Sai Gon wore me out. I just didn’t realize how much. I walked out of the Tan Son Nhat airport just coming back to Sai Gon from a short trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I recall the feeling as I was waiting for a ride home, and it wasn’t pleasant. Actually, it was akin to dread.
Kuala Lumpur was dope. I met new friends, laughed a lot, got around easily. I was taking photos again and sashaying. I even took a photo of myself ya’ll. Right?!?!? I was just relaxed and enjoying life. Feelings I hadn’t really had in Sai Gon.
Feeling myself in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
But I made plans!!! I was going to record an album, and give my new website ideas more structure to take shape. I was planning to experience Sai Gon in a way that I hadn’t been open to before.
Then I landed and that all changed. I couldn’t ignore what had been so clearly spelled out to me. I knew what my heart was telling me to do. As lovely as it sounds to be able to pack your life up at a moments notice and whisk to another destination, it’s a bit messier than that. Particularly for me and my ongoing practice of the fine art of letting go. So having made the decision to follow my instinct to move, I started getting myself together. Breakup with my landlord. Breakup with my band. Say my goodbyes. And research the mess out of where to go and what to do from there.
I’d visited the coastal city Hoi An for my birthday and had enjoyed the slowed pace. I hadn’t explored Da Nang that’s near to Hoi An at all, just had flown through to get to Hoi An. I couldn’t think of a better place to start exploring and booked a sleeper bus from Sai Gon to Da Nang, arranged to stay at Barney’s Hostel for a couple of nights, and here I am. Figuring it out.
Owner Daniele and staff at Barney’s Hostel in Da Nang.
Being at Barney’s has added some flavor to my transition. I was able to connect with two new folks I won’t soon forget. The hostel is well located, comfortable, and unique with its’ decor being themed after the TV show How I Met Your Mother. It was nice to relax on the rooftop at night and chat with other travelers. Hostels offer that built in company that other accommodation doesn’t. So it was different for me to connect like that with others since I’d only stayed in a hostel in England last year for a few nights. You can check out Barney’s at BarneyHostel.com.
I went with four new friends from the hostel to check out the dragon bridge (the green lights). The dragon breathes water and fire every Saturday and Sunday at 9pm.
The cooler weather in Da Nang has been delicious. That ocean breeze can turn you right round. I’m very much looking forward to this change of pace.
Have you ever had a hard time making a needed change?