Kindred Spirits

There are not many Americans who live in Vietnam for a long period of time - at least voluntarily.  Now I know why.  I see some Westerners on occasion, like in tourist areas such as Ha Long Bay.  Actually, Ho Chi Minh City (south) has more Westerners than Hanoi (north) due to our large military presence in Saigon during the war.  Some Westerners teach English.  You don't have to be an English major, just a native speaker.

I managed to meet two Americans who are just as crazy, or crazier, than me.  One is Gail Ludwig, a retired Geography professor from MU.  Gail taught in Vietnam once before and returned this fall for another semester.  That ought to speak volumes about her sanity (or lack thereof).  So, we get together from time to time and swap some stories about students and life in the big city.  Her campus is adjacent to mine.  Gail returns home next week.  She has a large following and will be missed.

My second friend is a developer who has actually lived in Vietnam (not Hanoi) for over 4 years.  How crazy is that?  John Hesse came to Vietnam in anticipation of a big development project in Phu Yen (southern coastal province).  But the economic collapse in 2008 derailed the plans.  While the other investors left, John decided to stay, hoping that things would turn around.  I admire that.  Even though John and I are in different professions, he's a fun guy to be around - despite the fact that he's from New Jersey.

A kindred spirit is what we have in common - we love adventure.  Perhaps John is wealthy, but I know for sure that Gail and I are just two middle-class muddlers.  But wealth is relative.  I feel rich in Vietnam because many people are poor.  In the U.S., I feel rich in experiences because most people do not get the chance to travel internationally like I do.  You can have both, but Americans have a tendency to isolate (and insulate) themselves from people of different nationalities.  I encourage you to interact with some foreign folks - either at home or abroad.  Make the most of your opportunities.  You will become a blessing to them and in the process, you will be blessed.  Trust me, international experience is the new wealth.