ancient and the modern coexist seamlessly, to the lantern-lit nights of Hoi An, every corner tells a story I'm hoping to experience and share.
I'm no stranger to Vietnamese food as my mom loved cooking and feeding me the dishes of our home country including the iconic pho and delectable banh mi sandwiches. The country's cuisine is a symphony of tastes and aromas, and every dish is a journey in itself, revealing the heart and soul of Vietnam.
And there's going to be plenty of things to do and see to work off all the delicious food, my dad said. Halong Bay, with its towering limestone karsts and emerald waters, the terraced rice fields of Sapa, or hiking through the lush jungles of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, there will never be a moment we'll be asking ourselves what to do or where to go.
WHAT I DON'T KNOW:
I'm looking forward to discovering the warmth of the Vietnamese people. I've heard they are the friendliest people on the planet and are so accommodating, even to foreigners (especially after so much war has ravaged the country and culture). If my mother is any indication on how the rest of the Vietnamese people are then I can only hope to be able to match their openness and hospitality that I'm sure will leave an indelible mark on my heart.
Embracing the Unknown:
Initial planning for this trip with my dad has already ignited a passion for adventure, and a desire to embrace the unknown, to step out of my comfort zone. I plan to let Vietnam be the canvas upon which I paint the story of my growth and exploration.
In the heart of Southeast Asia, Vietnam awaits, inviting us to embark on a journey of discovery, enlightenment, and inspiration (I say us because I fully intend to share my experiences with you). Our adventure of a lifetime begins in the land where tradition meets modernity, and every step is a dance with the extraordinary.
Goals:
We've set a goal to visit Vietnam before years end and are well on the way to achieving it. Here's to embracing passion and growth for 2024. Come along with me on this journey! If you've been to Vietnam before and want to help a newbie get the most out of this trip please drop me a line. I'm open to suggestions on where to go what to do and especially what to eat and drink.
I hope you all have a Happy, Prosperous, and Inspirational New Year!
Much Love,
-John
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