Amazing morning, my blog readers! How’s your holiday? How’s your long vacation going?
As for me, the last two quarters of this year were very busy, and I didn’t get much time to rest. So I took advantage of these days to sleep longer, clean my house, and create content for my TikTok and YouTube accounts. Later, I might listen to an audiobook and then watch a series. These things really keep me motivated in life and help keep me sane.
I’m truly grateful for slow days like these that allow me to reset, recharge, and appreciate the little things.
This year has felt challenging for so many of us, and we all know that obstacles never completely disappear. For me, finding comfort in prayer and keeping a conversation with God has been incredibly grounding, and playing music has been a beautiful way to lift my spirits.
Lately, I’ve been drawn back to Des’ree’s You Gotta Be—an old song I rediscovered on TikTok and have been playing all week—so let me share with you the first part of it, because its message feels like gentle guidance for facing the new year.
BEN THANH MARKET
If you’re a coffee lover like me, this place is pure paradise!
"Listen as your day unfolds
Challenge what the future holds
Try and keep your head up to the sky
Lovers, they may cause you tears
Go ahead, release your fears
Stand up and be counted
Don't be ashamed to cry
You gotta be
You gotta be bad, you gotta be bold, you gotta be wiser
You gotta be hard, you gotta be tough, you gotta be stronger
You gotta be cool, you gotta be calm, you gotta stay together
All I know, all I know, love will save the day"
This song is deeply inspiring, the kind that dares you to listen and reminds you that you can wake up, start again, and give life your best shot.
Moving on to my new blog post—one that feels deeply connected to this song—I want to share how we can find motivation again after surviving multiple challenges. This journey began more than two years ago, after my father passed away, when I wasn’t sure where or how to start again. If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know how much I love to travel; it’s already a part of who I am, and it’s something I know will stay with me as I grow older.
I didn’t expect this to become my favorite: Bánh Mì!
I thought I would have to cancel my Vietnam trip because I was feeling so low, but later I realized that the journey might help me forget my sadness, even if only temporarily. I also knew my colleagues would be there with me, becoming my support system as we explored southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City.
Come and join us; let’s eat at this market!
It was a short trip—three days and two nights. At first, I planned to travel alone, but when I mentioned it to my travel buddies (who are also my colleagues), they said they wanted to join. I suggested we wait for the next seat sale so they could come along, and luckily, we found one and booked right away. Fast forward to the trip itself: we ended up with different flight schedules going to Vietnam and leaving the country. I thought that would be fine—but it wasn’t. The most traumatic part came when I was questioned at immigration, an experience that was both scary and, looking back, a little funny.
One important lesson I learned is that if you plan to travel alone, it’s better to do it solo from the start rather than inviting others later, since that can get messy—and if you’re traveling as a group, planning six months to a year ahead makes all the difference. It was only my second time traveling abroad, so unexpected situations were bound to happen—it was all part of the learning process. I chose to take it as experience, and the good thing is that now I know what to do differently next time.
So why did I choose Vietnam—specifically Ho Chi Minh City? There were several reasons that pushed me to book that flight. First, it’s only a few hours away from Manila. I’d also heard so many good things about the country, especially about the food being both delicious and affordable. On top of that, my plan was to explore more countries in Southeast Asia, immerse myself in different cultures, and—okay—maybe spot a few cute Vietnamese guys too. Just kidding! 😄
Our main priority was to visit as many places as possible in Ho Chi Minh City, try the best local food, and make the most of our short stay. Before going any further, let me first share some important details about Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam is a long, skinny country in Southeast Asia, shaped like the letter S. It’s hugged by China in the north, Laos and Cambodia in the west, and the South China Sea on the east and south. Mountains run along the west, while the east is lined with a stunning coastline. Two huge rivers, the Mekong in the south and the Red River in the north, flow into fertile deltas where most people live—and where some of the best rice and local crops are grown.
Most Vietnamese people live in the countryside, especially in the northern and southern river deltas, though more are moving to cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi. Popular sports include soccer, volleyball, table tennis, and martial arts. Vietnamese food mixes Chinese and Thai flavors, with lots of seafood, fruits, and fresh vegetables. While Vietnam is a communist country with no official religion, many people follow the “Three Teachings” of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.
Vietnam’s mountains, forests, wetlands, and coastline are home to a huge variety of wildlife, including around 270 mammals, 180 reptiles, 80 amphibians, and 800 birds. Rare animals like Indochinese tigers, Saola antelopes, giant catfish, and Sumatran rhinos live here. The government has created 30 parks and reserves to protect them, but habitat loss from logging and farming is still a threat. Tropical forests once covered most of the country, but now only about 19% remain, though replanting programs are helping to restore them.
Vietnam is a socialist country led by the Communist Party. The president serves as head of state, while the prime minister runs the government. Its main exports include rice, coffee, seafood, shoes, electronics, and clothing. After mostly trading with other communist countries until the 1990s, Vietnam has expanded trade with nations around the world.
Vietnam’s first civilizations began in the Red River Valley around 5,000 years ago. After centuries of Chinese rule, the Vietnamese gained independence in A.D. 939. Later dynasties expanded the country south, and in 1802 it was officially named Vietnam. The French colonized Vietnam by the late 1800s, and Japan briefly took control during World War II. After the war, Ho Chi Minh declared independence, leading to the Vietnam War between North and South, which ended in 1975 with reunification. Today, Vietnam’s capital is Hanoi, the official language is Vietnamese, the currency is the Dong, and the population is over 100 million.
Source: National Geographic Kids (kids.nationalgeographic.com)
Moving on to Ho Chi Minh City, according to britannica.com, it is the largest city in Vietnam, located along the Saigon River, about 50 miles from the South China Sea. Formerly known as Saigon, the city served as the capital of French Cochinchina from 1862 to 1954 and later as the capital of South Vietnam until 1975. After North Vietnamese troops captured the city on April 30, 1975, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of Ho Chi Minh, a key figure in Vietnam’s independence. Today, the city still reflects its French colonial past through its European-style architecture and is home to Landmark 81, one of the tallest buildings in the world. Ho Chi Minh City has a warm climate, with an average annual temperature of about 81°F (27°C).
According to vietnam.travel, Ho Chi Minh City—formerly known as Saigon—is the economic center of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. Known for its vibrant energy, innovation, and constant movement, the city blends historic and modern Vietnam within a compact, cosmopolitan landscape. Popular attractions include the War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and Ben Thanh Market.
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