Pacing is integral in the way we operate our lives and it’s easy to rigidly function in life based on a particular pace; however, pacing is relative to a country, a culture, and a people.
In Vinh Long, Mekong River Delta, I experienced a pace interestingly different to my accustomed pace. Exploring the places below taught me the importance of enjoying the pace in efforts of enjoying the place:
1. Cai Be Floating Market: You may sink or succeed, your precision is the determinant.
After a few hours riding to the Mekong River Delta, we arrived to a boat-cruise arrangement that cruised us through the Cai Be Floating Market. As a fan of land over water, it was interesting to see a culture and people establish their enterprises in the water. Such technique is an operation requiring an urgency in maintaining balance, being informed of what is approaching you, and preparing yourself for the currents of any particular day. The Vietnamese may sink or succeed, their precision is the determinant.
2. Vinh Long Catholic Cathedral: Finding what you believe in and what gives you strength may not be supported by the majority.
Following the boat cruise/boat transport, we arrived at a Catholic Cathedral erected in the 1920’s, infused with European elements of architectural design. I recall, as my group and I entered we all proceeded in the cathedral with our heads fixated upward. For the first time since we have been in Asia, we all gathered in a building with Christian origin and dedication. Catholicism is not the predominant faith in Vietnam. The Vietnamese following Christianity or Catholicism demonstrates the necessary strength in finding what you believe in and following it, regardless of what the majority yields their adherence.
3. Workshops: Embedded in nature are the riches of life.
One of the more interesting experiences, was visiting a local workshop that produced an assortment of snacks, wine, and coconut products. Going from station to station, the importance of following a process was exhibited as the locals created snacks and products that would be sold in the local souvenir shops.
The most interesting and nerving experience was seeing large glass jars of snack wine—trust, my emotional brakes of tolerance were in full effect. Nevertheless, all of the processes (including the snake wine) attests to the riches of life embedded in nature. Observing the Vietnamese extract the nutrients and benefits from coconuts to enrich their lives exemplifies the power of God given amenities.
4. Canals & Private Boats: Synchronizing to the pace of a place assists in enjoying the place!
Honestly, one of my favorite moments in Vietnam occurred when we traveled canals on private boats—adorning rice hats for the duration of the 15-20 minute ride.
Peaceful and humid, the ride embeds you into a glimpse of local culture and further familiarizes you with Vietnamese terrain. Granted I’m from a city in a desert region, it’s intriguing to see how locals live on the banks of these canals and the pace of life they are accustomed to.
These moments exemplified the necessity of slowing the mind and embracing the pace of your experience to genuinely enjoy the place in its essence—a necessary habit when traveling or operating globally.
As a global citizen, we must learn to adjust to the diverse paces of life. Every culture & every place operates at a different pace. Enjoying the pace allows you to enjoy the place.
