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Why didn’t I go back to China?

After seeing Hong Kong again, I didn’t feel the need to go back to China. As I wrote earlier, I knew it was no longer the same country I once knew, so I decided to look for something else. Vietnam!

Choosing Vietnam

It wasn’t unexpected – I knew in advance that what I was looking for, what I had written about quite a lot before, I would no longer find in China.

Instead, I decided to travel to Vietnam. Vietnam today is like China twenty-odd years ago. Not like thirty years ago, when I lived there, but still “better” than what China stands for now.

Vietnam today – energy and authenticity

The streets in Vietnam are full of life, and the smells of food and the sounds of everyday life bring back the spark I found in China long ago. It is a place that still carries a spirit of authenticity and simplicity.

Cities living to the full

A walk through Vietnamese cities shows a constant buzz – markets, streets and local restaurants have a special energy.

People and culture

Vietnam’s greatest treasure is its people. Their warmth, their smiles and their simple approach to life make a traveller feel welcome and safe.

Conclusion – travelling with a new perspective

Sometimes we don’t need to go back to places that once mattered to us. Time changes them, and we change too. For me, Vietnam became a new perspective, a country that reminded me of what I once loved, but in a new, fresh form. And so I leave old memories behind and set off on new adventures – read about them soon!

Written by Vanja Keindl

founder and owner of KEINDL BAU

and the Wolkenhawk resort

Read more: Magic of Vietnam III: Light · Magic of Vietnam II: Rain · Magic of Vietnam I: Echo

About the author: Vanja Keindl, civil engineer – building physics and energy efficiency · KEINDL BAU

All my posts about Vietnam in one place: Vietnam – Vanja Keindl