Man Cao

A Chapter Closes, But the Journey Continues

The sun always rises.

The earth never stops spinning.

There are 8 billion people in this world, each on their own journey.

Along the way, people come and go.

Like planets following their orbits, everything seems destined.

And somehow, in this vast world, we were lucky enough to cross paths.

I still remember my very first day as a tour guide. I left the office at noon, excited but nervous, heading to the hotel to pick up my guests. And just when I thought things were going smoothly. Suddenly, I got stopped by the police.

I was fifteen minutes late for my first tour. But to my surprise, my guests and my leader were incredibly kind. That day, I laughed, learned, and realized something: I had found a job that felt like pure magic.

Back in my first year of university, I dreamed of becoming a tour guide. But my English was terrible back then. I failed the interview, and it felt like an impossible dream.

Then, COVID-19 happened. With nowhere to go, I spent every waking moment improving my speaking skills. And when the world opened up again, so did my opportunity. I finally became a local tour guide when I was a junior at university.

This job gave me more than just a paycheck – it gave me stories, friendships, and memories I’ll cherish forever. I met travelers from every corner of the world, each carrying their own stories. Some were inspiring, some heartbreaking, and some felt like something out of a novel.

Something also seemed like a fairy tale.

Let me tell you a fairy tale in real life.

I met a 79-year-old couple who met on a dating platform. Knowing they had limited time left, they made every single second together count. That made me realize – I’m young, with time on my side. Why wouldn’t I live fully, without regrets?

I used to say this was the most fun job I’d ever had. And today, I still stand by that. I’ve laughed until my stomach hurt at guests’ jokes. I’ve shared nervous but thrilling moments teaching people how to ride my motorbike. I’ve expanded my social circle, turning strangers into friends. Many of my guests became more than just tourists – they became a part of my life.

That’s why I started an Instagram page in December 2022 – to share Vietnam’s beauty with the world. Most of my followers are my past guests and their friends. I have no huge audience, no viral fame – just genuine connections.

Of course, there were tough days, with scorching noon tours, a hectic schedule, moments when I wanted to give up. But I kept going. Because for me, this job was more than just work – it was an escape, an adventure, a passion.

The Final Tour

25^th September 2024 marks my last tour

A new chapter awaits, and I’m ready for it. But as I revisit the same familiar streets I’ve walked for over two years, nostalgia washes over me. The younger version of me, the older version of me, and all the stories in between – they all come rushing back.

Every experience, every person, every laugh and tear – they shaped my youth. And for that, I am endlessly grateful. Thank you, to everyone who has been a part of this journey. For coming, for being, and for making my life a little more colorful.

This chapter may be ending, but the story isn’t over yet.

Thank you for staying and reading!

Man Cao (´｡• ◡ •｡`) ♡