Week 22: Hanoi
Last week in Hanoi brought humbling experiences, laughing yoga, and of course, more pho. Culture Notes: Because I’ve been here for 5 weeks, I’ve really gotten to know my little neighborhood. These are the small things I appreciate on my walk to work: Ladies on the...
Week 21: Hanoi
This week was made of new foods, new friends, and life lessons. And yes, it was very, very hot. Reached 102 with a real feel of 120. Cultural Notes: Birthdays are not a huge deal here. They are celebrated but far more important are the anniversaries of deaths in the...
Week 20: Hanoi
Slept on a boat this week in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay! Also went ice skating in the hottest city I’ve ever been. Cultural Notes They make coffee in two well-known ways here: coconut coffee and egg coffee. Wonder why you have a little extra jolt...
Week 19: Hanoi
Sweat a lot this week while trying to find my stride here in Vietnam. The heat/humidity is no joke. Also had my favorite meal of the year! Cultural Notes The word for beer here is ‘Bia’ which ironically sounds a lot like a person from Boston saying the word beer. Can...
Week 18: Hanoi
Hey, I’m in Asia!! Never in a million years did I think I would find myself in Vietnam, but here I am!! Proud I made it here. Hanoi, so far, the land of: humidity (I mean 100%, on top of 90 degrees), motorbikes (6 million of them, no joke), and yummy noodles (when...
Week 17: Valencia
Family in town always makes for a packed week! Checked another major European city off my list, ate so many patatas, got frustrated and laughed at how inconvenient Spanish schedules seem, and had some QT with the bro. Cultural Notes: Vale! This word roughly means ‘ok’...
Week 16: Valencia
This week’s top lessons: electric standing scooters are by far the most fun mode of transportation, flamenco dancing is epic, and Valencia has the best city greenway. Busy but fun week in the sunny city! Cultural Notes: Valencians pronounce the ‘c’ in words as a...
Week 15: Valencia
You know what I realized this week? Working 20 hours a week (what I was doing) versus working 30 hours a week (now doing) is a lot different! How did I work 40 before?! Definitely been more work oriented this week, and I’m ok with it! For those wondering, I took on a...
Week 14: Valencia
España, what up, what up!? Fairly quiet first week in Valencia, but I’m excited to be here. The weather is great, the people don’t speak any English but are great, and the food is mmmmmm. This is the first month where I’m not planning a lot of side trips. I’m excited...
Week 13: Lisbon
Last week in Portugal was insane. Honestly still recovering and trying to give my body the rest and attention it needs. BUT all good things! Left Madeira, started new job, said bye to sister, stayed up all night until the sunrise, and left a city that I really, really...