Finding a home away from home: Our first six months in Vietnam

January 17, 2025 Stephen Belenky

Pictured: Lanterns lit in the evening in Hoi An, Vietnam

Six months in Vietnam

It's been six months since Rachel and I boarded a plane from our home in the United States with one-way tickets to Vietnam. Six months since we said goodbye to the comforts of familiarity and hello to the unknown. Six months of figuring it out as we go, one small victory at a time.

2024 was a milestone year for us

When we first arrived, life felt like a puzzle, one where all the pieces were scattered, and we weren't quite sure what the final picture would look like. Somewhere between learning how to order coffee the Vietnamese way (ca phe sua da, always) and embracing the symphony of motorbikes on the street, we started to feel the edges come together.

Things are about to get really good

L to R: 1. Our rental villa in Hoi An, 2. Motorbikes lining an alleyway in Ha Noi, 3. A Vietnamese iced robusta coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da)

The rhythm of change

Change doesn't happen in big, dramatic moments. It sneaks up on you in the little things, figuring out where to buy fresh herbs at the local market or learning how to ride a bike in the rain. It's in the moments when you stop being surprised by the unfamiliar and start feeling at ease in it.

Grocery haul

Vietnam has a rhythm, one that's both gentle and chaotic. The mornings are slow and deliberate, often beginning with a cup of coffee at a small corner cafe. Afternoons buzz with activity as the streets swell with life, and evenings bring a surprisingly upbeat noise, punctuated by karaoke, beer, barbeque, and gambling. Somewhere in that rhythm, we've found a space to belong.

L to R: 1. Produce from the local market, 2. A relaxed cafe, 3. A market stall

Challenges and lessons

Of course, it hasn't all been picturesque. There have been frustrating moments, the kind that make you question your decision to uproot your life. Miscommunications, moments of loneliness, and the occasional pang of homesickness are all part of the process. With every challenge comes a lesson and those lessons have shaped us in ways we didn't expect.

What influencers won't tell you about Vietnam

We've learned patience in the face of things we can't control and curiosity for the things we don't understand. We've also learned the importance of slowing down, of observing and participating in the world around us instead of rushing through it.

L to R: 1 .Vinmec hospital in Da Nang, 2. Wrapping banh xeo, Vietnamese pancake, 3. A quote that describes our life well, 4. The riverfront in Da Nang

The heart of the journey

Vietnam has a way of teaching you to live more intentionally. Whether it's sharing a meal with strangers or marveling at the breathtaking beauty of rice paddies stretching out to the horizon, the heart of this journey has been about connection to people, to place, and to ourselves.

Kids from the local high school interview us

L to R: 1. Beach view in Da Nang, 2. A couple in traditional outfits in Imperial City, Hue, 3. An old tower and walkway in a rice field

A new perspective

As we reflect on these six months, it's clear that this isn't just about living in Vietnam. It's about seeing the world and ourselves with fresh eyes. The trials and triumphs of this journey have reshaped how we approach everything, from how we work to how we engage with the people around us.

Luxurious self care

L to R: 1. Hoi An countryside, 2. Bun cha in Ha Noi, 3. A champa tower just outside Hoi An

What's next?

Our time in Vietnam has sparked something new in both of us. For Gudwell publishing, it's about sharing the beauty and complexity of this place through a fresh perspective. For Hiddn, it's about embracing the chaos of change and finding the confidence to navigate it.

And if you haven't noticed, I've embraced my role as Co-founder at Gudwell publishing, and Rachel has done the same at Hiddn. We've poured these experiences into the first Vietnam your way: A travel route, a digital download/print from home trifold inspired by the streets, stories, and spirit of this incredible country. It's our way of sharing the magic we've found here with you.

If you're curious, we'd love for you to join us on this journey. Subscribe to Gudwell's newsletter and let us share the stories and discoveries that continue to shape us.