An interesting aspect of my life is that I really enjoy learning about cultures. Whenever I travel somewhere, I tend to pay attention not only to the place around me, but also to the food, traditions, and everyday lives of the people who live there. I feel that traveling has allowed me to realize how different life can look for someone depending on where they are in the world.

The photo I chose was taken with my girlfriend at a Vietnamese festival, Lễ Hội Mùa Thu. What I enjoyed the most there was being surrounded by a culture that was completely different from mine. They had traditional food, music, and clothing, but the most interesting thing was seeing all kinds of people come together to celebrate and preserve their culture and share it with others. Coming with my girlfriend allowed me to get a deeper and more personal understanding of the meanings behind some of the historical traditions and celebrations, including the múa lân dance.

Beyond this image, I have been to places like Thailand, Switzerland, and Canada. While I was there, I learned a tremendous amount about the various cultural traditions and historical significances of each place. For example, when I was in Zurich, a local educated me about Zwänzgerle, a traditional Easter celebration where adults attempt to throw 20 coins into hard-boiled eggs held by children. Additionally, my trip to Thailand was filled with adventures, from bargaining with street vendors to trying new foods. What fascinated me about this wasn’t only the experiences, but also the ability to learn about other lifestyles by stepping into their shoes.