Cao Thai Son stayed at Huong Tram's house when he went to America.

- In the US, how is your life when the country is trying to control Covid-19?

- I have been in the US for 10 days. In general, the epidemic situation here has eased, but I am still careful so I limit going out. Here, I live with Huong Tram, so my day revolves around cooking for her, resting, and looking for work ideas. I love cooking and Tram loves my dishes, so we have a lot of fun around the kitchen. Even on weekends, we don't go anywhere, just stay home and eat three meals a day, the rest of the time we chat, sing karaoke, and discuss music.

Cao Thai Son reunites with Huong Tram in America.

- Why did you come to the US during this sensitive period, when many people think Vietnam is a "paradise" during the epidemic season?

- I understand that Vietnam is the safest place right now. But I need to change my environment to regain my spirit and be ready for upcoming artistic activities, when the epidemic is completely under control and showbiz restarts. Last year, I had a lot of free time but could not carry out the plans I was cherishing, so I was extremely sad and stressed. Right now, America is in spring, the weather is great for vacation. I believe that I can find many new sources of energy there, so I decided to spend the past 2 months here visiting friends, relaxing and recording some products.

Americans have now raised their vigilance against Covid-19, so they proactively wear masks in public. Many people have been vaccinated, so the risk of spreading is reduced. Thanks to that, I am less worried about coming here during this sensitive period.

- You came to America to find inspiration but just stayed at home, how can you not feel bored?

- I am not bored yet. Every day, I come up with ideas for three meals and make a grocery list, then put on a mask and drive to the market. When I get home, I feel completely relaxed when I cook in the kitchen, and the happiest thing is to eat and chat with Huong Tram. My trip to the US is like a vacation, I don't need to go anywhere or do anything, just relax my whole body and mind. When my spirit is comfortable, positive energy will be born and lead to many interesting ideas.

- Huong Tram once confided that she felt sad and lonely living alone in America. How did she feel when he came to visit and stay with her?

- It was only when I came here during the pandemic that I understood Huong Tram's bravery. She must be very strong and independent to be able to overcome a turbulent year. In the US, Tram did not have many friends. She only focused on studying and taking care of herself, so she could not avoid missing home. When I came to visit, Tram was very happy. Since coming to the US, she has absolutely abstained from rice to maintain her figure, but she broke the rule because every day I cooked her favorite Northern dishes. One day it was chicken pho, another day it was crispy fried pork or braised fish... Tram loved every dish because it had been a long time since she had a family meal.

Cao Thai Son shows off his talent in Huong Tram's kitchen.

- How do you see Huong Tram change after more than a year of seeing her again?

- Tram is very different, especially her foreign language ability has improved noticeably. Not only is she used to life in the US, she also knows how to arrange to keep up with the changes in her lifestyle during the pandemic. I believe that the land of the stars and stripes is a difficult place but full of opportunities for self-development for those who dare to accept the challenge. I like the current Huong Tram, very strong, proactive and optimistic, ready to change herself to adapt to the new environment.

- Why did you choose to visit Huong Tram's house first on this trip to the US?

- For many reasons, but most importantly, we have a close relationship from before. I know Tram sometimes feels sad when she is away from home, so I want to bring her joy after a gloomy year. Moreover, Huong Tram has been vaccinated against Covid-19, which means my presence will not affect her health - in case I have the virus. I have been tested very carefully in Vietnam and am eligible to enter the US, but I am still not confident in visiting other friends for fear of accidentally infecting them.

I plan to stay at Huong Tram's house for a while longer to wait for the second vaccination to be completed, then continue my journey to other places and meet other people.

- Before that, how was your flight from Vietnam to the US during the epidemic season?

- Flying long distance during the pandemic is a special experience. I had to go through a number of procedures to be eligible to fly, such as Covid-19 testing, preparing my health, and taking careful precautions. I registered for a Covid-19 test at the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control via an online form and was scheduled to come for testing very quickly afterward. The service fee was about 600,000 VND, and the results were available in just one day. I brought a negative Covid-19 certificate to the US, and when I transited in Japan, I was also tested again by the local health authority. When I arrived in the US, because I met the requirements, I entered the country at the airport in California very simply.

However, I still proactively quarantined myself at home. I didn’t go anywhere except to the market and rarely went out for coffee with Huong Tram for a change of pace./.