I’m often asked if I ever want to go back to Vietnam. You know, return to my homeland.
Considering that I’m first generation Vietnamese-American and have only travel as far as the Caribbean, I wouldn’t be returning to Vietnam. If I ever visit, I’ll be there as a tourist. The natives would pick me out as a Viet Kieu (non-native Westernized Vietnamese) right off the bat.
My father still has family in Vietnam. I’ve never met any of them and they live out in the countryside. I’m not quite sure if I want to meet them. My sister visited a few years ago and our grandmother couldn’t understand her Vietnamese! Our cousins had to translate for my grandmother.Honestly, if I ever visit Vietnam, I’m heading to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) and stuffing my face full of street food! Banh mi, pho, bun, whatever is there. I’ll probably do a bit of shopping as well, maybe some fabrics.
I know that I won’t be visiting an exotic countries anytime soon. That’s why I love watching food travel shows like Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations. What I love about his show is that he unabashed shares his love for food and drink. He’s not the typical American. He will try any dish the locals give him.
When I travel, I’m traveling to places to really good food! Where would you like to eat?
This post was inspired by The Unexpected Circumnavigation by Christi Grab. As a member of From Left to Write book club, I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own. You can read other members’ posts inspired by The Unexpected Circumnavigation: Unusual Boat, Unusual People Part I on book club day, June 28 at From Left to Write.