Sometimes, because China is just across the border, people from China will visit. However, Americans rarely visit Lang Son. If they do, they are just passing through to get to Hanoi. In all of Lang Son, I am the only American living here. I do not mind being the only American because it pushes me to learn more Vietnamese, and I have more opportunities to learn about a culture that is different from mine. I cannot say that I blend in because I have curly reddish-brown hair, blue eyes, and bright pink glasses, while the Vietnamese people of Lang Son have darker hair and are generally shorter in stature. For the first time in my life, I am considered to be very tall! For some people, I am the first foreigner they have ever met. First impressions count!
While I enjoy sharing my personal style with others, I do have personal limits. During the first three months of my stay in Lang Son, I felt like I was constantly being watched and judged. I am more of a private person, so, when I get a lot of attention from strangers, I feel really embarrassed and shy. Every time I went outside of my home, I had to remind myself that I might be stared at or laughed at by the people of Lang Son. I had many uncomfortable experiences. For example, some people would follow me down the street or yell at me to get my attention. Others would secretly take photos or videos of me. Some people would run up to me and try to take a selfie. This was definitely a moment of culture shock for me. Now, I feel more confident when I walk around town. Over the last few months, I decided to open up more and try to talk with my neighbors and the people that I pass by on the street.
As time went on, I found myself busy with multiple classes.
