Glocal Ventures

Vietnam Through the Eyes of a First-Timer by Jill Roberts

I would have to conclude that there are positive and negative aspects of experiencing Vietnam with first time visitors. Some days you just don’t feel up to walking up and down Hang Gai Street for the one hundredth time, or gawking at the traffic that seems obscenely life-threatening among first impressions. There is also something so refreshing about spending time with those who have never walked the streets of Hanoi and interacted with the people. Sam Snow joined the college team trip to Vietnam at the end of June, and his responses to my questions helped me to remember the roots of my love for the country. No trip compares to the first when traveling to Vietnam, as your mentality becomes fixated on impressions and experiences that leave you wanting to return as soon as possible. Here is a glimpse of my conversation with Sam:

What surprised you most about Vietnamese culture?

The thing that most surprised me about the culture was probably the way so much of the people in Hanoi and Sapa had adapted to tourism. I don’t think I was expecting such a degree of reception from the people. It was like they were always catering to us and it was surprising how much they thrived off of tourism in both Hanoi and Sapa. In Sapa, I was most shocked by the Minority Group aspect- the whole separation of the classes that was so real and visible and openly seen. I was also shocked at how well many of the black H’mong girls could speak English. It was really incredible to be able to share so freely with them and them to us, our cultures, thoughts, and feelings without having a translator present.

What did you most enjoy about Vietnam?

I enjoyed most the absolute beauty in everything. The beauty of the country, of the people, and of the general experience I was allowed to be a part of. It has changed so much of how I view people and society. Sapa was so beautiful. The view from the hotel was breathtaking, and the treks through villages, mountains, waterfalls, and everything was amazing. The children and minority peoples were so open and accepting of us, and not just because we were bringing something to them, but in so many other ways that had nothing to do with what we could offer them, other than our human kindred spirit and friendship.

What impressed you about the Vietnamese people?

The people impressed me in an endless number of ways. One thing I couldn’t get over was the complete willingness to serve other people and one another. It is so deep in the DNA of who they are. It reminded me of the unique way that we are motivated to serve one another as brothers and sisters. My eyes were opened in so many ways, but mostly the pride and hardness of my heart were unlocked and I was convicted of all of the junk in my life. It was like looking into a mirror reflecting all of my own rottenness. The people of Vietnam are so full of love and desire to engage on a human level and offer so much to each other as persons of peace and relationship.

What did you learn on this trip to Vietnam?

I learned so much more about culture and people than I ever expected to learn. I could go on for pages about all I have learned and experienced. What I can easily describe is what has taken place in my own heart. My own selfishness, the pride that has consumed and hardened my heart, and the self-reliance that has become so much of who I am has been revealed to me. I have seen in Vietnam all the good things that come from relying on the characteristics of something better than myself. I am extremely thankful and humbled that we have been allowed to be a part of it all.

Thanks Sam, I hope to see you in Vietnam again next summer!! (In the winter during a cooler season would be ideal!)

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