Xin chào from Vietnam!

I’m thrilled that Bella’s Blogs is closing out 2024 with a journey through Vietnam and Thailand—and even more so that I get to experience it with my sister, G. We’re here to celebrate the marriage of our older brother, Christian, and our new sister, Meo Meo. While celebrating this milestone in Christian’s life is the main reason for our trip, you know G and I couldn’t pass up the chance to do what we love most and explore the world.

Our 24-hour journey began early Wednesday morning at 8 a.m. with a 14-hour flight from L.A. to Seoul, South Korea. Christian’s best friend, Eric, is traveling with us, and we couldn’t be happier to have him along for the ride. He’s about to get a full taste of what traveling with the Scipione sisters is all about. After a final 6-hour flight to Ho Chi Minh City, we landed—safe, exhausted, and luggage in hand—where Christian and Meo Meo were waiting to greet us.

Christian’s story has always been one of individuality and courage. He moved to Vietnam a little over two years ago to teach English and carve out a life beyond the confines of the American ‘norm.’ I’ve always admired his ability to defy societal pressures and live life on his own terms.

But his journey hasn’t been without hardship. In the fall of 2021, Christian became critically ill with COVID, spent weeks in a medically induced coma, and was placed on a ventilator. Rehab followed, and much of that time remains a blur for our family. Yet Christian emerged from it all with an uncanny resilience. That experience became a turning point for him—a chance to reclaim his life and live with true intention. In my opinion, his move to Vietnam was, in hindsight, the best choice he could have made, as it ultimately led him to the love of his life. Seeing him in his element has completely warmed G and I’s hearts.

Over the next week, G, Eric, and I will be exploring Northern Thailand before returning to Vietnam for the wedding. Already, the three of us have found ourselves immersed in deep and reflective conversations—discussions that are curious, open, and personal. They’ve led to revelations about our lives and the ways we perceive and move through the world. It feels fitting to have these conversations in a region so deeply rooted in spirituality and introspection.

Eric shared something that resonated with us:
“Simple minds talk about people. Good minds discuss events. Great minds share ideas.”

I’m endlessly grateful to embark on this journey with two beautiful, great minds. I can’t wait to share the experiences and reflections this adventure brings.