When I look at the map of Hanoi. I start reminiscing. I see the street name and remember the old days I had gone through it. It’s either alone or with someone else. But it’s definitely a good memory. I love Hanoi, I love its streets and the people, and I love the food and the trees. What I did in Hanoi for many years is simply like other people who enjoy Hanoi: enjoy the food and drink at street vendors, just sit down on a plastic chair, view the crowded street, and appreciate the city we live in. Despite the ups and downs in my relationship, I always enjoy hanging around by myself in Hanoi, Hanoi has never been a city that I want to run away from. I know all the good and bad of Hanoi, there are certain places that is not really safe to go to, but despite that, I go through all the places, if it’s in daylight, I can go to any place, it’s very safe to live in Hanoi. Of course, regardless of the city I live in, I always try to avoid going out in the dark.
If you ask me what I miss the most from Hanoi when I come to Canada, it’s the people. To be frank, I enjoy to stay connected with everyone that I love. I make so many friends in Hanoi, and although I’m an introvert, having a friend to hang out with and enjoy coffee together in Hanoi just feels so special. I don’t have that same feeling in HCMC (or Saigon), I mean HCMC is too modern for me, and people seem very busy with their lives, and don’t have time to truly appreciate the moments I think? Or perhaps, the weather is hot and wet all year round, which affects people’s minds and people moods. I would say that all Vietnamese are very kind. I mean, at least they’re not trying to hurt you. I have met many Vietnamese throughout my life, of course, it’s because I’m Vietnamese too so I grew up with other people of the same kind: there are good and bad people, and there are people who you would try to avoid to meet with.
I don’t know, how and when I can truly appreciate Canada. I mean, I love everything here, if I have to compare it with Hanoi, I will say no, I cannot do it. They are 2 distinct cities, if you try to use logical thinking, there are pros and cons in both places. Hanoi is my birthplace and it’s the capital of Vietnamese, so in terms of belief, it’s holy. But of course, if there are things to improve, Hanoi needs to resolve the pollution and traffic issues. If these two are sorted, it’s definitely more than heaven. Canadian cities in general, are clean, the atmosphere is in the temperate zone, so I can eat more stuff like berries. The infrastructure development here is quite good too, 401K road is like the busiest highway in the world. Also, the cities are modern, I like how they built their city, it’s quite sophisticated with the underground train. Of course, if compared with big cities in the East like Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Shenzhen it’s difficult to compare too, because of the distinct cultures of different cities. But overall, I like it here, I appreciate being given a chance to experience a new climate.
Another interesting thing is that the city I’m living in is like an immigrant city, I see so many people coming from India and Pakistan. So it’s a good chance for me to enjoy different cuisines, like recently I quite enjoy the naan bread and palak paneer. These I actually obtain it from Walmart. Like I don’t need to go to an Indian restaurant, I can just buy it online and microwave it. Also, it’s the first time in my life that I ever try Halal chicken. These are good too, although they taste kind of different from other chicken, I mean the flavor is not really there. But overall, I quite enjoy with current life so far. I like the neighborhood, it’s safe, clean, and quiet. The only thing I wish I could have is Vietnamese food, and probably a Viet girlfriend, but that is up to my fate then. Also, if the cost of car insurance is lower, around 200 CAD per month, then I probably get a car to ride around, then probably I will probably appreciate life here a bit more.