XIN CHÀO AND BEEP BEEP B*TCH!

Leaving Thailand felt forceful. I experienced a moment of sunk cost fallacy. The sunk cost fallacy is about making decisions based on your past investments rather than your future prospects; in travel terms, it's to keep going back to a place you've invested yourself in because you believe it's going to keep giving back to you, many people travel to the same places time and time again in fear that somewhere else won't meet that same standard and that they have to invest time, money and resources into something they aren't sure will have the desired result. The fallacy weighed heavy on me, and I had to peel myself away from the island mentally and physically. I'd once again found myself creating my ideal life in a little place that suited all my desires, and after 2 months, it felt like I was leaving my home of 50 years. It's a special place, a portal of sorts, and the energy is unique to Koh Phangan; however, now that I'm out of there, I breathe a huge sigh of relief. Vietnam is enchanting and I am so ready to be bewitched. 

Arriving in Hanoi was a shock to the system. I was overwhelmed by the noise, and the Dong confused me. This, combined with being tired and dazed, was a recipe for passing out. When I arrived to hug my mother, who had flown a long way to visit me and try her hand in Southeast Asia, I fell into bed, and my brain turned off. 

The next morning, I awoke to the sound of a thousand scooters and cars all beeping at each other, and I looked outside to see if there was a traffic jam or something, but no, it was just a regular day in Hanoi, where drivers make sure to get their money worth for their vehicles, everything down to the horn. If you're driving here, use it as much as humanly possible. I've learnt now that instead of following road safety and using indicators and things like that, it's just the form of communication used on the roads here. A short honk is to alert someone of your presence on the road since alot of scooter drivers do not have mirrors on them, a long honk means I'm not stopping, so you better move, and of course, some honking is just pure impatience and aggressiveness. It's entertaining to watch hundreds of drivers beep simultaneously, and while it looks like absolute chaos, I've found it works fine most of the time, even if the statistics tell me otherwise. After learning to drive a little bit in Thailand, I was biting my nails at the thought of getting on the roads here, but I bit the bullet and gave it a go; now I know I just have to use the beeper and not get startled by the others, It's turning out to be funny, and I feel I've jumped straight to Level 5 on the driving game of life. 

We spent a lovely day in Hanoi, which served as the capital of French Indochina from the early 1900s till 1945. It explains the fusion of flavours like the Bhan Mi, the French-Vietnamse sandwich. These are served on every corner, they are priced at 50p to 1.20, and they really reflect the country's culinary history; also, if it's your thing, you can look up the long list of name changes Hanoi has had over the years; the first one being Long Bien, meaning Dragons interweaving...... Mystical. Later that night, we had some food: beef wrapped in betel leaf (delicious), Classic pho and some other little bits. We had this meal at Hong Hoai's restaurant; it's a cute little place with amazing waiters and food that will leave you with a banging aftertaste. The beef rolls are seasoned with fish sauce ( a stable in so east Asian dishes), pepper, shallots and lemongrass, then wrapped in the leaf and grilled. If you haven't tried it yet, put it on the list. I also observed that the average life expectancy in Vietnam is 75, higher than that of the rest of the world. It must be something to do with the diet, which consists of fresh herbs, protein, frit, noodles, minimal oils and a lot of steaming. This, combined with a peaceful, Buddhist way of life, can remedy illnesses and provide longevity.

Hanoi was a little too much for me at that time. The noise and intensity of that city made me want to escape fast into the lush mountains of Ninh Binh. This magical landscape was one of the best I've ever seen. Huge limestone rocks rise from the most gorgeous rice paddies, and looking at the different shades of green, I felt like one of those boxer shrimps that can see twelve colours instead of a boring three like us.

Ninh Binh is a special place; it's peaceful and has the biggest complex of temples and pagodas in Vietnam. We were lucky enough to stay in the Bai Dinh Hotel, which is a temple itself. We passed through on the national holiday of Vietnam. There were so many incredible families enjoying themselves, and the streets were filled with spicy and vibrant smells, more than usual. There was music and laughter everywhere. As the days go by, I am filled with gratitude.

After a few days of touring Ninh Binh, in which my short writing style will never do justice, Mom and I were on the fence about deciding where to go next. We were between Cat Ba and Hoi An, and we decided very last minute to head to Hoi An, the most beautiful and romantic ancient city on the coast. I've fallen in love with this place within three days.

I've decided I'm going to stick around here for a while and find out what's popping in Hoi An; I already found an open mic night to attend and a wonderful homestay with cooking classes, English teaching and lantern-making activities. This should keep me out of trouble and in a more balanced space. Also, I believe there is some continued romance arriving at my door, So I'm off to pay some attention to that.