Goodbye Vietnam (March 29, 2026)
You know that expression, “You can never enter the same river twice”? That’s how it feels this time around in Hanoi, Vietnam. Despite doing similar activities with my family, it’s just completely different having them here with me. Not better. Not worse. Just different.
For example, being in an AirBnb is much different than staying in a studio apartment. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. Something as simple as planning a day requires more forethought and planning. When it’s just me, I get up and go. When I’m with my family, there’s discussion about what everyone wants to do, a plan is created, then that plan is adjusted in real-time based on changes and needs.
I’m spending more time reflecting on each of my family members. There is a spaciousness that exists while we travel together. We are on different sleep schedules, which means unless there is a specific planned event, I have more time to myself in the morning while Elena is doing her thing, Will is dancing and Violet is sleeping.
Exploring Vietnam
The first time I was here back in November, I was in full explorer mode. I wanted to discover all that Vietnam had to offer. I went to AA every day so I met a number of people who helped point me in the right direction. When I travel by myself, I have the freedom to decide in the moment where I want to be and who I want to spend time with.
The advantages of being here with my family are many, including having meaningful lunch and dinner conversations, sharing time talking about our individual and collective futures, lots of hugs and expressions of gratitude for each other. Each of us has our own ideas about what’s “fun” and worth spending time doing.
I noticed this in Phuket, Thailand too. While I was excited to replicate some of the things we did back in November for Will’s benefit, we had a great time doing new things that he wanted to do like the Phuket Bird Park (which I would not have done on my own) and the aquarium.
Impact of mobile devices when traveling abroad
I took this picture yesterday as we were waiting for our bus to go to Ha Long Bay (see related post). This is the other interesting insight I’ve slowed down long enough to really absorb. How much of the time am I or any of us really “here” in Vietnam? We’re so plugged in, it’s easy to opt-out of any down time or natural moments to take in where we are.
The other day, just for a moment, Elena couldn’t remember where she was. She couldn’t remember if we were still in Thailand, or somewhere else. And then she remembered we were in Vietnam. And I completely understand. It’s easy to forget where we are when we have our own routines and so much “newness” is coming at us that we almost need to tune it out so as not to be overwhelmed.
Elena and Violet are “Done”
Next up on our travel agenda is Japan, and then South Korea. That will take us through the end of April. Elena was the first to acknowledge that she was getting home sick again and decided to skip Seoul and head straight back to New York after Japan. While she’s enjoyed this return visit, she’s ready to get back to her life in New York.
Violet was the next to chime in that she might be done after Seoul. She’s excited to share her experience of Japan with her brother, Will, and is curious about Seoul, South Korea. But after that? In her words, “I feel like I’ve lived an entire lifetime already. I’ve seen and experienced so much. I feel like I’ve done it all and I’m only 19.”
While that’s not entirely true, I understand her perspective. She’s gone from one extreme of living in Port Washington, New York with occasional visits to Northern California and Bend, Oregon over the Christmas holidays to seeing dozens of countries in a few months. It’s a lot to unpack, absorb and understand.
Will wants to be home for his birthday (May 21st) and is willing to do one more adventure after South Korea, but then he’s ready to pack it in as well. He’s glad he came, has had a number of experiences and wants to be back before his birthday to adjust to New York life and then celebrate with his friends.
Now What?
I set out to spend a year traveling the world and I’m committed to completing my mission. Elena likes to remind me that, “No one is making you do any of this. You can come home anytime.”
Agreed.
I have this flexibility and freedom. It’s such a privilege and I don’t take it lightly. I am going where I choose to go, spending as much or as little time as I choose to spend there, and exploring this blue boat home. I believe, after Seoul, South Korea, I’m headed to Panama City. I miss the jungle of Ecuador. I’d like to visit somewhere like that and continue to connect with nature before I’m complete with my journey.
I’d also like to spend time in Columbia and Argentina. I don’t feel like I’ve spent enough time in South America. So in the next few weeks, I’ll plan out the rest of my trip — specifically May and June. I’ll keep reflecting on what’s calling to me and how best to bring this incredible year of travel to a meaningful closure. What that looks like, I’m not exactly sure and that’s part of the fun and adventure I enjoy.
