-^-for posterity-^-

it's very easy to pass people in the night. when it's a hot and muggy night in hanoi, it's very easy to pass people. the man about my age rooting through the garbage in the dimly lit street. the lady sitting on the street corner. the group of young boys walking together. the dog barking in the distance. a ten minute walk can seem like an eternity and every stare can seem threatening. walk quickly. sweat.

i tend to let my mind wander when i'm walking alone in the dark. especially in hanoi. i let my mind wander and every stare is taken into consideration. the motorcycles on the road become white noise and my steps all take a life of their own. one step to the left of that crack. one beyond that dirty puddle. now to turn right. that step was a little awkward. each step takes me closer to home but they each feel endless.

it's also too easy to not notice the beauty around me. the beauty in diversity and the beauty in the night. i could get lost in my steps but try not to let it happen. i try to look at the faces that i pass but they all stare dirrectly into my eyes. there's something difficult about making eye contact with a citizen of hanoi on a muggy, sweaty night. there's something wonderful in their eyes.

i guess i'm just getting used to traveling around this new culture. there's nothing much to be afraid of and maybe i just like the feeling of being out of control. i really love being here and a quick walk in the night does me a bit of good. a night walk in a dark part of town down musty alleys makes me think. it makes my mind wander.

just shut your eyes.