The realisation that I might actually be leaving Vietnam soon made me think of all the things I’m going to have to get used to again, once I leave the sleepy town of Phong Nha, where I rarely see more than 20 people in any one day (sometimes a week). I’m not sure if I’m ready to be let back in to society or not, yet!
1. No maskers
I’ve recently seen the first couple of people who refused to wear a mask and I was so shocked. In bigger cities it’s going to happen as well as countries where masks are no longer required! I’m not fully vaccinated yet so of course it concerns me.
2. Crowds
I hate being in a claustrophobic situation anyway but I don’t think I will quickly adjust to public transport and busy buildings in a hurry.
3. More Choice
I’ve spent the last 18 months having a fairly limited choice of food, drinks, venues, friends, clothes to wear and activities but still not been bored so it makes me wonder if I’m ready to fit in more choice and how I will be able to decide.
4. Coins, a purse and a handbag
After not using any of these for 18 months, it’s just going to be really strange.
5. Staying awake later
I am often in bed by 9pm so it’s going to take some adjusting to, if I go out out I might have to have a nap beforehand to prepare myself.
6. Walking about
In my next destination I won’t have transport or a bicycle and need to walk everywhere so I will have to get used to a simple trip of walking to and from the shops. I rarely walk far now unless it involves going for food or drink so that might be a shocking change for me.
7. Kitchen appliances
I will have to remember that the oven will be hotter than the one I’ve been using in Phong Nha but I’m looking forward to being reacquainted with the slow cooker. I will have to buy a rice cooker as I can’t live without one now.
8. Doing laundry
For 10 months we have used the laundry services of the housekeeping staff who do such a good job of our laundry, I’m going to have to fit it in to my hectic schedule again.
9. Physical appearance
Being back in society will probably mean I have the chance to sort out my appearance again. For the last 18 months I’ve had my hair done once so it will be great to be reacquainted with my Turkish hairdresser as well as having my eyebrows shaped and generally looking like I don’t live in a field.
10. No Captain Caveman
I don’t know when it will be possible to see Captain Caveman again and, while we hope Vietnam opens to tourists in 2022, it could be a while.
Photo credit – various internet sources and Captain Caveman
joloyolo 