There is one thing surprises you when you step into the airport in Ho Chi Minh city – the crowd-.

For local people , it is still unfamiliar to travel abroad, however their life has drastically progressed than before. As you know , there are a number of Vietnamese emigrated due to the Vietnamese war. Nowadays , such “Overseas Vietnamese” also include people who settle abroad for study and working. That’s why it becomes big event to visit family and friends back to own country…..and vice-versa.

As far as you are in HCM , you may feel the enthusiasm of local people. For example, chaos of the traffic – as a driver , I could say it is partly organised even though traffic rules are totally ignored in fact-. Or if you get to the market, loud voice to call you in and encourage you to buy. You cannot get out of their passion till the last second of your leaving.

Talking about myself, now I got the time to say good-bye to Vietnam. After living in HCM for 7 years, I feel pity a little to leave “my second homeland”. Although, I believe that farewell will bring us new encounter as well.Thank you for all readers to support me and series of articles. See you somewhere in Asia !

Yoko Sakoda
Journalist. Experienced 4 years as TV news reporter in Japan. Being freelance and currently bases in Ho Chi Minh City, since 2000

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