A lot unfolded in my early 20s, all at a rapid pace. I was juggling school, multiple jobs, and crafting a business plan with grand ambitions of relocating to Asia, never to look back.
I love this, it was a great read! I rarely meet people who have had vibrant lives in their 20s, sometimes I think it's gone out of style - I'm grateful to have travelled and loved abroad extensively pre-IG, too. So just saying hi!
Your portrayal of Hanoi as a city rife with crime and corruption is highly misleading. While Hanoi, like any major city, has its challenges, depicting it as a hub for illegal activities doesn’t reflect the everyday reality for most people living and working there.
The hostel business in Hanoi is extremely competitive, and many businesses face similar struggles. Your claim that you ran the hostel alone and faced unique challenges doesn’t acknowledge that you had help from at least two other people. This, combined with the intense competition, makes it clear that the obstacles you faced were not as exceptional as you imply.
Furthermore, the decision to bypass local laws by paying bribes only adds to the skewed portrayal. Instead of focusing on the negative, it would be more honest to recognize the complexity of Hanoi and the real efforts that go into running a business there. The oversimplified view you’ve presented does a disservice to both the city and its people.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts Thilo! Just to clarify — I never said I ran the hostel alone. I acknowledged having business partners, but I also shared how isolating the experience felt at times, especially being so young and figuring it out on the fly.
As for Hanoi, I love that city deeply and had some of the best moments of my life there. But I also shared the harder parts I personally experienced — that doesn’t mean it’s the whole story, just mine xx
I love this, it was a great read! I rarely meet people who have had vibrant lives in their 20s, sometimes I think it's gone out of style - I'm grateful to have travelled and loved abroad extensively pre-IG, too. So just saying hi!
Hi! that’s super sweet, ugh it’s just fun isn’t it!x
Awwww Rez this was such a lovely read 🥺
Thank you so much for reading! <3
Another banger Rez! Amazing to have followed you since your early travels, I wanna read more about all your adventures! Also Eid Mubarak xxx
Aww thank you Faima, means a lot. Eid Mubarak!!xx
Rez this was a beautiful read and such a special insight into your past <3
Aww thank you June!! Means a lot xx
Your portrayal of Hanoi as a city rife with crime and corruption is highly misleading. While Hanoi, like any major city, has its challenges, depicting it as a hub for illegal activities doesn’t reflect the everyday reality for most people living and working there.
The hostel business in Hanoi is extremely competitive, and many businesses face similar struggles. Your claim that you ran the hostel alone and faced unique challenges doesn’t acknowledge that you had help from at least two other people. This, combined with the intense competition, makes it clear that the obstacles you faced were not as exceptional as you imply.
Furthermore, the decision to bypass local laws by paying bribes only adds to the skewed portrayal. Instead of focusing on the negative, it would be more honest to recognize the complexity of Hanoi and the real efforts that go into running a business there. The oversimplified view you’ve presented does a disservice to both the city and its people.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts Thilo! Just to clarify — I never said I ran the hostel alone. I acknowledged having business partners, but I also shared how isolating the experience felt at times, especially being so young and figuring it out on the fly.
As for Hanoi, I love that city deeply and had some of the best moments of my life there. But I also shared the harder parts I personally experienced — that doesn’t mean it’s the whole story, just mine xx