Talk with Sophie: Travel and work around the world
Sophie joined us to share her travels, work, and experiences living in Saigon and Hanoi.
She worked with a child care and education non-profit, which took her to places like Mongolia, China, and other countries where she worked closely with locals. Before that, she worked with a Singapore-based education business that runs schools in Vietnam.
Sophie talked about growing up in a Hanoi neighborhood considered a red-light district by some. She said it was safe and taught her to empathize with all kinds of people. This helped her in her work, especially with marginalized families, like migrant families in Mongolia.
Recently, Sophie traveled to Morocco and enjoyed connecting with locals. With the rise in Chinese tourism, many Moroccans in the tourism industry now speak some Chinese. Sophie became friends with a street vendor there.
India is one of Sophie’s favorite destinations. She traveled there with her family and fondly remembers being invited into homes and even to a wedding. She spent time in Bodh Gaya, Rajasthan, and Dharamshala, and also visited Nepal.
Sophie also loves Denmark. She enjoyed talking to people there and in other Nordic countries because many speak good English. She is interested in the Danish concept of Lykke, which emphasizes happiness through contentment, connection, and simple pleasures. She liked how Danish people are community-spirited, with many homes having gardens and chairs for neighbors to chat.
Sophie lived in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) for a few years. We asked her to compare life there with Hanoi. She said it’s easier to talk to people in Saigon, while people in Hanoi can be reserved at first. She also mentioned that places stay open later in Saigon, giving more opportunities to connect with people.
For a unique sight in Hanoi, Sophie recommended the Hanoi dykes: Hanoi dykes.
Thanks to Sophie for sharing her stories, and thanks to everyone who participated and asked questions.