Photo by MAA. Taken in early October 2023 in Hanoi. These are people most of us ignore or worse look down on. They roam the streets of Hanoi and other cities on their rickety bicycles or aging motorbikes looking for recyclable material they can sell at a very modest profit. When I saw this woman … Continue reading Hail The Scrap Collectors and Scavengers!
hanoi
The Toad That Lived to See Another Day
One of her/his distant cousins. Recently, a rather well-fed toad found its way into my car, a first since I began driving a lifetime ago. I was transporting a couple of plants and trees to my Hanoi office and the critter must have been hiding in one of the pots. When my wife came to … Continue reading The Toad That Lived to See Another Day
Not All Phở is Created Equal; That’s Phở Sure!
Phở Thìn's Hanoi Location It's not often that I write a restaurant review. I think the last one was about a hole-in-the-wall noodle shop in downtown Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), long since relocated to the suburbs, that had the best wonton noodles I've ever had. This one is about Phở Thìn, a veritable Hanoi … Continue reading Not All Phở is Created Equal; That’s Phở Sure!
US Student Visa Update for FY2022: That’s a Wrap!
This is a continuation of a post from 8 August 2022 that includes information for the entire fiscal year, i.e., from 10-1-21 to 9-30-22. The good news is that the Vietnam market for US-bound students is making a strong recovery in the new normal era. Student visa issuances are inching up to pre-pandemic levels. This … Continue reading US Student Visa Update for FY2022: That’s a Wrap!
“Graffiti is visual pollution, an eyesore Vietnam can do without”
Here's my latest essay for VNExpress International. Below is the unabridged version. Shalom (שלום), MAA Graffiti as Visual Pollution Graffiti vandalism as seen on walls of buildings in HCMC's District 1. Photo by MAA In addition to the usual types of pollution afflicting Vietnam and affecting our quality of life, including air, water, and noise (e.g., … Continue reading “Graffiti is visual pollution, an eyesore Vietnam can do without”
The Difference Between Street Art & Graffiti
Knowing that a picture is worth a thousand words, here are some pics I took in Hanoi that graphically illustrate the difference between street art and graffiti. The fact that I include one of the latter and four of the former give you an idea of which I prefer. Street art puts a smile on … Continue reading The Difference Between Street Art & Graffiti
“The Lines” in Hưng Yên Province
Artist's Rendering of The Lines Mr. Thompson: (He's back!) Goddammit Carl, would you stop fighting this? People buy homes, let the government pay for the parks, thats why we have taxes. The Oaks at Mesa Vista is a money train. You want to be on it? (From You, Me, and Dupree) Under construction (Photo by … Continue reading “The Lines” in Hưng Yên Province
“The Empire” Strikes Back… at the Environment
Credit: Vinhomes I love the names of some condo buildings and developments here, e.g., The Authentic, The One, Zen. They're so pretentious and over-the-top. Some put a smile on my face while others make me want to cry and mourn the loss of agricultural land and the scenic beauty that is (was) Vietnam. Translation: The … Continue reading “The Empire” Strikes Back… at the Environment
The Transformation from the Old to the New Continues Unabated in Hanoi
This is a building that I've kept an eye on ever since I moved to Hanoi over 16 years ago. It was a pharmacy back in the day. It also happens to be located in the Hoan Kiem District, a short walk from the lake, one of the most expensive areas of the city. Don't … Continue reading The Transformation from the Old to the New Continues Unabated in Hanoi
The latest chapter in Vietnam’s valiant battle against the Delta variant
The good news is that most Vietnamese and expats are beginning to bask in the light at the end of tunnel. Hanoians getting exercise after the COVID-related restrictions were lifted in September 2021. Photo: Khanh Huy/ The Hanoi Times A revised and updated version of this article, originally published on 28.10.21 by CounterPunch, appeared in … Continue reading The latest chapter in Vietnam’s valiant battle against the Delta variant
An International Educator in Vietnam 
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