I will take this time to let my readers know a little about my traveling companion and guide for the duration of my trip. As I discussed in an earlier blog, Tina and the rest of the family were going home shortly after we arrived. They wanted to ensure I saw their beloved country’s sights, so they entrusted my well-being to Tina’s niece, Diem Nguyen. She seemed interested in showing me the sights, was a gracious host, and was an amazing companion. I can not express how hospitable and ever-caring the Vietnamese people can be.
Diem is a little younger than me but closer in age than the others I was traveling with, so we had more common ground to work with. She truly was my keeper for my time in Vietnam. She kept my clothes clean, kept me from getting run over, and was my personal photographer. She was initially a little shy and reserved, probably due to her limited interaction with Westerners. I neither asked for nor expected any special treatment, but I would receive it anyway.
I did my best not to offend anyone, mind my manners, and try to be as gracious and thankful of a tourist as possible. I tried to show her appreciation for her never-faltering efforts. She had hopes of one day coming to live in the U.S. and was curious about my life and life in general in the land of my birth. I realized our pairing was no coincidence as we had a lot we could teach each other. We spent a lot of time together in uncomfortable silence, using translators when conversation was necessary.
Slowly, we began to communicate through eyes and body language. We taught each other simple words and concepts to help us understand each other more easily. There is something pure and innocent about being around someone with whom you don’t have to pander to the social norm of forced conversation. I could take in the sights and meditate on what lay before me, and I think she got some joy in seeing me wander around in youthful amazement. Diem was awesome. She never complained when I would sit at a bench and stare into an algae-laden pond edged with lotus flowers for hours or stumble inadvertently into a busy street when trying to get a good shot of a scene as she tried to corral me to safety. She ensured I was always well-fed and prepared my food if I wasn’t sure what to do. She made sure to clean my chopsticks and spoon before each meal. She, most importantly, handled my money to make sure I was not taken advantage of. Figuring out change on a million dollars was not something I felt my mind had time to adjust. The denominations could sometimes be confusing, but she traded, negotiated, and bartered on my behalf like a seasoned professional.
She often introduced me to her friends in the different parts of the country we visited, which could lead to many side adventures along the way. I’m sure she was given strict instructions on making sure I made it home safely, but if she had, she never let on. She quickly became my safety net, nudging me in the right direction when seeking a specific sight or guiding me across the intimidating metropolitan motorbike-ridden streets. I hope she did make it to the U.S. It would be my absolute honor to return the favor and show her the sights of the land I called home.
