I drink tap water.
I can’t even imagine ordering a second beer because I can’t afford it.
Waiting for the little green man to flash before I even think to cross the road, but at the same time cars stop for me at designated crossings, just strange.
Wondering why I get these judgmental looks from cashiers when I ask for a plastic bag. They don’t out right say it but I can tell they’re thinking “murder of the planet!... seriously who still uses plastic bags girlfriend.” (Hanoi would gladly provide a plastic bag at the drop of a hat, or even just bottle of water for the road)
Apart from that second beer it sounds great right? No. No! I have now left Hanoi and it hardly took 24 hours here in Switzerland for those rose tinted glasses to be thrown on. Gone is the road rage, gone is the cursing at constructions that starts at 6 in the morning 7 days a week… gone gone gone. I miss Hanoi suddenly and with passion.
I might be going through the first phase of ‘the grieving expat': romanticisation (the act of indulging in sentiment)
Hanoi as great as an experience as it was, was not always an easy city to live in, ask any expat that’s been there for a while, even though these expats, myself included would defend the city from outside criticism any day.
I think what also just adds to this longing is the fact that I’m here for a few days. Think for a second, especially if you know Hanoi, of the most possible opposite place in the world ever… Switzerland right? Right? With its order and spotlessness and its ridiculous prices. I’m almost addicted to a sense of craziness which Hanoi has gotten me used to so I’m forced to contrast facts from Hanoi to Bern/Zurich constantly.
Not that it’s fair to compare, there is no winner or loser here. Having said that I don’t think you’ll be reading about ‘Lan in SwitzerLAN’ anytime soon. Lan in Nam part 2, maybe… I’ll need to get over the unknown phases of ‘the grieving expat’ before I can soberly make such a move again. I’ll be sure to post my finding of phase 2 if I find it.
Hanoi was my home for more than a year and a half, even though it feels like a lifetime and 3 months at the same time. So of course leaving is dramatic, exciting and heartbreaking. I’ll miss so much more than I even realize now…
Right now I’m on my way home, Ben is coming with me as soon we can get dearest Bona at the Embassy to do her job and give him a temporary permit as a ‘life partner’. An American in the Northern suburbs of Joburg might be the source of my next blog muse, will see about that one.
Lan in Nam again???
or
Lan in SwissLan? well will think of a better name if I ever get back here... promise
Hanoi is not the same without you. Wonderfully written entry! Hope you continue to write your blog. "The Understanding." <3
ReplyDeleteGreat post. Name suggestion for your next blog: Happy Birthday Helen, although there is a small possibility that not everyone will completely understand its significance.
ReplyDelete