Podcasts about Da Nang

John Stryker Meyer is a decorated Green Beret who served two tours in Vietnam (1968-1969 and 1969-1970) with the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam – Studies and Observations Group(MACV-SOG). Enlisting in 1966, he earned his Special Forces tab in 1967 and joined Spike Team Idaho, later leading Recon Team Idaho at Command and Control North (CCN) in Da Nang. Meyer's missions took him across borders into denied areas, facing intense combat—including surviving multiple gunshot wounds and leading his team through impossible odds. After Vietnam, he served with the 10th Special Forces Group, then transitioned to civilian life as a journalist and author. He hosts the podcast, SOG Cast, and preserves the legacy of special operations veterans. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: https://www.tryarmra.com/SRS https://www.betterhelp.com/SRS This episode is sponsored by Better Help. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/srs and get on your way to being your best self. https://www.boncharge.com/SRS https://www.meetfabric.com/SHAWN https://www.shawnlikesgold.com https://www.helixsleep.com/SRS https://www.lumen.me/SRS https://www.patriotmobile.com/SRS https://www.ziprecruiter.com/SRS John Stryker Meyer Links: X - https://x.com/SOGChronicles Website - https://www.jstrykermeyer.com Across the Fence - https://www.amazon.com/Across-Fence-John-Stryker-Meyer/dp/0983256705 On the Ground - https://www.amazon.com/Ground-Secret-War-Vietnam/dp/0983256756 SOG Chronicles: Volume I - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0983256780  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!Support the show

In this special episode, we feature guest DJ Victor Simonelli, an accomplished artist from Brooklyn, New York. Victor has performed internationally, and this podcast mix was recorded in Da Nang, Vietnam. The mix showcases a selection of his slick, funky disco house music, highlighting diverse influences from around the globe. https://www.littlesouth.com/victor-simonelli-debut-mix

This Weeks selector will take you on a journey through the growing underground scene of Da Nang, Vietnam. He's been hypnotizing dancers with his groovy deep tribal vibes at venues like Gatosano and Corner music bar. The Farm 2 Tables family is excited to showcase his live set at Gatosano, representing PMC, Kaze! Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kaze.pmc Youtube Live DNCR: https://youtu.be/6OWUaPEYZl0?feature=shared Crew Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pmc_dnc

“I can always return and do the same thing here, but I need to go somewhere and experience a different culture.”This episode with Alenka Moze was a beautiful journey across cultures, creativity, and finding purpose. Alenka is a Slovenian actor, singer, writer, and teacher who has made Vietnam her home. Her story is one of courage, reinvention, and following your artistic calling—even when it means starting over in a completely new country.We talked about everything from her first impressions of Vietnam's wild traffic and intense heat, to her love of summer rolls and morning glory. But more than that, we dug into deeper themes—what it means to live in alignment with your passions, the healing power of the arts, and how community theater and emerging vertical films are creating space for creativity in Vietnam.If you're curious about the arts scene in Vietnam, how expats are contributing to creative communities, or just want an inspiring story of someone who's bravely followed her heart—you'll love this one.Key TakeawaysDiscussion about the small Slovenian community in Vietnam and their interactions.Alenka's transition from teaching in Slovenia to pursuing a career in the arts in Vietnam.Reflections on the differing perspectives on the Vietnam War between Slovenians, Americans, and Vietnamese.Alenka's first impressions of Vietnam, including the traffic, heat, and cultural adjustments.The challenges and opportunities of producing English language plays in Vietnam.Chapters and Timestamps00:03:22 - Slovenian"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

"Don't get too mad at strangers touching your small children. Wait, wait, wait. Are you gonna clarify touching before we go any further."Along with my guests Krista, James, and Paul, share a fun and insightful discussion on the dos and don'ts for tourists in Vietnam. We delve into local customs, highlight necessary behavioral adjustments for foreigners, and provide practical advice on navigating traffic and avoiding common scams. We also humorously discuss scenarios like crossing the roads, experiencing Vietnamese weddings, and unique cultural interactions such as strangers displaying affection towards children. Covering various aspects of Vietnamese cultural norms and practical tips, we aim to ensure tourists have a safe and respectful experience in the country.02:14 Crossing the Road in Vietnam05:10 Avoiding Bui Vien Street08:34 Taxi Scams and Tips13:10 Handling Money and Scams15:49 Vietnamese Weddings and Drinking Culture20:34 Haggling in Vietnam: Myths and Realities35:36 Tourist Tips: Safety and Common Pitfalls"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

"Gen Z in Vietnam are so driven. They're baristas in the morning, creators by night, and students in between." - