My husband got promoted and shifted to Vietnam in February of 2017. At that time we decided that the kids and I will continue to live on in Jakarta. Having lived in Indonesia for 14 years, we thought of this as our home. But for him, it was not going to be easy living alone because he is quite a social person and enjoys spending time with his friends and family. So, I decided to visit Vietnam and see what it beholds!
Although it was a leisure trip, I thought I would look into our options for schools for the kids, apartments and other necessary things.
I landed in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on March 25th. The airport was quite small but still orderly managed. I proceeded through immigration smoothly. I landed in a high-energy atmosphere amongst cheerful and happy people. I was quite impressed already.
My husband was waiting outside and was thrilled to see me. I could see an excitement for relocation in his eyes.
I met Mr Giang, our driver, who welcomed us to the car with a warm smile. The streets were thriving- crowded roads, chaotic traffic that was slow but moving. It took us 40 minutes to wave through the crowded streets- 80% covered with the bike riders, young and old from all walks of life. On reaching the apartment “Saigon Pearl”, we were greeted by the security staff and the receptionist with a lot of warmth. It was a beautiful and very well maintained apartment in the heart of the city. Raised high on the banks of the famous Saigon River.
Vietnam is known for its culture, communism, and colonisation. Owing to its rich history, Vietnam has a lot to offer to travellers from around the world. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) formerly named Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. I visited a few places around HCMN, like Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta and the Museum which explained Vietnamese culture well. I had street-side pho (soup with noodles and lot of veggies), sandwiches (called Bahn Mi), doughnuts, and banana pancakes all of which can be found for very affordable prices. Being vegetarian I enjoyed every bit of it.
After spending 4 days in this beautiful place, I was convinced. We decided to move to Vietnam.
We moved to Vietnam on June 17th. After 14 years of living in Indonesia, it was heartbreaking to leave the country we called our home. Saying goodbye to all our friends who became family over the years and looking back at so many fond memories which we had formed during our stay in the present apartment. The children were sad too- bidding goodbye to their nanny who had been with them for 12 years, and parting with the friends with whom they grew up. It was a very emotional move.
We moved to an apartment called Vinhomes Central Park in HCMN city. The society is well built and maintained. The view from our balcony is very scenic; we can see the Saigon River flowing right in front of our apartment. There is a beautiful garden, and a walking area by the side of the river, which makes the society even more attractive.
It took us a while to feel at home, though settling down in Vietnam was not difficult at all because the Vietnamese are very warm and welcoming. It was their positivity and vibrancy that made us feel comfortable in a very short span of time.
We have been in in Ho Chi Minh for almost 3 years now, and we feel very grateful and happy. It seems like our decision was right… Vietnam for relocation was indeed a good choice!
