Less than three weeks here…

Time is a funny thing. It’s constant, steady and unchanging. At the same time one month’s week can feel like a year and another year’s month can feel like a week.

I’ve been in Hanoi for less than three weeks but I have a new world. It’s really hard to explain without falling into the trap of travellers cliche. That doesn’t diminish the impact that being here has had on me. I’m not just talking about mental wellbeing… I’ve fallen in love with humans again. That doesn’t mean I agree with everyone or like everybody I’ve crossed paths with; quite the contrary. What I have found is I’m more engaged, more switched on and more excited. I go to bed at night looking forward to waking up the next day, even if that day means an 8am – 9:30pm shift in an English Language school. Engaging the brain seems to be paramount to me, whether that be; learning how to teach English, practicing my Vietnamese, having discussions with people from across the globe about current affairs or seeing how many beers I can drink in three hours (it takes sufficient concentration).

I’ve noticed a few subtle changes in myself in that short period of time:

• I fall asleep more easily
• I get up easier
• My voice is louder (metaphorically & physically)
• I’m more sure of myself
• I’m less anxious
• I’m less ignorant
• I’m more excited
• I don’t worry about my physical health as much
• My mind is quieter
• I’ve stopped reading the news
• I’m less tired (despite 19 hr days)
• I’ve stopped eating lunch alone
• I’m more trusting
• I’m more open
• I care less about what people think

I’ve also realised that most of the people that are here from afar probably feel similar to myself. There are lots of interesting characters kickin’ about, each with their own story & search. I think being kept busy is important, purpose, you’re heading along a new tube line with no destination and it’s liberating you are however at least on some sort of fixed track, safety wheels.

The food is delicious, the people are magical and theres an unexpected smile around each corner. Somebody left me behind a long time ago and I never really understood why… I do now. Having made a similar journey myself now I get it; I’d have done exactly the same thing. It was never about me, it was them. Now it’s about me – you can’t live two lives and split yourself across the globe. Setting up anew is exhausting enough without having to keep a fire burning 5,716 miles away (yes i googled it). I don’t have many regrets but I have caught myself thinking that I should’ve made this journey three or so years ago. I guess it may not have been the same though; 25 seems to be a pretty good age to try and get your shit together. I’m the baby out here, most of the other people I’ve met are 30-40.

I find it ironic that people made Corona jokes before I moved to Asia. The UK now has 115 cases vs Vietnam’s 16. Hopefully this whole episode teaches people to be more forgiving, less bigoted and less blanketed in their judgements. I hear Vietnam might be blocking travellers from countries hit heavily by the virus, such as the U.K, Germany and Italy 🙂

Like I said previously, I don’t have all that much to speak about at the moment because I spend so much time in the school teaching, planning, learning, preparing etc. I am officially half way to being an English teacher though; two more weeks Jack… you can do it!

My group have decided to head North into the countryside after we ‘graduate’. It’ll be the first opportunity I get to take my bike out on the open road and see how long it lasts (lol). We’re going to head out to an island for a few days of resting, recuperating, relaxing and of course, drinking. Rest assured I’m sure I’ll have more to speak about after that trip.

In the meantime, for anybody feeling unsure about what to do, do what feels right. You wont regret it.

Inabit x