Yoga teacher Hong Vu moved to the inner-west during the Covid pandemic. Six years on she tells Cade Lucas why Maribyrnong now feels like home.
What’s your connection to Maribyrnong?
It’s been home since 2020. Just a chance opportunity to put roots down. Rolled the dice on a good feeling. I’ve lived mostly in Carlton and the inner-north before moving to Footscray. The west has grown on me. I feel really invested in my neighbourhood and community.
What do you like about living here?
The proximity to the city. The proximity to originality, diversity and nature. This part of the world is underrated. Somehow both povo and affluent. Some businesses out here are unbelievably ratty like the Footscray Hotel (I say this with appreciation) and then two blocks away there are restaurants like Navi and Matsu! On a single street there could be a designer modern eco house and a block of flats that look like they’ve been squat in since the ’80s. People feel real out here. The mix of all of it makes the west special. Even as more people migrate this way, it still has so much character.
What, if anything, would you change about the area?
To have fruit trees planted in public spaces and streetscapes. Wouldn’t it be beautiful? A treat to pluck lemons, nectarines, plums and almonds on your way home?
Where is your favourite local place to spend time?
Changes monthly or more often. Hanging out somewhere new is my favourite thing. Right now it’s Avondale Heights Library and the big wooden sun loungers at Edgewater Marina. Great places where I get a lot of quiet work done.
Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you
My resolute optimism. For instance, I believe Yin Yoga is a quantum leap to world peace via individual sovereignty. Happy bodies can pour from overflowing cups. Peaceful minds and softened hearts change the world for the better – immeasurably. Individual transformation seeds collective transformation don’t you think?
