After one last breakfast of pho with Duy, it was time to
head out to the airport.
Leaving Vietnam was a whole set of mixed emotions. I
couldn’t help but be reminded of leaving Norway and how hard it was to leave that
place and resettle back in to life in the US/at St. Olaf. But I know that
I’ve learned a ton in Vietnam. It’s challenged my notions of
normalcy, ideas of space, and sense of order. I’ve met so many people who hear
differences between words (tones) that I can’t begin to hear, which is such a
funny concept. And I’ve learned so much more about the realities of those
suffering at the hands of human trafficking, domestic violence, and other forms
of exploitation. It’s been such an incredible experience that I am incredibly
grateful for.
One of my friends, Becca, from back at home has been
studying in Shanghai for the semester, so she graciously offered to pick me up
at the airport and help me get into town. Unfortunately, my plan from Guangzhou
to Shanghai was delayed-enough for me to watch the entire showing of “The
Pursuit of Happiness” before we even left our gate! I was a bit nervous about
finding her in the airport that serves a city of 22 million, but luckily we
connected in Shanghai. Its mind blowing that I’m here in China-I can’t wait to
see what this experience is going to hold. :D
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