Xin chào, 大家好, and hello!
Hoping you had a wonderful Easter and spent time with family and friends. My Easter here was pretty uneventful, but still special - I have to admit I am NOT missing all the Peep Candy ducks. Fortunately, they can't fly here to Vietnam so I am safe.
This past week has had a lot of change, so there is plenty to write about!
Last Preparation Day in Ho Chi Minh City:
Last week our district met for the last time of the transfer. We tried to tackle the escape room one more time, but got stumped on the last room. After that, Elder Tolley and I returned to our apartment to continue preparing to move. I said bye to the south and hopped on my flight North!
Moved up North - How is Hanoi?:
Moved up North - How is Hanoi?:
Hanoi is super awesome. It is very different from what I have been "used" to in the south. Everything that could be different is different - biking, food, the language, buildings, and roads - so it has been a bit of an adjustment period. Sometimes while I am biking I don't even feel like I am in Vietnam!
The first big difference I noticed is the weather. It has gotten hot these past couple days - but just before that it was a wonderful 76 degrees F. At night it got around 75 and looked like it was going to rain, so I got to wear a jacket as I biked around. Never thought I would get cold in 75 degree weather after Bemidji... I'm enjoying the rest of the cool weather while I can before summer comes in a couple weeks and the heat returns. At times, it can get hotter than Saigon. But... IT FINALLY RAINED!! I loved it.
The second big difference is the biking/roads here in Hanoi. In Saigon, the roads are tiny and packed with cars and scooters. The traffic lights don't mean anything and are simply a recommendation. You can pull a U-turn whenever, wherever. Traffic too congested on one side of the road? Simply merge into the oncoming traffic lane and expand the lane. Here in Hanoi, that doesn't fly. There is certainly still some traffic and unorganization - however, people generally follow the traffic lights. The roads are also massive. I'm talking 4-5 lanes for a one way road versus the 1 way roads in Saigon meant to maybe fit a tiny car. I have yet to see a huge traffic jam. I have to admit I kinda miss the chaos of biking in the south, but I am certain I will be back to get some video of it. For now, I will be sleeping and biking peacefully in the quiet streets of Hanoi.
The second big difference is the biking/roads here in Hanoi. In Saigon, the roads are tiny and packed with cars and scooters. The traffic lights don't mean anything and are simply a recommendation. You can pull a U-turn whenever, wherever. Traffic too congested on one side of the road? Simply merge into the oncoming traffic lane and expand the lane. Here in Hanoi, that doesn't fly. There is certainly still some traffic and unorganization - however, people generally follow the traffic lights. The roads are also massive. I'm talking 4-5 lanes for a one way road versus the 1 way roads in Saigon meant to maybe fit a tiny car. I have yet to see a huge traffic jam. I have to admit I kinda miss the chaos of biking in the south, but I am certain I will be back to get some video of it. For now, I will be sleeping and biking peacefully in the quiet streets of Hanoi.
Third big difference is the food. People always say the food is so much better in the South, but I have really enjoyed what I have eaten in the North. The bánh mì here (meat sandwiches) are much better. The bread is softer and the sandwiches don't have random pieces of cucumbers inside them. They also like to toast the bread, which makes it like an Asian Panini. I have noticed Hanoi food typically has more meat with the meals. Unfortunately, there isn't a lot of chicken and rice here. Chicken and rice was always a great go-to when not knowing what to eat in the south. One of my favorite meals to eat in the North is Bún Chả. There are certainly less options/variety to eat here, but everything has been good so far!
Fourth big difference is certainly the language. I have regressed a little bit in my comprehension because the language sounds so different. It is hard to explain. Here is an example: The word Đức Thánh Linh (Holy Ghost). In the south, you pronounce the ending "nh" sound as a kinda "nh" sound. Here in the North, it ends in more of a "ng" sound. The tones also have different sounds which makes the flow of conversations a bit different. They also have different words as well. Instead of saying "nói với" they will just say "bảo" (meaning, to speak with someone).
There are also lots of Chinese people here and Koreans! Lots of influence from the Northern Asian countries. My apartment complex is catered to Koreans living here abroad. Elder Vassantachart speaks Korean and I speak Mandarin which makes things work out well!
Overall - I have loved serving here. I like our branch and we have a great district. I am certainly missing Saigon, but enjoying the new adventure! I have yet to stay in one area longer than one transfer which is crazy... but I enjoy the change!!
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We are whitewashing the area, so Elder Vassantachart and I have been pretty busy! I have yet to take any pictures, but you can enjoy this one when it rained outside the church!
I hope you all have a wonderful week and are preparing for the end of the semester! Good luck to those of you getting your final projects/reports done.
Love,
Anh Cả Reynolds
Love,
Anh Cả Reynolds
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