Never lonely
Some people worry about loneliness during solo travel. I encountered so many fun, inspiring, random, and enjoyable people during my 6 weeks in Vietnam. These are a few.
Counter-clockwise from top left:
Argentinian couple (teacher and med student) living in Berlin. Met in a small cafe and we spoke Spanish for 10 min before I broke. Their dreams are to ride a bike from San Francisco to Alaska and to drive from Berlin to India.
Norwegian international development exchange student studying the tailoring industry’s impact on local families in Hoi An. Met at a cafe while I was eating a burger. She traveled alone without a wallet for a month in Europe, hitchhiking her way around with only some clothes. Mad props.
Chinese dude who provides a boutique travel service for young Chinese tourists looking to explore Vietnam. Met at a $6 hostel dorm in Saigon. Owns a pet monkey and is now staying at a $100/month apartment in Saigon to continue his business.
Cafe owner on Phu Quoc island who takes at least 30 selfies a day. My cup of Americano turned into an afternoon of cycling and hiking to waterfalls and temples.
British couple who helped with the recovery effort in the Philippines. Met as the only foreigners traveling by bus/boat to Phu Quoc island. Guy constructs film sets and can’t think of a job he would enjoy more. Girl does social work and this trip confirmed that she’s in the right field.
Israeli couple that just completed their army service. Met during a day tour of Dalat. Girl was elated she had become conversational in English over the past year and could hold a nice conversation with me. Too bad I haven’t learned Hebrew.
Italian guy who couch surfs and rides a motorcycle from village to village offering IT and teaching help. German girl is of a different breed – she rushed down Vietnam in 9 days and hated the country as a tourist destination. Met on a sleeper bus.
Japanese girl who conversed with me for <1 min, wanted a group photo, then left to Malaysia. Random!
Chinese shoe factory owner looking to expand his business to Vietnam. Met in a hostel (girl in red is the hostel owner). First person I've met that packed lighter than me. Grrr.