Fly on the Wall

Yesterday, Mary’s friends arrived in Ha Noi. Thus far, it has been a wonderful reunion; an event six months in the making. For me, it actually presents a much-needed opportunity to just relax and, to some extent, do my own thing. If I want to, I can just be a fly on the wall. Sometimes present. Other times, off in my own world.

It is nice, though. I value being able to give the girls time and space to just hang out, without my presence deterring them from doing whatever they truly want to. If they want to spend all day getting nails extensions, hair treatments, and massages—go ahead! Ha Noi is one of the best cities for that. Besides, I’ll sincerely enjoy the opportunity to just sit down at a café and enjoy some time to myself whilst that all unfolds.

Thankfully, my accommodation choice turned out perfectly. Making an executive call for a group of people is difficult. They may not prioritise at all the very same features that you feel are non-negotiable. Anyway, the vision worked out here. We’ve got an apartment to ourselves. Kitchen, spacious common area, quiet privacy, and the kind of inviting, open space that fosters spontaneous connection. I had my fears about sleeping on the couch, but, truthfully, I slept amazingly last night. Seriously, it was really comfortable!

We’re also in that sweet spot of being far enough away from the city noise—tucked away in a very local alleyway—but still firmly within walking distance to the Old Town.

I’m happy for Mary, and for her friends. But also myself. I can take a backseat for a little while. Put some headphones on and quietly practice my Spanish in another room whilst they hang out. Hopefully I can use that time to catch back up on this blog, too.