WHY I LEFT HANOI, VIETNAM | LIFE UPDATE + BIG ANNOUNCEMENT !!!

[@zinataraaa]

Hey loves, I share A LOT on my channel and just because I decided to share only 3/4 of the reasons why I left Hanoi, doesn’t mean my title/video is misleading. I’m literally still healing from a certain situation, so give me time! I value all of your opinions but you guys need to remember that I’m also human before you start trolling (trolls get blocked in less than 30 seconds 🥰). Peace and love always ❤️

[@kharris301]

I'm a black American and after living there for 3 months I realized it was Jim Crow South for me. My grandmother would tell me how "The war against overt racism was over.". I had a white American save me during discrimination. Also at my condo the condo owner decided to use my condo for viewing at unannounced times. It was imposed on me. I lived in a condominium with many foreign (100% white) and I just felt like they picked me out because I was black . Also I was denied jobs in Hanoi because I was black and they don't sugarcoat anything. I have 2 degrees and one is in Education and they will try to lowball you.

[@zinataraaa]

Delvonte Arnold Damn! That’s crazy!! Yh, Hanoi just isn’t it (for some of us). I have African American friends that absolutely love living there 🥴

[@DatCianoBoy]

I’m Ghanaian 🇬🇭 and a teacher in China too, I just saw your channel and I love your content. A lot to know about Vietnam 🇻🇳. We’re family now

[@kennethhurst6296]

No Zina, your title isn't misleading, you said almost everything you wanted to share. I think the landlord simply didn't want to rent to a black lady. Why would she up the rent at the last minute when the price was already established?She probably is prejudice or racist!

[@zinataraaa]

kenneth hurst It was sooo strange!!! We honestly had agreed weeks in advance and I was ready to move in haha. Everything worked out in the end because I would have been stuck with a 6 month lease and extremely unhappy. God was watching over me 🥰🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@avutex8547]

I am so happy for you. You are a different person compared to the first video I seen when you first came to Vietname. in 2017. More cheerful, self-confident and pretier!

[@kittysnowshoe6475]

I lived in Hanoi for 10 months teaching at a public school (and a private school 3 evenings a week). I'd been to Vietnam two years prior to moving there to teach English and found the southerners to be MUCH warmer and friendlier than the northerners. I don't know why this prior insight into Vietnam lead to me making a decision to move to Hanoi rather than HCMC (???!!!!) But anyway, I had the exact same feeling as you when I stepped off the plane.. Something just didn't feel right but I refused to listen to my intuition for some stupid reason... I thought things might get better but I hated living in Hanoi (again - why didn't I just leave?? DOH!!!) but decided to tough it out for the full academic year. Never saw the sun in my 10 months there, the winter was brutal and the people were just so unpleasant. I got ripped off by my first landlord and ripped off by the company I worked for on several occasions. They would lie and say that I came late (even though this never happened) so that they could fine me $50 and they wouldn't say anything to me until I got my paycheck and there was nothing I could do to argue with them. I once got fined $150 because I got sick in the middle of the school day and had to go home. They smiled to my face and told me to get better soon but then fined me $150 and made me fill out an apology slip, begging the school for forgiveness for my "unacceptable behaviour." I refused to sign it, obviously. Anyway, enough time has passed for me to heal from the wounds I inflicted from living in Hanoi but still have fond memories from travelling in the South of the country.

[@zinataraaa]

OMG! That sounds horrible! I'm really sorry you had to experience that :( It's really a shame because the Southerners are extremely lovely !! (From my experience)

[@kittysnowshoe6475]

@@zinataraaa I don't want to put anyone off making the move there, though!! Vietnam is a wonderful, vibrant country with a lot going for it. I was just stupid for not doing research into the company I worked for before signing a contract. I only have myself to blame. I have many friends who are still in Hanoi working for wonderful companies and having a great time. If I were to move back I would definitely pick the south over the north because I prefer the people and the food... just a personal preference though (I like warm, friendly, smiley people and spicy food so... ).. I miss the feeling of abundance living in Vietnam because for the first time in my life I didn't have to live paycheck to paycheck or worry about money - I loved that aspect of my life there. And all the exploring and traveling around the region, of course.. Anyway, love your channel, love your personality, good luck with your exciting new plans :)...

