Between worlds

From the gentle south to the fast north - and still remain calm.

From the relaxed Da Nang with sea breeze, clear and wide skies and this southern lightness you can feel physically, the wide streets and serenity, time seems to tick slower here, even the traffic is a bit more polite. Everything in me is still with sand, salt and sunbeams.

Two hours later - Hanoi. And suddenly everything is cramped, loud and lively. Mopeds racing through alleyways like thoughts, where everything happens at the same time. Honking, steaming, talking everywhere. Street kitchens, honking cabs and voices overlapping. The lively old town of Hanoi. It's as if you've traveled between worlds.

The flight was delayed, then another gate. My head was tired, the day was long and yet: no rush. No restlessness. Just a brief pause, a deep breath in the middle of the hustle and bustle. And the amazement of how calm you can remain, even when everything around you is pulsating.

Maybe it's because of Vietnam. Maybe it's also because you learn at some point when you travel: things happen anyway.

It's not about how fast the world turns - it's about how calm you stay in it.

Here in Hanoi, the world feels like it's turning a little faster - but it's still turning at a hearty pace.