saigon, home away from home

Hello from HCM. Yes, yes, I come here often. This is actually my 5th time here in 2 years.

I love it here for so many reasons. When I came here in March 2011 (here and here) I had no idea I would love it so much. And I think even back then I had no idea the great friendship that was developing with my dear Vietnamese friend Mi. If it weren't for her incredible hospitality and warmth and generosity I would have never loved this city as much as I do. I love it so much that I truly feel like I'm home when I'm here. 

When I landed in HCM on Sunday morning, completely exhausted from pulling an all nighter, I was groggy, exhausted, and disoriented. I ran into visa issues and was yelled at (and frankly embarrassed) by the Immigration Officers. When I finally convinced them to let me in, but man, did I have to pull out all the stops. It was a rough start, but as soon as I walked outside I heard Kiki, Mi's 6 year old niece screaming "Nati, Nati!!," I knew that I was home. I knew then, at that very moment, that coming here first, before heading to DC, was the BEST decision I've ever made. 

HCM is home. Mi's hospitality makes this place home. I have my own room. I have a gym. I have a pool downstairs. I have home cooked meals and vietnamese sandwiches for breakfast. I drink Vietnamese coffee daily. And go to bed at a decent hour. And I sleep in too. I watch tv, I read books, I unwind. It really does feel like home. Probably more so than my own home in DC feels at this very moment. Sad, but true. 

And the best BEST best part of coming to Vietnam this time is that my sister arrives in 2 days. This will be the first time we take a sister vacation since we went to Sevilla and Lisbon in 2008. We will spend 5 days here, 5.5 days in Thailand, and 2 days in Singapore. Oh man, I am beyond excited. I am in desperate need of some sister time and even better that its far far far far away from home. Because we both need this. Maybe her more than me. She needs a break from reality. And I'm so happy I convinced her to take this last minute vacation with me. 

And even though my life and my plans changed dramatically in just a matter of days back in February, I am learning to see that there is always a silver lining. And this trip, with my sister, all over Asia, through beautiful cities and postcard type beaches is just that: the silver lining. So thankful.