"No sugar" yet ridiculously sweet — Why I love Vietnam.
Woke up at 1 PM, first stop Lotteria
I ended up waking up at 1 PM today. I actually got up at 10, but I was still really sleepy and had no energy. Maybe it's because I had a pretty wild time yesterday.
After getting up I took a shower and did my skincare, then I ordered a Lotteria set with a burger, chicken, and rice.
Today I was scheduled to get my second dengue vaccine at a place called FMP, so I thought I'd eat beforehand. Two sets cost 100,000 dong (about 550 yen). I feel Vietnam is cheap, but not as cheap as it used to be. The world keeps getting better and prices keep rising. I think that's a very good thing.
Dengue vaccine — a clinic fluent in Japanese
I took a motorbike taxi to FMP. It'd been a while since I'd taken one, and I felt the Vietnam vibe. Vietnam really feels so comfortable — I just love this vibe.
I arrived at FMP and told reception I wanted the dengue vaccine. The cost was $59. To my surprise, the receptionist spoke Japanese at a native level. Maybe lots of Japanese people come here.
After registering I was called almost immediately and was scheduled to get the vaccine in 15 minutes. They said it needed to reach room temperature first. I was taken to the doctor for an examination, and to my surprise he was Japanese.
He was super friendly, saying things like, "Are you traveling now? Enjoy it~" He was talking to the nurse in English, so he didn't speak Vietnamese, but it felt really pleasant. I thought he must be enjoying life in Vietnam — without the pressure, the need for correctness, or the seriousness you find in Japan, it must be easier to live here.
After 15 minutes I got the dengue vaccine. When I asked, "Could you record a video?" apparently that wasn't allowed.
In Japan I'd feel embarrassed and wouldn't even ask, but in Vietnam, even if they say no, I just shrug and think, "Oh, okay." What is that difference? I really love Vietnam.
"No sugar" yet ridiculously sweet
I waited 30 minutes after the shot, then went outside and walked. I worked at the nearby Highland Coffee. The staff were very pleasant, somehow innocent. I ordered in English, and she used broken English to explain things to me.
I ordered Taiwanese milk tea and confirmed, "It has no sugar, right?" She told me, "Sorry, there is no sugar in this drink," so I was relieved. But when I actually drank it, it was insanely sweet.
This is why I love Vietnam. People are so laid-back; there's this clumsy, human side. In Japan it would be like, "This is way too sweet. Could you make it without sugar?" "We're terribly sorry," and it feels off. Like, we didn't do anything wrong. I'd rather just enjoy it for being sweet if it's sweet.
After working for about an hour, I started walking because they were about to close. I walked a total of around 4 kilometers, then called a bike and arrived at the Circle K near the Airbnb. I bought water and blueberry yogurt and went back to the room.
Hidden cafe — grapefruit tea
Tonight Nga came to pick me up at 9 PM and we decided to go to a nearby cafe together. I usually thought she was indecisive, but today she said, "Let's go here." Nga arrived after 9 PM. She looked visibly tired, with dark circles under her eyes and seemed low on energy.
We held hands and walked together. The cafe was across the road. Even with lots of cars and bikes passing, Nga crossed without flinching. Watching that I thought, "This is what Vietnamese people are like," and felt a bit overwhelmed.
This cafe was also like a hideaway, with an amazing atmosphere. Dim orange lights. The stairs were made of stone but were messy as if still under construction. Young people were hanging out at the entrance.
The menu at the register was all in Vietnamese, so I ordered while asking Nga and the staff. I ordered grapefruit tea, Nga ordered lychee tea.
We sat on the second-floor terrace. The grapefruit tea was truly delicious. It had fruit pulp, and at the bottom there was something white that wasn't tapioca. I kept thinking how great it would be if a cafe in Japan could recreate this flavor. I've never tasted a tea like this in Japan.
Trains occasionally pass in front. I felt that the young Vietnamese here talk about lots of things and are enjoying life in the moment. I thought once again that Vietnam is really great.
About Nga's family
I asked about Nga's family. Her mother is apparently very strict and still controls her income with an allowance system. Being 22 and still controlled by a mother like that struck me as surprising — or impressive in a way. She has a younger brother and an older sister; the youngest brother is 13. Three siblings in total. I'm an only child, so I don't really understand that.
She asked why I travel the world. I told her that when I was young I had many restrictions placed on me, and whenever I couldn't be free I developed a strong desire to be free. I explained that it's connected to now — a kind of rebellion.
Then she said, "I see. Now I understand why you're traveling." Unusually, she was communicating clearly.
Sweet time, and the way home
Nga still doesn't talk much. We just shared time together. Yet even that time felt dear. Although she was very tired at first, when we were together she was upbeat, and her smile was truly pure and beautiful. I wanted to look at it forever.
She's introverted but the type who shows love through actions rather than words. Because she doesn't talk much, just being together fills my heart. I thought that was truly beautiful.
Before I knew it it had gotten late and she had gone home. Being alone made me feel kind of lonely. I wanted to be with her all the time now. It must be because we're connected in our hearts that I feel fulfilled. I realized this is what it means to be "filled in the heart."
