Santa Monica or Saigon?

''I love Los Angeles, warts and all. It’s my adopted home and part of my self-identity...'' –Chris Do

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More About

• Saigon
• Toan Viet
• Viet Kieu
• San Jose
• Bangkok

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As the party wraps up, Mike comes over to say goodbye. After three stimulating years in this city, I’ve finally had enough of the noise, heat and bad air and will soon be moving back to the United States. He’s worried I’ll be bored — or, worse, lose sight of the important things in life.

“Being here,” Mike says, “is like hearing the song that was playing when you had your first kiss. You remember that moment for the rest of your life, and whenever you hear that song there’s this warm sense in your heart, and you feel good for a few minutes. That’s kind of what it’s like in Vietnam for me. It’s that song being played again and again.”