by Lanee Waho

What’s one thing that you wish you had packed, but didn’t?

One thing I wish I had packed, well there are a few things I wish I had packed, firstly would be protein powder, pre-workout and goat’s milk moisturiser. All the things I have not been able to find in this city that flourishes with so much. In saying that, I have coped without these 3 things.

I have found a love for Egg Coffee and Coconut coffee. Actually, all Vietnamese coffee is amazing and I will really miss it when I leave. I got Nivea moisturiser and use it sparingly as it’s very perfumed and not as gentle as my usual Goats milk moisturiser that I use. Apart from that, adapting to the culture of Vietnam is going well and I really enjoy my work environment.

How to NOT look like a tourist

With our beautiful brown skin and generous curves, it is near impossible to blend in and not look like a tourist. I have really focussed on trying to live like a local though. I visit a small little coffee shop every day before work and he now sees me and he knows my order. I love becoming a regular in a coffee shop. When I visit the Markets, they quite often drive up the price for foreigners, but I tell them I live here and they give me a discount. I get a ride on a Grab (local Uber app) motorbike to work every day and really try to live and eat like a local. Due to strong genes and a weird accent, I think I have no chance of ever looking like a Vietnamese.

What to wear in the workplace in Vietnam

My workplace is a Dental Clinic and most employees have a uniform. Smart business is usually the best attire. I always dress for the weather and make sure I look professional too. My boss has me attend networking events, so it’s important to make sure I wear clothes that are appropriate for the occasion. Upon arrival, we always take our shoes off and wear slippers inside the clinic.

Wherever we go in Vietnam, we dress very differently. The people of Vietnam, like to cover their skin from the Sun, even on 30-degree days, they have long sleeves and pants on.