It’s been three years since I lived in the US but sometimes my heart still longs for Japan. 4 years of my youth were spent there, filled with unforgettable memories, loving ones and hear-shattering ones.

I’ve never been a city girl. I was born and raised in Hanoi, but not in the midst of the hustle and bustle. I grew up in a village outside of the city, before it became a district, part of the city. Because of that, I’m all about tiny, peaceful town. Perhaps that’s why I love Beppu so much. I love wandering around little alleys, admiring the wild life, and browsing old shops. There is a little bakery by the main train station which has this irresistible condensed milk-filled bread.

My university lays on top of a mountain and buses are the only transportation to go up unless you drive a car. There’s an open spot for a bird-eye view of the city looking out to the sea. It’s a little campus, but very much feels like home. I miss the people I met there and stay friends until today, despite being oceans apart. I miss going to classes and part-time jobs. I miss all of it!

The last time I went back to Japan was in 2015, a very quick business trip to Tokyo. I have no emotional attachment to this city, it’s just another mega city like New York, Paris, and Milan. The next time I come back to Japan will be with Jon, and to Kyushuu. I can’t wait to show him my Japan. We will take Nem too if he is nice :))

Sometimes I do wonder how would my life be now if I stayed in Japan after graduating and kept my then-full-time job in Takamatsu. I wouldn’t have got into MaRIHE program, wouldn’t have met Jon, wouldn’t have had Nem. It surely would be a completely different life. Wouldn’t it?