Yes, I touched that milestone today. Four years in Vietnam. I cannot believe I have been in Vietnam that long. Originally I intended only to stay just 2 years and then head back to the US for my PhD or JD. I kind of didn’t leave as many of you noticed.
I learned a lot my four years here. I finally got into touch of my Asian half. This has helped me understand my Japanese mother much better. I now realize that she is normal 🙂 I have a better appreciation of Asia in general, a far cry from when I was a high school student ashamed of my Japanese background.
I put on nearly 28,000 km on my motorbike. My Yamaha Nouvo will be four years old this August. I love the freedom of riding a motorbike the mandatory helmet law ruined some of the fun of riding a motorbike.
My biggest disappointment, though, is that I have not been able to pick up the Vietnamese language very well. That is my goal for the next two years, to be able to communicate in Vietnamese. I can get around my alleyway, no problem. They understand my accent but I struggle everywhere else.
Thus I think you all now know that I will stick around for at least two more years. I have been aching to get back to the US to begin my PhD. I miss doing research 🙁
In the meantime I will go full blown and keep doing what I do best, blogging 🙂
WOW…4 years!… Congrats…time for party?
Some beer on Friday and I will be happy 🙂
Great enjoy the day and keep on your goals.
Yeah, I still pushing forward the IT company but I think you know by now, it is not easy for expats to do such an endeavor. I will start looking for clients in the US now.
Best of luck to you too.
I always wondered about the need to master, or at least have a working ability of the language, to work in country. When I contemplate the thought of moving to Vietnam, my biggest obastacle is I don’t know the language well enough. I guess this post answers the question, thanks.
Vietnamese is a must. I can speak enough to shop and get around my neighborhood. Many expats do not even speak a word of it and they seem to do find. Learning the language does open more of the culture up though.
Cool post Kevin,
I left the country when i was 11, and coming ‘home’ to visit in 2006 and 2007 was interesting, though i read at 100%, yet understanding the tougher words at 30%. I would not make it, for example, China.
Huyu
Hey, you got a better understanding of the language than me Huy 🙂