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!
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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
In the Midst of a Fourth Wave of COVID-19 in Viet Nam
Source: Worldometer, Vietnam Viet Nam is facing its greatest public health challenge yet since the global pandemic began. As of this writing, the country logged 81,328 active cases of COVID-19. Keep in mind that there were fewer than 200 active cases in April. The total number of deaths stands at 499, which is expected to … Continue reading In the Midst of a Fourth Wave of COVID-19 in Viet Nam
More Economic Signs of the COVID-19 Time
As seen on a recent evening in downtown HCMC (Saigon): buildings for rent and sale. The Vietnamese government recently reported that the country could lose $23 billion in tourism revenue this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, or about 75% of last year’s industry revenue. Viet Nam suspended the entry of all foreigners from 22 … Continue reading More Economic Signs of the COVID-19 Time
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Since I've had the pleasure and privilege of living in Viet Nam for 15 years, I've seen a lot of changes throughout the country - for better and for worse. Above is a photo of a Brodard restaurant, tea house, and bakery located on Đồng Khởi St. in downtown HCMC (Saigon). Brodard is a company … Continue reading A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
HPDF List of Think Tanks and Thinkers
I am honored to be mentioned as a contributor under Sources for Insights: List of Think Tanks and Thinkers for the Ho Chi Minh City Peace & Development Foundation (HPDF), an organization within the Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations (HUFO). HPDF was founded by Madame Tôn Nữ Thị Ninh, President, HCMC Peace and Development Foundation, … Continue reading HPDF List of Think Tanks and Thinkers
Air quality app under ‘coordinated attack’ in Vietnam amid heavy Hanoi smog
Sometimes, the truth hurts but it's also useful in solving problems, both individual and societal. You know the expression, "The first step in solving a problem is recognizing there is one." Here are two key paragraphs from this 7 October Reuters piece about Hanoi's recent and cyclical air pollution problem and some misguided attempts to … Continue reading Air quality app under ‘coordinated attack’ in Vietnam amid heavy Hanoi smog
Mì Hoành Thánh/Wonton Noodles
This is post isn't about education or politics. It's about something on which most (all?) of us can agree, one of life's simple pleasures found in a bowl. In HCMC/Saigon there is a culinary oasis that specializes in one dish and variations on that theme: wonton noodles. It's a hole-in-the-wall place in District 1 that is … Continue reading Mì Hoành Thánh/Wonton Noodles
An International Educator in Viet Nam 
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