Diaries

Teachers’ Day
20/11/2012 11:47
On the surface, it may seem like a good idea – a little extra recognition for a noble calling that is often under-appreciated and underpaid, the latter of which is very true in Vietnam. But a Vietnamese friend doesn't like how Teachers’ Day creates expectations for families...
Obama ơi: supporters in Vietnam celebrate reelection
09/11/2012 01:57
Michael Barrs, a teacher at the American School, rang in President Barack Obama's reelection with a Captain America costume. "In between classes, I was checking, I was so excited," he said of seeing the news about Obama's victory. "My students were excited, too."( Photo: Lien Hoang...
Beneath the ‘Viet-Kieu’ label
06/11/2012 08:24
I told him about my upbringing, how my family had immigrated after the American War as it is called here (or Vietnam War). Then, in the middle of my explanation, his eyes lit up as it dawned upon him that I was a ‘Viet-Kieu,’ or an overseas Vietnamese, and not a Korean tour guide...
“Vietnam always in my heart”
05/11/2012 05:21
Working as a volunteer in the country, Deffrennes, known as Stan, says he has learnt Vietnamese to talk to local people and always takes part in helping disadvantaged students at school. Stan (centre) and his students in Hue city Through many trips to different countries in Asia,...
Eat Vietnam – how to become a local
05/11/2012 04:10
In general, Vietnamese cooks pay great attention to the balance of ingredients in each dish. Yin and Yang, pillars of ancient Asian philosophy, account for the stability of all substances Completeness: In daily meals, the Vietnamese rely on all the 5 senses to tickle the appetite. Almost...
Married to a foreign wife
30/10/2012 02:45
In Vietnamese history, King Le Than Tong married foreign wives, with one coming from a Western country. Being a wife of the King, the Dutch lady resided in Thang Long imperial city (now Hanoi) and learnt Vietnamese to talk to local people. Nowadays many Vietnamese men, especially those who...
When Hermes still smiles in Vietnam
23/10/2012 04:28
The Hermes I’m discussing is the Paris-based, high-fashion luxury-goods manufacturer who earlier this year was announced by the World Luxury Association as the world’s most luxurious brand, followed by Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Christian Dior, and Versace. Four years ago, the...