Our trip to Vietnam wasn't just an incredible vacation. My daughter's mother-in-law was travelling with us, and her journey was very different from ours. Bach Lo was born, and lived in Vietnam (namely Ho Chi Minh City when it was called Saigon) until she left in 1979. She was from a Chinese family who lived in an area called Cho Lon, and is one of the world's largest Chinatowns, a 250-year-old settlement established in 1778, known for its, temples, traditional medicine shops and vibrant Chinese culture. Were you aware that Vietnam has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world?

Bach Lo left Vietnam in 1979, as one of the famous Boat People. Following the Vietnam War, many people, particularly ethnic Hoa, fled persecution in Vietnam. The refugees faced dangerous conditions, often trapped in overcrowded, small boats. A major international effort was launched to address the crisis, and Canada was one country that took in over 50,000 refugees. Sophia's mother and her family were lucky to make Canada their new home. For over 47 years, she had not gone back to Vietnam, and this trip was her "coming home" voyage. Do you know anyone else who was a "boat person" of 1979?

We spent a day visiting her old neighborhood, seeing her old home (still standing), going to her old markets (still there) and seeing her old school and temple (also still there). She was overwhelmed with emotion, as we were all. We walked the same paths she walked, never thinking that one day she would have to leave it all behind. We even ate lunch at a food stall she had eaten with her friends, and remarkably, the food was just as she remembered. (Photo is of the food stall we ate at). Have you ever gone back to your old neighborhood and traced the steps of your childhood?

After fleeing Saigon, Bach Lo's family went to Vung Tau, a seaside area they would go on weekends to relax, but this time it was to get on a boat which first went to Malaysia (and refugee camps) and then on to Canada. Before they left, they had a last meal, which was banh khot. This is small, round pancakes deep-fried to golden perfection and topped with a variety of seafood, especially baby squid and shrimp. Of course, we had to try this when we went there (one of our several destinations specifically chosen because of the nostalgia). These pancakes were delicious, and brought back such bitter sweet memories for her. Do any foods bring back memories for you?