GO

 

**semi long post**

Mid-December, I return home to New Hampshire. I will be a blubbering blob of tears come the day my Vietnamese friends drop me off at the airport.  These past four months have been indescribably special to me and have changed my outlook on many aspects of my life.  This being said, I want to explain how everyone can have a similar experience.

Back in late July, I traveled to ‘Nam with $8500.  While obviously helpful, this is not necessary and I let me explain why.  I quickly went through a large chunk of my savings — Weekly massages ($15-20 USD), bottles of red wine for myself at dinner ($13) and delicious Indian food ($10).  Individually, these items are virtually nothing. Together however, repeatedly and with a nonexistent income, they stack up quickly.   So, Lesson 1:  LIVE MODESTLY.  Just because you’re on the prosperous side of financial inequality, don’t constantly celebrate with a bottle of alcohol or a lavish dinner.

Lesson 2:  JUST GO. As Julia can attest to, it took me a long time to make it to Vietnam. Don’t pull an Alex Smyrnos — Go somewhere now, not later.  Start saving. Buy a one-way ticket and stow away $500 to $1000 USD if you can.  And then go.  Wherever you land, search for a job there. Teaching English is very popular. Do some research.  Reach out to people and ask questions.  Read articles. Comment on blog posts. Message me if you need to. Do something.

As an American, Southeast Asia was never on my ‘to travel’ list.  Europe is closer, South America sounds exotic…and just driving over the Vermont boarder is always a charming idea.  Furthermore, with the exception of Julia, Southeast Asia was never recommended to me… So, from one curious human to another, I urge you to do the following: GO TRAVEL TO SOUTHEAST ASIA.

The other night on an island in Thailand, I watched the best sunset of my life. In Sa Pa, I drank rice wine with the locals.  In Cambodia, I semi-slept on the most uncomfortable overnight bus with Hannah…and we couldn’t stop laughing about the horrid situation.  And in Da Nang.. well, you’ve presumably read some of the blog — George and I have had our fair share of adventures.

So.  Just go. And follow one rule:

BE RESPECTFUL. Every culture is different.  Leave your biases and customs at home. Respect traditions and the norms of daily life wherever you are.  For example: personal space is significantly reduced in Asia – Don’t be an asshole and complain about people constantly bumping into you.  Accept and embrace the differences.

Good Luck.

-a