I think when going to a new country, you realize that there will be differences, but you can’t truly know what they are until you get there. In my case, I didn’t realize that motorbikes were prevalent in Vietnam until one almost literally hit me on my first day in Hanoi, Vietnam. The strange part about it is that, though they are somewhat reckless drivers, they are also impossibly skilled on their bikes. With how chaotic the city is, I have not seen one accident! But that’s just perfect from the impression I get from Hanoi, a huge, chaotic city that has the signs of modern life but endeavors to preserve its history and environment while welcoming all into its space. Hanoi, as a city, is much different from what I initially expected when coming to Vietnam. The truth is, I didn’t really have many expectations for Vietnam. I knew that I was traveling on a plane and that when I got off that plane, everything would be different. But to my surprise, it wasn’t as different as I expected it to be. Hanoi in itself is a city where labour is idealized, and everyone works to make their living. It’s a city that’s alive at almost all times of the day, with the sounds of vendors calling to show you their wares and restaurants inviting you inside to try all of their food. But most importantly, Hanoi is a city full of history and nature that allows you time to submerge yourself in not only its present, but also its future.