After my first week in the city, it was time to get out of it. I signed up for a tour to the Mekong Delta, which was almost 2 hours south of Ho Chi Minh and extends to Vietnam’s neighbor Cambodia. The ride wasn’t bad, however, I noticed drivers use their horns far more than needed I believe. There is a lot of over taking of big rigs and motorbikes, so honking creates awareness, but not the most peaceful of catnaps as a passenger. We started the journey by boat across the muddy river, which was at least 2-3 miles wide. It was massive. I lived near a river once in Japan and I always felt that I had a connection with this specific body of water. I admired the constant movement of water and energy and there is really no stopping it. I used to sit by the river often and reflect on my own life’s movements. How my actions years ago had taken me to that exact place and that exact time and how it will continue with this momentum as long as I allow it to. The view of the Mekong Delta brought forth a similar feeling and the comfort that as long as I keep things moving I will always end up in a place I want to be at that exact time. And here I was traveling again, seeing the world again and feeling myself reconnect with my past self like nothing has changed. It feels good.
We continued on our trek to a bee farm, where the production of honey was being harvested as well as a special healing cream called Royal Jelly derived from the honeybee secretions used in the nutrition of larvae and adult queens. It is said to be great for your skin and possess anti-aging components, which brought the attention of my own vanity and I purchased a small jar to try out. Later I returned home and tested it on my elbow and within minutes I felt a burning sensation and hives began to appear. Luckily, I was equipped with antihistamines to bring down the flare up and within an hour it subsided. Bad idea
Next came the coconut farms. Vietnam is a huge source for coconut exportation and distributes products all over the world. We visited a coconut candy production site where it was reduced to a cameral like consistency, packaged and sold. There was also coconut oil, soap, whisky, etc. With the positive health benefits of coconuts, I have increased my own coconut usage and consumption over the last year. Coconut oil is like my best friend. I love the smell and the way it makes you feel like you belong on an island somewhere.
Overall the trip was definitely worth it, especially the drive up and down where you’re able to see more of the countryside inhabitants unlike the views of the city. My day wasn’t over when I returned back to the city. Staying with my friend Kathy has been awesome. We’ve known each other since middle school and even lived together in college. So a lot of our time together has been like old times. She mingles in a circle of go-getters, many expats that are making Vietnam the home of many of their pursuits. With this circle comes a very robust nightlife of clubs, bottle service and drinking. Not always my scene, but I’m here to experience it and made the most out of it. So a few hours after returning, I found myself in a completely opposite setting. As the one and only Vietnamese-American actress in Vietnam Kathy is kind of a big deal here. Immediately upon entering the club, press and photographers were ready to snap away. After dodging them for most of the night, I thought who cares, might as well strike a pose for them as well and decided I wouldn’t mind seeing my face on a Vietnamese tabloid. How hilarious would that be? I say this over and over again and am happy to tell Kathy’s story to anyone interested in hearing it. She made it out here and I am very proud of what she has been able to accomplish. With the choice of being an actress must come resiliency. I know no one else more resilient than Kathy. Her life one audition after the next, one rejection after another, she knows resiliency and projects it with grace. I recall many years back when I was rejected from my top dream grad school, who did I call first? Kathy. And now I’m here, working on figuring out what’s next while trying to stay strong and not get caught in the slump, here is Kathy ready to get me back on my feet. Love her.
