“Not all who wander are lost...”

An 18-hour flight, a 14-hour layover in Seoul, South Korea, two planes, and one taxi later, I arrived in Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. I unscrub by shaking off the cold weather that has overtaken most of the United States in January for warmer climates.

I have always yearned for the beauty of getting lost in different cultures, submerged in new language, food, and experiences. Like many in the medical field, my explorations often had to wait until after completing my medical training. After many beach vacations to various resorts, I found myself craving a different experience. This led me to shift gears with trips to Poudenas, the Cotswolds, Franschhoek, and now, Hanoi.

My fiancé insisted that the best way to experience Hanoi was by motorbike. Together, we wove through narrow alleys, bustling markets, and every lakefront path we could find, in search of the best bánh mì, bun cha, coffee, and bánh tôm. What I discovered was a city in the sky—built upon storefronts at street level, with delicately hidden spaces behind them that house cafes, speakeasies, and teahouses adorned with beautiful libraries.

The beating pulse of the city is its people, who warmly welcome locals and travelers alike, proud to share their heritage with those who make the journey. Like many countries, Hanoi blends the development of new structures with the preservation of historical monuments. The elegance and ease of the city cannot be overstated.

Safe journeys to all my fellow travelers—until next time.