Dating in a new culture is like finding one’s self as a Stranger in a Strange Land. As any local might tell you, it’s “same same … but different!”
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Book Review: Angkor in Modern Cambodia
My review of John Burgess’ new book, Angkor’s Temple in the Modern Era, has been published by the East-West News Service. Please also see my 2023 story on Angkor. Angkor Wat: Cambodia’s 9th century temple complex fights to preserve its past | East-West News Service
Saigon Soars into the 21st Century
Sharing a link from the East West News Service, which published this feature in March 2021.
23. Mugged
Getting mugged in any city is no laughing matter. It may only be about money, but after it happens, will you ever feel safe again?
21. My Motorcycle Song
Ho Chi Minh city can be a lonely place if you’re not ready to climb aboard a motorbike. But beware the crosswalks.
17. Christmas in Vietnam
Although its Christian population is relatively small, Vietnam is all about wishing you a merry Christmas.
16. In the Time of Corona
In this late 2020 blog, the author praised Vietnam for its record of remarkable success against COVID-19. The following year, the situation reversed itself dramatically.
15. Kindergarten Pop
English teaching is big business in Vietnam, where it seems everyone wants to learn the world’s most widely spoken language. But it can be a challenge for a novice instructor.
14. The Sacred and the Profane
A celebration of the Tet holiday, in a Mekong Delta village, is a magical mystery tour of Buddhist spirituality, drinking games, unthinkable foods and cockfights.
13. Journey to the Mekong
Nearly 80 percent of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta is covered with rice. The region is always wet and green. But a visit to a tiny riverside village is a cultural adventure as well as a geographic one.
12. No Thanksgiving? No Problem
Where does an expatriate eat Thanksgiving dinner when it’s being served half a world away? There is a plethora of international restaurant options in Ho Chi Minh City.
11. Going with the Phở
Served everywhere in Vietnam and in restaurants around the world, phở is the ultimate comfort food.
2. Making the Move
It wasn’t easy to make a major life change at 69. Perseverence, inspiration and the knowledge of Asian expats helped to make possible the jump to Vietnam.
1. A New Beginning
What in the world inspired this stunning, late-in-life adventure? The blog’s first installment explains what brought John to Vietnam.
Travels in Vietnam 