Just wrapped up an unforgettable voyage as a Conversationalist aboard Seabourn, sailing from Singapore to Saigon. Once again, I found myself immersed in transitioning cultures, meeting new friends, and witnessing the pulse of places like Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam, with its 100 million citizens — 70 million of whom are under 44 — feels like it’s buzzing with potential. A caffeinated population zips through streets lined with cafes rather than phone stores, echoing Taipei’s energy in the ’80s, back when Taiwan was lifting its gaze to the future. Optimism is everywhere here. The mantra seems clear: “We will make a better future.” And Vietnam is making it happen.
Yet amidst this dynamism, it’s hard to miss the challenge. Streets filled with scooters, sidewalks crammed with life — spaces bustling but rarely built with accessibility in mind. It’s still all about survival, and a stark reminder that for those of us with disabilities, ambulating and simply being seen in environments like these remains an uphill journey.
As I disembark, I carry forward inspiration from the industrious spirit of Vietnam, where ambition thrives — but so too does the hope that a rising tide might one day lift all boats.