The one when I get it

Today my plan was to see Marble Mountains and to relax later on. It was a really nice day. I arranged a driver to get me to the places I wanted to see. I wanted to rent a motorbike myself but it cost the same so I went for the easy option. When I was lying on the beach later that day reading a book surrounded by other Westerners doing exactly the same it hit. I finally understood what I’ve been missing in Vietnam. I’m don’t feel like a traveler. I am a tourist here. What makes a difference for me is that tourists are on holidays. They are taking a break from their “normal life” and their main goal is to enjoy themselves. Traveling is a part of “normal life” for travelers. To enjoy themselves (which they most certainly do) is not the most important thing. The goal is to get to know. That’s what I miss. I don’t feel like I’m getting to know Vietnam. Locals are making things easy for foreigners (of course it costs). They make us enjoy ourselves. They don’t let us get to know them.