Today was a day of goodbyes and hellos as we left Halong Bay and returned to explore more of Hanoi. At the same time we farewelled some new friends that we’ve made along the way. Its quite extraordinary that it only took less than three days to build a sense of community. Even though we’ve only just met our fellow travellers, it feels strange not having them around. That word, community, would crop up yet again before the day was done.
Deja Vu
It felt a bit like Deja Vu, because in a similar way to Serve Bangkok: Day Eleven, today was going to be a day of ‘last times’. This was the last time we’d be on our Junk, the last meal our tour group would be sharing, the last time we’d spend with our travel companions and the last we’d see of our tour guide, Duan.
Despite the sadness of saying goodbyes it was a spectacular day to be on the water, departing Cat Ba Island and returning across Halong Bay to the mainland. It was also sad to know that we’d be leaving the peace and beauty of this place for the noise, pace & grime of Hanoi. I had to force myself to check my attitude so that I could look forward to whatever awaited us in Hanoi.
The four hour bus trip back to Hanoi from Halong Harbour went much faster than expected. I reckon Josh made the purchase of the entire trip when he bought his aptly named Belkin Rockstar five way headphone splitter. He had half the bus hooked up to his MP3 player as he was playing sister Jess Lee’s upcoming EP on the way home.
Goodbyes & Hellos
Arriving back in Hanoi - we said goodbyes and exchanged details with Stuart from England, the most amazing family from the Netherlands – Theo, Elza, Matts & Thom – and of course our tour guide, Duan. It was so funny because I think everyone wanted a proper goodbye with hugs and photos but Duan quickly kicked those leaving off the bus because we weren’t supposed to be stopping in peak hour traffic! So we all mouthed our goodbyes through the bus windows as our driver sped away!
I’m still amazed at how great it was to be sharing all our Halong Bay experiences with them. Funny how paths cross when travelling – Stu will continue to join he Dutch family as they all travel to the remote village of Sapa to experience true Vietnamese tribal living. We know they’re going to have a great time together!
The perfect Creme Caramel?
Josh & I found a great French restaurant for dinner not far from where we were staying and indulged in some amazing steaks – the first we’ve had since being overseas! I’m so loving the French influence over here! So much so that my search for the perfect Satay has now been usurped by the search for the perfect Creme Caramel while we’re in Hanoi! I tried one at this restaurant but I’d only rate it a 7.5 out of 10. This is one search that I’m going to enjoy!
Community
On the walk home we remarked about the number of people who were out and about on the streets at 11pm on a monday night. Even though most of the shops and market stalls had shut, people were gathered on the sidewalks in the dark everywhere in groups of at least 6, some larger, sitting on makeshift chairs, some cooking on small stoves, some lit by only mobile phone light, their motor bikes and scooters parked everywhere.
It dawned on us. Community was happening all around us. There was that word again.
We talked about it all the way home. One thought we had was that high density living (every house here is 4 or 5 stories and are joined by party walls) actually contributes to and encourages community. People are forced to live in each others faces and spaces – both in the same building and in the buildings up and down the street. Combine that with the fact that everyone has a motorbike and a mobile phone so one is always within easy reach of everyone else in your circle. If one decided to do something, one’s whole group of friends could be there within 5 minutes *with food* (important!)
It made me think of the contrast with our Australian desire to still want our own big house on a quarter acre block. Even though we all have cars, for some reason its still not that convenient. Its an effort to get people together spontaneously. In fact its almost rude to drop in un-announced. We still want community and relationships, but do we try and organise it on our terms behind our fences? Is the very thing we need (community & relationship) at odds with the desires of our culture (to own your own home & be independent)? Could inconvenience and spontaneity be the best thing for us – rather than convenience and schedules?
Obviously the answer to building better community is far greater than high density living but I’ll be giving this one a bit more thought – and not just because I’m involved in property development!
Till tomorrow,
Adam
Related Links:
* Photos from Vietnam: Day Four – Return to Hanoi
Related posts:
- Vietnam: Day 2 – Halong Bay
- Vietnam: Day 1 – Hanoi
- Vietnam: Day Three – Cat Ba Island
- Vietnam: Day Five – Hanoi
- Serve Bangkok IV: Journey’s End
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