I Took My First Girls Trip With My 75-year-old Grandmother-and Met a Side of Her I'd Never Seen Before

"I haven't seen these since I left my village at 13 for a better life, she told me, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Before I knew it, she'd hoisted herself onto the wooden platform, expertly turning the wheel with her bare feet to lower the nets into the water."

"Having spent most of my adulthood working in New York and London while my family lived back home, I was craving some one-on-one time with my maternal grandmother, with whom I share the closest bond."

"The ancient city, once part of the Kingdom of Champa, boasts a unique culinary scene shaped by six centuries of trade with China, Japan, and Europe."

"Whizzing through the colorful, lantern-lit streets on the back of a scooter, we sampled bánh xèo, peppery turmeric rice crêpes laden with pork, squid, shrimp, and bean sprouts."

A trip to Vietnam with a 75-year-old grandmother uncovers her past as she engages with familiar fishing techniques. The journey to Hoi An, chosen for its culinary heritage, strengthens their bond. The city’s rich history and diverse food scene, influenced by centuries of trade, provide a backdrop for shared experiences. Together, they explore local street food, deepening their connection through shared love for cooking and family recipes, while also reflecting on the grandmother's life journey from China to urbanization.

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