In the middle of nowhere is perhaps the best description of where I lived in quarantine when I first came back to Vietnam. Every day I would stand by my window in the quarantine centre, around forty kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City, the beloved city where I lived before going to Europe, to look over the forest near by. Buffaloes and cows were grazing below, sometimes cars and trucks would pass by, and I watched the magenta sky at dusk. I don’t understand those who complain about life in quarantine centres because I loved this life so much I told my friends perhaps I should live there forever.

All tests, food and accommodation were provided free. What more could one ask for? And you have free time to do whatever you want. A radio gave health advice several times a day, sometimes music, and they always said: Thank you for your cooperation, and our apologies for any inconvenience. I think it’s we who have to say thanks.

• Tags: Issue 21, Khai Q. Nguyen, Vietnam