Chatty Lass

Clockwise (from left to right) - Fried french beans with lemongrass and chilli, catfish spring rolls and seafood glass noodles.

Maison De Tet Decor.

Stunning decor within the bungalow.

Scrumptious breakfast with a view - Smoked salmon and poached eggs on gluten-free potato cakes with fresh Moroccan mint tea.

• Ha Long Bay is approximately 160 kilometres away from Hanoi. The journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site took about 4 hours because of the traffic situation (the driver couldn’t go any faster than 60km/h even though we were on the highway) and road condition. In that time, we passed the Red River Delta and marvelled at the untouched beauty of the countryside. The rice paddy fields looked like a patchwork quilt in different shades of green, water buffaloes in the sweltering heat and farmers going about their daily routine.

Ha Long Bay Wharf.

• A few potholes, bumps and a couple of snoozes later, Ha Long Bay came into sight and it was breathtaking. The view demanded my attention and I gleefully obliged; beholding it, wide-eyed and mesmerised.



• I parked fear aside, lived a little and in turn, had an adventure-filled day. I decided to kayak (instead of sitting in a rowed boat) at Ha Long Bay. It was my first time, I got slightly drenched and my arms received the workout of a lifetime.

Managed to manoeuvre through this tight spot.

• Next, I hiked up the Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) cave, savoured the cool air within its chambers and explored the grotto adorned with stalactites and stalagmites.

Streams of natural light beaming through the limestone walls.

View of the bay from the top of the cave.

• Taking a walk around the tranquil Hoan Kiem Lake was soothing for the soul.



• For the most part, I relied on Google Maps to get my bearings and directions. One evening, I chose not to and traipsed around the city without a destination, just to take it all in. I loved every moment of my aimless wandering and for just a little while, the rest of the world melted away.




Ho Chi Minh last year and Hanoi this year, Vietnam has left an indelible mark on my wanderlust soul. I will most certainly be back for more real soon.

As I type this entry with one hand (a talent to be envious about, I've been told), the other is conscientiously balancing a mug of warm rose-vanilla tea. I need it for three reasons:

1) To zen out because I can hear the dreaded footsteps of Monday approaching.
2) To stay awake long enough to complete this post.
3) I just really, really like tea.

Quite a few things have happened since I traded my humble island for the city.

Work is beautiful chaos, I've just turned 27 and in recent months, I've gotten the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream - getting my first article published (and then some and some more). In the few precious moments I have to spare, I'm devouring every and any reading material I can get my hands on for my upcoming travel adventures at the end of May and another in September, plus stealthily attempting to sneak in a few domestic trips here and there for social events. 

Phew..... Life is hectic, but wonderful.

I'm grateful to be in such a good place right now, but I'm also aware that at any moment, all of it could be taken away. So, I live; not with fear of impending doom but carrying in my heart the amazing gift that is life, never once taking it for granted.

Being away from home as a young working adult has taught me a thing or two about life. For posterity's sake, I'm noting down six of them here.

1. You are responsible for your own life.

No one can take that away from you, unless you give them permission to. Never let a person or society dictate how you should live your life. It is yours to live, however you see fit (within reasonable boundaries and without inflicting harm on another individual's life).


2. Don't ever lose your sense of wonder.

It took getting out of my comfort zone to regain my sense of wonder. I fell in love with the English language once again. I discovered the fun in creating something out of nothing to change everything. I learned about perseverance, in its truest form. I celebrated the small wins in life each day.


3. Be kind.

To anyone, at any place, at any time. Kindness is always classy.


4. Who you surround yourself with will determine where you will be heading.

Build the right connections. Invest in the right friendships. Make time for relationships that matter. I am reminded of the importance to walk with dreamers, go-getters and believers. I'm ever so thankful to be blessed with family and friends from all walks of life, who continually encourage and challenge me to be all that I can be.


5. Quality over quantity

I have learned the harsh reality that not everyone will rejoice with you when things are working out fabulously in your life. I have learned the cold truth that not everyone is meant to cross the finish line with you. I have learned that numbers do not matter, whether it is the number of contacts on my speed dial or the number of likes I get on social media.

What counts is a handful of "my people" - those whom I know will be there for the big and small things; whenever, wherever, however.


6. Sleep it off

There are some days that wear you out more than others. Those days get you on edge and most likely, it would require a gargantuan effort not to snarl and rip someone's head off before the day is over.

I've come to realise... bad days don't last for long. Sleep it off. There is something about tomorrow and the new hope it brings with it which makes yesterday's events seem a little less big and dreary.