Feb 3, 2007

Another One Bites The Dust

For expats, the journey of life in Vietnam is usually temporary. Contracts end, circumstances change. Few end up here for good, only those stupid enough to marry some local talent have that burden...oops. As another friend leaves behind the life she created here starting seven long years ago, it's time to reflect. The tears she cried were tears of uncertainty (or maybe it was the alcohol). When a period of your life comes to an end, you start to look back, you think of all the friends you've made, all the characters you've met, and all the good times you've had. How hard is it to leave all that behind? Very. The heart knows that new challenges and fresh horizons are essential -- the mind says they aren't. So, good luck...onwards, you'll never forget this place.

For those of us who remain, even those yet to arrive, let's remember to live and not to observe. Be in the moment a little more, maybe then when it's time to leave, reminiscing needn't be so painful.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

totally agree.

henno said...

hear hear

Preya said...

This was always the hard part of growing up in Vietnam--my friends would leave after two or three years. I eventually left too (but I always knew it would be a temporary exile!).