Vietnam
Hanoi: Loud, chaotic, and somehow comforting
My first day in Hanoi was a full-on sensory overload—in the best way. The streets are alive with scooters weaving between food stalls, people sitting on tiny stools, and this constant background buzz that never really stops. One of my favorite things to do was just wander the Old Quarter. No real plan, just letting the city lead me. I'd grab an egg coffee in a tucked-away café (tastes like a dessert, trust me), snack on crispy banh mi, or sit down for bun cha while watching the world speed by. But Hanoi has its calm moments too. Mornings around Hoan Kiem Lake are surprisingly peaceful, with locals doing tai chi or just chatting on a bench. The Temple of Literature was another favorite—quiet, green, and a good place to slow down. And Train Street? Touristy, yes, but still kind of magical when the train actually comes through. Hanoi is a bit messy, a bit mad, but it grows on you fast. It was the perfect place to start the trip—just enough culture shock to wake me up, and just enough warmth to make me want to stay longer.
