The last Nana Chiki from 7-Eleven, and the reunion waiting in Hanoi.
Took a photo with Mom at the entrance, then departed
Today is the day I restart my trip around the world. I woke up at my mom's house in the morning, hurried to get ready, took a photo with her at the front door, and left the house. Somehow it reminded me of when I studied in Russia. Back then too, at the place I lived in Osaka, Mom and I took a sleepy selfie together. It felt like one of those usual rituals.
Shouldered my backpack, with my Colombia bag in front, and headed to the station. I hadn't had breakfast — or rather, I didn't have time — so five minutes before the train left I went to a 7-Eleven and bought a Nana Chiki and an onigiri to eat. There was something poignant about it being my last meal at a 7-Eleven before leaving Japan.
Took the subway to Kanayama Station, then transferred to the μ-SKY to Chubu Centrair International Airport. My round-the-world trip begins again. This time I'll go Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, then South America, the U.S., and Canada. I don't know if I'll be able to continue the trip safely all the way, but it'd be nice if I can.
At Chubu Centrair International Airport, checking in
Arrived at Chubu Centrair and checked in. The staff member was very strict about the rules and when I first put my backpack on the scale they questioned me in a stern tone. They asked if I had a return ticket and checked details like my route from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, which put a bit of a damper on my mood. It was supposed to be the start of my trip, after all.
I got my ticket but it wasn't the seat I had requested. Apparently the aircraft changed and there was no 40A. I ended up compromising on row 26. I always choose a rear seat because it's supposed to have the highest survival rate in a plane accident. So I just hoped nothing weird would happen.
Last Japanese meal in the lounge
Cleared security and successfully departed the country. This time I got an exit stamp so I can file an insurance claim. Relaxed a bit in the lounge. This would be my last Japanese meal here.
There weren't many people, and someone suddenly spoke to me in English, so they probably mistook me for a Southeast Asian or foreigner. It made me think that Japanese youths hardly come here. I ate various things like cake, curry, and onigiri.
The best flight with nobody next to me
Boarded the plane. No one sat next to me. It was perfect. I almost wanted to thank that staff member — though it was probably just automatic. There was a flight attendant's jump seat behind me so I couldn't recline. It was a good lesson. I've decided I'll never pick that seat again. But since no one was next to me I could stretch my legs and relax.
Heading to Hanoi. It was about a six-hour flight, longer than I expected. Is Vietnam really that far? It's part of Asia and feels like a neighborhood to me.
Noi Bai Airport, an hour wait for luggage
Arrived safely at Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. I got through immigration smoothly and went to baggage claim. I was made to wait there for about an hour. I wondered if my bag had come on a different belt, but it seemed the staff were just being leisurely.
After getting my luggage I decided to buy a SIM card. I wanted unlimited data, and Vietnam has unlimited plans so I chose one. This time I picked a plan without a Vietnamese phone number. It was $18, so I figured it was fine.
But later I discovered I couldn't use an electric car app because it required SMS verification, which was a bit of a shock. I should have thought it through more. However, when I later registered my grandma's phone number it worked, so no problem.
To Hanoi city by taxi
Interestingly, there were no motorbikes at Noi Bai Airport. I had wanted to take a motorbike taxi into the center, but to order one I would have had to go outside, and I didn't really know the way.
So I thought I had no choice and ordered a car. It cost just over 1,000 yen, but oh well.
I took a taxi to the Airbnb. During the ride I was really excited. My Vietnam life was about to begin, and I was finally going to see Nga after a long time.
We passed through areas that looked like developing parts of the city, with many buildings and European-style condominiums for foreigners. It made me think, 'I have to work hard too.' That's why I wanted to push myself in business.
The best Airbnb and pho after a long time
The Airbnb room was truly amazing. On the first floor there was a washer and dryer and a kitchen. I really fell in love with the place. The room was stylish and spacious. After relaxing a bit I immediately ordered pho via Grab.
The pho was piping hot. The delivery was really unique — they put the soup in a bag, poured it into a plastic cup, and then added the rice noodles. I liked the distinctly Vietnamese way of doing it. Eating it, I felt Vietnam again for the first time in a while.
Reunion with Nga
At night I reunited with Nga after a long time. We agreed to meet at the park I'd been to before, and I walked about thirty minutes to get there. Since it was nighttime there weren't many cars, and it felt very pleasant.
When I arrived at the park, the water level that had been low before was now right up to the edge. It was shocking. I thought Vietnam's flooding really is serious. I was glad I hadn't encountered it.
A reunion after four months. Because we chat every day, the joy of actually meeting was exceptional. I was nervous so I arrived early, but couldn't sit still and walked a lap around the park. While I was doing that, I got a message that Nga had arrived.
Nga, whom I saw after a long time, hadn't changed — still shy as ever. But just being together in person felt reassuring. It was a strange feeling.
While walking through the park we said "it's been a while" and talked about how the lake's water level had risen and how crazy that was. It was truly a sweet night. Just being together made the time fly by.
