Yet, my experience in Japan and England would be different from Vietnam. I speak Japanese and because many people speak English in London, I had no trouble communicating in either Japan or England. In addition, my two trips abroad were only for a month each, and I was with other English-speaking students the entire time. Vietnam was different. I have struggled to learn the language even though I came to Vietnam to teach. Therefore, I have had to adapt quickly to a new culture in order to give my students the attention they need.
It is always surprising how fast time moves when you are nervous. Shortly after I sent my text, my host walked through the front doors of the hotel and began scanning the lobby. She was looking for me. Instead of waving to her to get her attention, I froze. Sometimes, it is very difficult for me to meet new people. I always feel nervous because I want to make the best first impression. Moreover, I considered my host to be my boss because she had a role in the school I would be working in. Eventually, she noticed me and flashed me a warm smile. I returned the smile with enthusiasm and shakily followed her to the car. We talked about basic things like traffic, the weather, and Lang Son. The conversation then naturally ended, and we sat in uncomfortable silence. The drive to Lang Son from my hotel in Hanoi was about two and a half hours, which is a long time when you cannot think of anything to say to the person driving you! I decided to close my eyes, rest my head on the window, and take a few deep breaths. Everything would be fine as long as I kept an open mind, I told myself.
Foreign tourists rarely visit Lang Son.
