comparison is inevitable
Here we are in China, with its wide streets, clean and accessible sidewalks, easy access to quick eating ....but we miss motorbikes and a language we at least partly understand (never realized how much Vietnamese I understood before coming here and understanding nothing) and chicken (or beef) and rice.
We've had an amazing time here and it is definitely vacation-like (which is precisely what I wanted for the kids). Tommy and his parents have honestly treated us like royalty, providing us a place to stay and getting us tickets on the train to Shanghai, feeding us an astonishing array of Chinese and Western food (Pizza Hut? Whoda thunk). I can never express my gratitude for all they've done and are doing for us. It's been amazing and I hope to forward that generosity on; I am again in the debt of others' kindness.
We've noticed, though, that every step of the way we inevitably compare it to the Vietnamese way. Oh, the girls are wearing short sleeves! Where are all the motorbikes? (Banned by law, I found out.) In Viet Nam, they're very worried about getting dark. Yes, people in Viet Nam eat every bit of the animal, too, but it is the first time I've seen deep-fat fried chicken head.
We can't seem to help it. Everything gets compared, both positive and negative (depending on the situation and the person). I can't help but think it will continue for a long while after returning to the States, as well. Sorry, folks, you'll have to deal with it.
There are bits of both countries that we like, but Ha Noi has my heart. Toi yeu Viet Nam![Our last night in Ha Noi at the ice cream buffet at Fanny Ice Cream.]
Labels: sentimental, travel
6 Comments:
So sad you left VN but I am finding this post interesting too. We have a 2.5 yr old from China and are currently waiting for a referral from VN....
I'm so sad, too, though it's difficult for those at "home" in the States to understand.
How wonderful that you've been able to adopt kids from here. I honestly would do it in a heartbeat if I could find the the finances. Instead, I think we will simply find a way to come back and work with the kids. Best of luck with a short wait on the referral.
teresa
Ohio is home, Hanoi is so close that I am not sure what to call it.
I spent the month of Dec (2006) in Hanoi and I have to admit that it stole my heart. I can't imagine having lived in country as long as you have and then going back to the States. I still compare things to Vietnam, and that was with only a months time in country. I was blessed to bring home two amazing little treasures and I am determined to one day show them their home-land.
My best to your family as return "home" and I hope that the rest of your travels are smooth sailing. Perhaps someday we can meet for ice cream at Lake Hoan Kiem.
Wow "what a ride" . You kids are really getting to see other cultures and not from the "tourist view". That is great, have fun on the rest of the trip back.
unc d&j
I am thinking of you in all of your travels and know you will be on American soil soon.
I know you miss Vietnam, my heart breaks for you. My son misses Vietnam too and speaks of his life there often now. Mostly, though, he just expresses how he wants his life there to come here so he can be with all of the people he loves and has loved in the same place.
I can't say that I blame him.
Let us know when your traveling legs make your way to FL.
Rhissa
I agree with Lee. I wish I could bring so much of Viet Nam with me, wherever I am. My friends there, the food, the scenery, the joy of life. I want it always.
We'll make our way to Florida someday, hopefully soon. We've got a few kids we love over in that neck of the woods.
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