This is Sapa. Beauty not only lies in the staircases of rice fields, but in the hearts of the people; where life is a never-ending circle. Generation to generation, these villagers survive by working in the fields, building their own homes and making their own clothes. A people full of will and determination, steeped in tradition. Rice is not only the staple food, but the heartbeat of the entire land. It's picked, beaten and dried in the sun. The leaves are then placed in a pile and lit on fire, creating the ash that is spread over soil for the next round of rice to sprout. Nothing goes to waste. Sapa teaches us to respect and understand the beauty of simplicity.

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This is Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City). Once referred to as the “Gem of Indochina” by population, it’s the largest city in Vietnam. History and the religion consume the streets. It’s in the courtyard of the Notre Dame Cathedral, it’s sitting on a bench in the Jade Emperor Padoga and it’s looking up at the Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument where a monk once took his own life by self-immolation. This place has experienced a lot of change. And change can be difficult. But through it all, there is still hope and beauty around every corner. As the epicenter of economy and business, Sai Gon is truly the metropolis of Vietnam.  

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The sights and sounds of Ninh Binh. There is so much beauty in silence. When silence is priority, every sound is amplified. The rowing of the boats, the chanting of a monk in a cave or the wind careening through the huge limestone rocks that are shooting out of the clear blue water. Known as the Land of the Kings, Ninh Binh was once the royal capital for 41 years. It's easy to understand why the latest King Kong movie was filmed here. While observing such beauty, it's hard not to reflect and respect the importance of listening.

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Happiness is a state of mind. In Pleiku, the mindset is all about family, culture and music. A place known for its amazing coffee and it's rubber trees, the beauty truly lies in the hearts of the people. You can see it in the smiles, you can hear it in the metal gongs playing to dancers, you can feel it in the full moon festival celebrations. When you are here, you are family.

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Lê Chân, the first woman general who led the fight against Chinese invaders from 40-42 AD on/by elephants is one of the most iconic statues of Hai Phong. This statue truly symbolizes the pride of the people here. It represents a sacred longing to serve, protect and love their country. Comforting and calm, it doesn't feel like the third largest city in Vietnam. The beauty resonates in the bustling marketplaces, the colorful streets and the echos of karaoke in the distance. This is Hai Phong.

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Time seems to stand still here. Leaving room for reflection, creativity and observation. In Hue, the beauty is in the rain. It’s the metronome of the city, setting the pace and the rhythm for everything. In this fast-paced world, it is so important to stop and look inward at yourself. Life is put into perspective when you let the rain hit your face, and take the time to just simply listen.

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A breathe of fresh air. Time spent in a peaceful state is time well spent. With the beach waves crashing below the tall mountains, it's hard not to be in awe of the beauty of Da Nang. The perfect combination of city life and nature, this is my absolute favorite city in Vietnam.

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Frozen in time. Hoi An is the well-preserved ancient gem of Vietnam. The canals and the architecture have stood the test of time, but the real beauty of this city is when the sun goes down. The faces of young and old light up to paper lanterns, creating a beautiful mosaic of culture and history.

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Legend has it there was a fierce invasion coming from the north. So the people prayed for a miracle. In response, the Emperor sent a dragon to stop the approaching enemy ships. As the ships advanced into Vietnam’s ocean, the dragon spat fire at them, which turned into islands dotting the ocean. This is how the area received it's name: Ha Long Bay, which translates to: The Descending Dragon. To this day, these islands stand tall, protecting the beautiful waters.

This is how I see Detroit. My birthplace. A city that had their back up against the wall. A people full of grit and hard work, who never gave up. This place is not perfect by any means. It may not be the juggernaut it used to be, but music is in the air and dancing is in the streets. It's a city that's on the rise.

Narration by my Papa: a man who has always encouraged me in my own faith journey.

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