It’s a strange feeling, able once again to drink water from the tap, put toilet paper in the bin and stand in the rain without it burning my eyes. Hanoi leaves a lasting impression, encouraging you to take life less seriously, let things just happen, let irritations and challenges rebound from you instead of dragging you down.
Already I remember with starry eyed affection, distance truly making the heart grow fonder. Though I cannot attest this all to the city alone, but to those who swelled my soul with love and my mind with blessed memories.
Now I sit in the centre of Paris, in a small vegan coffee shop excitedly anticipating my vegan cheesecake.
I have stepped from one world into another.
Spacious streets so comparatively quiet I feel as though a silent movie is rolling before my eyes. Surrounded by a language I can barely understand but with which I feel strong familiarity.
Grand architecture decorated with beautiful carvings. Long, thin edifices lined side by side. Juliette balconies brightened by an array of colourful flora.
The city awakened as I walked the streets. Market stalls setting up, cafes filling with patrons. Tourists and locals alike moving along, all with purpose, though none seemingly in a rush.
Perhaps partly due to the extreme contrast from the city I just departed, I feel an overwhelming relaxed and calm atmosphere here. Tension I did not know I held is seeping away. My mind clearing, ready to embrace the sights, sounds and experiences that this new place has to offer.
