After a long 30+ hours of travel, we finally arrived at our hotel in Ho Chi Minh City last night at 2:30am. I couldn’t have been happier to go to sleep in a bed instead of on an airplane seat. My first impression of Vietnam was the humidity. I knew it was going to be hot here, but nothing could’ve prepared me for what it actually felt like. The second you walk outside the warm air sticks to your body in a way I have never experienced before.
My second impression of Vietnam and Vietnamese people is their kindness. They are the absolute kindness people I have ever met and that honestly feels like an understatement. The girl from UEF who I talked to the most today is named Dung. She went so far out of her way to make me feel comfortable, safe, and taken care of. She as well as all of the students and staff from UEF made me feel welcomed in a way I have never felt before. I will never forget their kindness and hospitality.
During the bus tour of Ho Chi Minh City, the architecture is what stood out the most to me. Before coming to Vietnam, I had read in the Culture Smart Book that Vietnam has rich French architecture due to their previous history of control. However, reading about it and seeing it in person are two very different things. The architecture and city of Ho Chi Minh is beautiful in a way that pictures don’t do it justice.
All in all, today was an unforgettable experience filled with making new friends, trying new food, and seeing the city of Ho Chi Minh. I am so excited for what the next 11 days will bring and look forward to keeping you all updated through my blog!