At the age of 24,
it is absolutely forgiveable to quit your joe-job and take off for warmer
climes or the centre of the cultural universe or just a place where the
gigs are better.
However, by the age
of 37, it is flagrant irresponsibility. At the dawn of a promising career,
to toss caution to the wind and follow that dream of wet heat and beef
noodle soup for breakfast... well, it's just a good thing I don't have
children.
My only excuse is
that the last time I visited Vietnam, I cried at the airport - I didn't
want to leave. Having been moved from place to place my whole life; never
nesting or getting attached to a place; with no high school reunions to
attend or god-parent status to maintain, it's hard to give your heart
to a point on the map.
But in that steamy,
grimey, noisy airport in Saigon... I sat down and cried. I had never felt
so in love with a place in my life.
Now I'm going back.
Wish me luck....
I'm stupid and in love.