Friends

I met a couple from Auckland a few weeks ago through some of my friends in a bar. They are cool and friendly. A few weeks later they found their own apartment. They were glad to have a stable place instead of staying in a hotel. They seem to love Vietnam.

When their house warming party happened, they prepared a simple but great party with nice food; great atmosphere and everybody felt at home. Most people who joined the party are teachers; from England, Australia, New Zealand, American and then there was me-Vietnamese!

We had a few different conversations and most of my friends were surprised about my country and they said Vietnam is improved and has changed really fast in the last few years but still heading in the right direction. Vietnam is a nice, peaceful place to live. Vietnamese people in general are friendly even though there are some differences between both ends of the country; maybe because of the language or maybe something else, and the service is better in the south.

Foreigners seem to enjoy living in Hanoi because of the tradition of the old quarter, the lakes and the old cute coffee shops. Of course there are so many traditional dishes that they love to try. Some western people who come to Vietnam for the first time are concerned about the food quality. They are scared that eating on the street is dirty or might lead to some disease. After a few months they usually realise how good the food from the street is. They change their minds after a few times trying food on the street and in a small restaurant. I am so glad when whoever comes to Vietnam, tries our food, enjoys living here, brings the new ideas to Vietnam and understand and love our culture. What is better than if you are able to exchange culture and learning about new thing? Most of my friends know that I am so proud of Vietnam. Yes, I am. I would love to stay in my country to help and show people how beautiful Vietnamese culture is.

Thanks to Liz Lowerson for the beautiful picture of Vietnam.