Gyros

October 9, 2018

I've intentionally traveled far toward the unfamiliar in Central Europe. But somewhere here, I've found familiarity.

In Prague, I was at local mini mart near my hostel. I overheard the Asian owners speaking Vietnamese.

I came up to the older couple in front - who could pass for my relatives back at home - and asked:

"Người Việt, hả?"

(Are you Vietnamese?)

Both their eyes lit up. Our relations, like family, somehow moved past the transactional.

"Yes, we are! Where are you from, con (my child)?" The woman asked.

"I'm from Bắc Cali (Northern California). I'm traveling for leisure, and it's great to meet other Vietnamese here, so far away from home," I said.

The man then replied, "Our family came when many left Vietnam in the late 80s. Like the Vietnamese outside Vietnam, we are scattered throughout the city often working at mini marts. You'll find a little of home, like how we have made it here."

I smiled, "Cảm ơn, cô chú."

(Thank you, the equivalent of aunt and uncle)

Like my family, they too have travelled by circumstance decades prior. Now, as I'm traveling for leisure I've been fortunate to engage in such interactions that make the world that much smaller.