"I am someone who loves learning foreign languages. The moment I started learning Vietnamese, I fell in love with it, and I remain passionate today. I love being able to communicate with local residents in their native language," Joe said.

In 2009, at nine years old, Joe visited Vietnam for the first time with his family, traveling to Hanoi, Sa Pa, and Hoi An. He retained lasting impressions of the Southeast Asian country's beauty.

In 2017, he began studying Vietnamese, dedicating one hour daily to self-study while engaging with the local Vietnamese community where he lived in the US.

"The more I studied, the more fascinating I found Vietnamese," Joe said.

In 2024, he returned to Hoi An. His language skills enabled deeper conversations with locals, whose warmth and hospitality convinced him to move to Vietnam.

In November 2025, Joe relocated to Hanoi to live like a local. His daily routine involved morning gym workouts, local market runs, home cooking, and remote work, followed by evenings spent exploring street food at popular spots across the capital.

His three favorite dishes are pho, bun dau mam tom (vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste), and bun cha. "Initially, shrimp paste smelled strong, but after trying it, I found it delicious," Joe recalled.

He frequently visited Bun Cha Tuyet on Hang Than Street, famous for serving grilled pork patties over charcoal wrapped in aromatic wild betel leaves.

Language proficiency helped Joe integrate smoothly into local life. In his apartment building, where most residents were foreigners, Joe was among the few who conversed in Vietnamese with the security guard and housekeeper.

"During Tet, as I retrieved my motorbike, the guard and housekeeper called me over to share a hotpot meal with frog meat. It was my first time trying it. That warm meal became a lasting memory, and I felt welcomed like family," Joe said.

On numerous occasions, locals reacted with astonishment when Joe spoke fluent Vietnamese.

"Once near Hoan Kiem Lake, a group of young Vietnamese students approached me to practice their English. They greeted me in English, and I responded in Vietnamese. Everyone burst out laughing," Joe recalled.

Vietnam’s magical beauty

During his eight-month stay in Hanoi, Joe explored Northern destinations including Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, and Cao Bang. 

Among these, Cao Bang stunned him with its grand yet poetic landscapes.

Joining a 10-person group, Joe traveled by motorbike to Cao Bang, visiting Ban Gioc Waterfall, Mat Than Mountain, and Khau Coc Cha Pass during a three-day journey through the mountains and forests. Khau Coc Cha Pass, spanning 2.5 kilometers with 15 tiers and 14 hairpin turns, proved a highlight.

Viewed from above, the winding pass cuts dramatically along mountain slopes amidst lush greenery. "Cao Bang possesses magical beauty. I was truly astonished, almost shocked by the scenery," Joe said.

In Lan Ha Bay, he spotted golden-furred monkeys that tour guides noted were rare.

In Ninh Binh, Joe navigated small cave networks by boat, noting that the karst mountains, rivers, and cavern formations resembled movie sets.

"Most importantly, everywhere I went, I met kind, friendly, and welcoming Vietnamese people. I admire how much they value family and community life," Joe shared.

Joe has since returned to the United States to visit his family, with plans to return to Vietnam in 2027 to explore Ho Chi Minh City and Southern provinces.

"I want to ride a motorbike across Vietnam. I also plan to live long-term in this country—a place where I believe I will be happy," Joe said.

Linh Trang