Travelers Bram van Diessen (26) and Iris Rodriguez Cruz (24) from Tilburg experienced unexpected disruptions during their 3,000-kilometer trip across Vietnam in March, according to an interview published on September 12. Their journey, which spanned from Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh in the south, began with a flight cancellation just thirty minutes before departure due to American military actions against Iran, as reported by van Diessen.
Overcoming Travel Disruptions and Relationship Milestones
The initial flight cancellation caused significant stress for Rodriguez Cruz, who momentarily suggested calling her father to pick them up, according to van Diessen. Despite the anxiety, the couple boarded a flight three hours later. Having been together for only seven months with differing work schedules that limited their usual time together, the three-week trip marked their first extended journey as a couple and Rodriguez Cruz’s first time traveling outside of Europe, as noted by van Diessen.
Did you know? Van Diessen originally decided to visit Vietnam after hearing from travelers during a solo trip to Thailand that Vietnam offered less tourism, better nature, lower costs, and friendlier locals.
An Unplanned Tattooshop Encounter in Vietnam
The trip concluded with an unplanned visit to a tattooshop located inside an apartment complex in Vietnam, according to the travelers. Initially believing the shop was closed because the door was shut, someone knocked on the door and let them in, as described by the couple. An English-speaking woman without an accent opened the door, and after reviewing design styles selected by Rodriguez Cruz, she called her sister, who arrived thirty minutes later, according to the account.
Meaningful Souvenirs and Deep Conversations
Rodriguez Cruz chose a floral design representing flowers seen across Northern Vietnam, while van Diessen selected the Vietnamese translation for ‘let’s go’ to commemorate the Ha Giang Loop, a three-day motorcycle tour through the mountains where their driver repeatedly shouted the phrase, based on the interview. The tattoo session evolved into deep conversations with the tattoo artists—who had studied in Russia—covering cultural differences between the Netherlands and Vietnam, Vietnamese history, and relations involving Russia and the United States, according to van Diessen.
Impact on Future Plans
The successful three-week trip provided the couple with the confidence to move in together shortly after returning home, according to van Diessen. The journey also confirmed their desire to explore more of the world together, with potential plans for matching tattoos on future travels, as stated in the published interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sparked Bram van Diessen’s interest in visiting Vietnam?
Van Diessen decided to visit Vietnam after other travelers on a solo trip to Thailand recommended the country for its lower tourism levels, natural scenery, affordability, and local hospitality, according to his statements.
Why was the couple’s initial flight canceled?
The flight was canceled thirty minutes before departure because the United States had carried out initial attacks on Iran, according to van Diessen.
What specific tattoos did the couple get in Vietnam?
Rodriguez Cruz chose a design featuring flowers observed throughout Northern Vietnam, while van Diessen got the Vietnamese translation for ‘let’s go’ to remember their motorcycle trip along the Ha Giang Loop, as reported in the interview.
Do you have a unique or memorable tattoo with a special backstory? Share your experience with our readers by sending an email to redactie@tilburg.nl.
Worth a look