Tonight I was driving home from a delightful Christmas party and I was listening to Florence and the Machine which happens to be one of my favorite cds. It was funny, because while I listen to that cd quite often, different songs at different moments take me somewhere. Tonight, despite the fact that I was coming from a party of close neighborhood friends that I was so excited to have spent quality time with, I was reminded so strongly of Viet Nam. I started listening to this cd in May, so it makes sense. But tonight it was not just Viet Nam in general, instead it was very, very specific spots. Drumming Song reminds me of Đường Láng and driving my xe may to swimming before work. Rabbit Heart reminded me Nguyễn Chí Thanh because it must of been about right there that I got to on my iPod after bible study on wednesdays on my way home. Then Swimming reminds me of La Thành, which can only be because that was a longer drive. When I was on that street it meant I was coming from the lake. It probably means I was hanging out with a foreigner friend in the touristy district. And I was probably in a hurry home, trying to not be too late for my curfew.
It's amazing how songs can connect so strongly to such specific locations. Not always. I listen to this cd all the time without reminiscing about Viet Nam. But not tonight. Tonight I wished I was driving home on my xe may, hopefully not in a rain storm. Making it through the four locks at my house. And making my way to bed on the fourth floor. I guess tonight I'll be content to find my bed in Sellwood, and be happy to be celebrating the holidays in the US.
Aww... I wouldn't mind being back in VN with you! AS long as we MADE MY curfew so I didn't get yelled at by Ba. And I sure don't miss the sweaty little changing room at the pool. But coffee and pho before work (or during work?!) yeah! anytime.... :) miss you friend.
ReplyDelete