“People at home always ask, ‘When are you moving back?’ But honestly, I’m not sure I could.” – Krista Bernard

If you grew up in a small town—or in Krista’s case, a village with 500 people including cows—you’ll know the feeling of leaving and never quite seeing it the same again.

Adrie Lopez Mackay (yep, my amazing wife) takes over the mic to speak with our good friend Krista Bernard, who traded dairy farms and long Canadian winters for the chaos and charm of Saigon.

It’s her birthday, she’s relaxed, and she’s open about it all—from living in Hanoi and blowing out her ACL shortly after moving to Saigon, to discovering the freedom, diversity, and weird quirks of life in Vietnam’s biggest city.

I loved this episode—not just because Adrie nailed her first time as guest host—but because Krista’s story is so familiar to many of us living here. She’s honest, reflective, and quietly hilarious.

Key Talking Points:
From rural Canada to Saigon – Krista’s background and what made her move abroad.
Cultural contrasts – How small-town life compares to the diversity and pace of a mega city.
Overcoming setbacks – Her ACL injury and how it shaped her first year in Saigon.
City life discoveries – Food, activities, and travel opportunities in Saigon.
Lessons from Taipei – Cleanliness, infrastructure, and what Saigon could learn.

Chapters & Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction & Host Debut – Adrie takes over hosting duties and introduces Krista Bernard.
[02:10] Growing Up in Rural Canada – Life in a 500-person village and dairy farming roots.
[05:15] Choosing Life Abroad – Why Krista left Canada and how friends and family reacted.
[07:40] The Move to Saigon & ACL Setback – Injury, recovery, and the struggle to settle in.
[12:05] Discovering Saigon – Food variety, activities, and becoming more mobile.
[15:20] Taipei vs. Saigon – First impressions of Taipei and what Saigon could learn.
[18:45] City Changes & Reflections – Saigon’s growth, Western comforts, and life lessons.

Whether you’ve lived abroad or just dreamed about it, this episode is a reminder of what you gain when you leave—and what you leave behind.

🎙️ Recorded at:

Saigon Podcast Studio – book a session now.

"Send me a message!"

This Season is sponsored by Premier Dental.

Discover the potential of a confident and healthy smile with the excellent dental clinic in Ho Chi Minh

Support the show

🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today!

👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life!

🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript!

👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here:

🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN!

👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet!

These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you.

✅ Subscribe for More!

If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button.

📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!