[@ReadySetFro]

AWWWWW BABE! I love love LOOOOOV you and am more than happy to help anyone through a rough patch. You're the best and thanks for blowing my spot so i'll have to update my channel. HAHAHA! It's about time I've been roaming the world for a few month and I need to get back on it. Love you and miss you can't wait to meet you in London (eh, maybe...what ya think?)

[@zinataraaa]

ReadySetFro Yesss!!! A London link up would be dopeee!! Can’t wait to see some vlogs from the beautiful tropics 😍😍😍 Love and miss you toooo ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@amberlol7]

AHHH I pretty much had the same experience as you... I lived in HCMC for nearly a year and was loving it, decided to move to Hanoi for a change of scenery and it was literally downhill from there. Same problems with finding a place, terrible weather all the time...but also really hard to find teaching hours...had four traffic accidents in my first month including being HIT BY A CAR!!!! never happened in HCMC. I ended up leaving Vietnam :( So happy to hear you're going back to Da Nang though, Da Nang is an absolute DREAAAAM. I hope it goes well for you! Sending you good vibes xx

[@zinataraaa]

amberl lyons Oh no!! Sorry to hear that 😩😩😩 It’s weird because some people are the complete opposite and love Hanoi more and dislike Ho Chi Minh City. I guess it’s just down to preference! I hope you’re doing a lot better now 💕

[@aquariangypsy8892]

I like your moms advice. She was supportive but didn’t coddle you. Which is much more effective. Best wishes with everything! And it’s best to try something and it not work than to live with the “what if?”

[@zinataraaa]

Aquarian Gypsy Exactly !! 💕

[@chelseareid1843]

Hugs from another Londoner! Missed your videos! Glad to see you back x

[@zinataraaa]

Chelsea Reid 💕💕💕

[@matthewfenwick7924]

Love your energy! Like spill the tea sis!

[@sueval7857]

that skirt is everything, glad to see you back!

[@zinataraaa]

Thank you 🥰🥰

[@Ryanr_528]

YAY, you're coming back! That made me so happy. Hope to see you soon!!

[@zinataraaa]

Bobby_cane528 Real soon 😊😊

[@MrRawUK]

Deffo know what you mean about the weather in Hanoi. Also about the locals and the level of friendliness compared to other regions in Vietnam. I was 1 hour away from Hanoi and locals were not that warm. I will have to take a look at the place you were at for 2 years. Danang does look fab. Good luck.

[@annaaron9419]

So glad to see you back on y-tube !! Super happy your going to be in back in Vietnam 🇻🇳. Be there soon as well (Feb.) ......

[@arnb8907]

Yay! You're back! Sending you love from Tennessee!

[@zinataraaa]

Thank youuu

[@CBrown-cn3bs]

Yay, Da Nang. I will see you there!

[@sandypurple6266]

I'm so happy that you are safe and happy. I 💘 watching your videos. I hope your freedom or person was not threatened. You really are an inspiration to a lot of people! 🌟 🌟 🌟

[@sandypurple6266]

PS Post from Africa 🌍!!

[@zinataraaa]

Alexis Jones Thank youuu so much 🥰🥰

[@EdwardSmart]

Looks who's back! You should do a video on what happened to you in Hanoi!

[@Sunny.J]

Glad to find your channel 😁👍 I've been in Hanoi since August 2019. Can totally relate to a lot of what you are experiencing. Headed to Ho Chi Minh in April 🍀🍀🍀

[@sugarbear9118]

I am wishing you all the best! Take your time in all that your doing!!!

[@oo-cc8ku]

Headed to Vietnam after watching your videos for a while now, definitely keep posting its genuinely so helpful ❤ and entertaining too 😂

[@Maya-lw6nm]

I enjoy people in Hanoi so much. Just any time I need some help, I just ask for one thing and locals do 10 things. My phone’s micro was broken and I couldn’t call grab driver to explain where I was, so I asked for a phone to call in a coffee shop. And the lady not only called the grab and explained the place, but also waited for him, let me off and invited me to repair my phone the next day. Today I got sick at school and as my TA is my friend and a daughter of the school’s principal, they took me to pharmacy and bought all of the medications for me. These are just 2 examples, but I’ve had many many more. So I’m totally in love with locals here !

