10! 9! As the day of departure draws near, feelings of anticipation grow. As the summer sun shines upon me here in the US, I am reminded of how hot it will be in Vietnam. Memories of the past resurface in my mind. I have been to Vietnam five times in my life, and each of those five times was spent at home. I did not travel and I did not go see the landscapes of Vietnam all that much. I spent my time with my aging grandparents, so this is the first time that I am going to Vietnam where they are not there. Vietnam will not be the same without them. My grandmother passed earlier, I have always said that my grandfather will not be around forever but the scenery of Vietnam will. While I’m very excited to explore the beauty of my birth home, it is with bittersweet emotions that I go. The fact that I can go to Vietnam and have full freedom to explore also means my grandparents are no longer there.
Quê Hương…since my name is Hương as in the word Quê Hương. When I think of Vietnam those two words come to mind. Quê Hương means homeland, native land, or place of birth. While I was raised in the US, Vietnam will always be my homeland. Vietnam is the warmth, and nurturing place that I think of. I have fond memories of my grandparents, and the because it was a small town everyone knew each other. Images of my smiling grandparents wash over me, and a twinge of pain knowing they will not be there.
Then I feel the anticipation with my camera and new laptop ready for the adventure. Anticipation is part of the excitement of the trip.
Meaningful Tea 