My time in Vietnam
November was incredibly busy for me, filled with a multitude of activities including medical appointments, vacations, exploring for gifts, shopping, and gatherings with friends and family. While it brought immense joy, it also had its share of stress and dark moments.
Here are several photos capturing intriguing and memorable moments from that month:
A street barbershop
A meat stand
Incense and handicrafts at artisan fair
Health care center
This spot is very similar to a massage salon. Massage is Vietnamized as “mát xa”, sounding quite similar. However, this place doesn’t use this term to refer to their services; instead, they use “xoa bóp” (rubbing and kneading) and “bấm huyệt” (acupressure). These services draw on Oriental health care methods to relax muscles and ease joint- or nerve-related pain. Honestly, there’s not much deviation from the typical massage, especially deep-tissue massage; it’s more or less the same. I initially visited this place for IVF acupuncture, but they were unfamiliar with it. I decided to try their “massage”, and it was fantastic. The attentive young lady took care of me with diligence and care, leaving me feeling remarkably relieved. The price was surprisingly affordable, only $10.32, without tips. Notably, they don’t accept tips, and if you register for a 10-session package, the price would be even lower, $2.06 less per session.
If you guys want a healthy massage (you catch my drift, right?), this kind of place is definitely worth a try. A key phrase for searching is “xoa bóp, bấm huyệt”.
A trash hauler
Trash is collected everyday, and the vehicle comes with a speaker to remind residents to take their trash out.
Mom’s fried chicken
It’s a staple in Vietnamese cuisine, enjoyed in daily meals and favored by many as a popular dish.
Salted coffee
Over it, I had a heart-to-heart talk with B. We need more talks to be able to fully share all aspects of our lives after years of being apart.
A bouquet of roses greeting S at airport
A cup of coffee, as bitter as my soul that night
A gift from coffee shop
The message reads “Apologies if our service hasn’t met your expectations.” How lovely and sweet!
A typical alley in Hanoi
Begin life at forty 