[@zinataraaa]

Майя I’m happy you’re enjoying life in Hanoi 😊

[@millhouse101]

Good to see you back girl! xx

[@zinataraaa]

Glad to be back

[@millhouse101]

@@zinataraaa So when i got to the end of the video and heard the "announcement" - Please tell me why i was jumping up and down like a fool in my house lol!!!! Very excited!!!!!! xx

[@zinataraaa]

Gavatron Ldn Hahaha I’m so excitedddd 🙏🏾😍😍😍😍

[@tnormanthird]

Love your authenticity!

[@LilyLayy]

Glad you're back. 💕🥰

[@zinataraaa]

💕💕

[@RenStillwater]

You’re back!!! miss u already 😝❤️

[@zinataraaa]

Ren Stillwater I miss you toooo Ren 🥰🥰🥰

[@TravelwithLea]

Hi Zina, I've been watching your videos on Vietnam and I really want to teach there following the completion of my TEFL! But I have two questions: What is healthcare like in Vietnam and do you pay for health insurance (international?). And also, did you get your vaccinations before you left and how much did these cost?

[@zinataraaa]

VeganLeaa Email please: [e-mail]

[@aubreyvanallen6298]

Hi Zina! Could you recommend a good agency/ website/ ect for finding an apartment in HCMC? I would love a serviced apartment when I move. I will be a first time teacher. thank you! love the videos . I learn so much

[@kathleenlynch1961]

Hanoi is cold, including the people.The south is so much better than Hanoi. Have heard that Hanoian's are not as welcoming as the friendly Saigonese. After hearing from friends that Hanoi is too tough I decided that I will never waste time travelling there.

[@mrs.kreamstorytelling4741]

Congrats on your journey. You are encouraging so many of us. I enjoy your videos so much I've been thinking of traveling to China and the surrounding areas. Keep on filming. I will look for you on IG.

[@WhatAnAwesomeShow]

I totally agree with you regarding the South being friendlier.

[@andrewwardmedia]

interesting video, sorry about the weather in Vietnam.

[@sonyaballard4922]

I love your videos and I know that you have a right to keep certain things to yourself, but I will say that if you were not going to share the incident that happened that made you decide to leave, then why bring it up. I am just saying this because without possibly going into to much detail, your experience could really help someone who may be going to that region. Regardless of the fact, I am so glad that you are back on track, and still living your best life.

[@zinataraaa]

I have my reasons why I brought it up and just like you mentioned, I have the right to keep things to myself OR talk about it full details, when I feel ready. I don’t get why it bothers you/others enough to use your energy and comment about that ONE thing. I literally gave you 3 other reasons why I didn’t like it there 🙄 It has nothing to with anyone coming over /living in Vietnam, otherwise I would have said. Thanks anyway for voicing your opinion ...

[@LilyLayy]

How about it is none of your business?

[@kristaodegaard3226]

💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

[@zinataraaa]

💕💕

[@markshaw1966]

I'll be there in August, will you still be there?

[@fdre3wsd]

I know right its like we had a deal, negotiations can be bullshit.

[@travelexploreasia9576]

#Aphotasticlyfe Wow, awesome Đà Nẵng huh, it's me possibly the only Trini in Đà Nẵng/Việt Nam we spoken a if times in the past, I'm not sure if you remember but now, I guess we can finally meet...nice hey if you need any help finding a place to stay reach out to me on messenger and i can set you up with a couple of agents I know. Plus even though there's a huge expat community here in Đà Nẵng my advice is to live within the local community like Hải Chau or Nguyễn Chí điều areas rent is cheaper and you can get a full house for a good price. Plus Vincom and the Dragon bridge and Mỹ Khê Beach are all within walking distance or you can catch grab...anyway my friend have a great time in Africa and looking forward to meeting you and welcome to my neighborhood the people of Đà Nẵng are very friendly and welcoming, but I'm pretty sure you already knew that. Peace and love.

[@zinataraaa]

Wow, that's dope! I'm have a few agents already but thanks for the advice, I'll definitely keep in touch! See you soon :)

[@EdwardSmart]

Looks who's back! You should do a video on what happened to you in Hanoi!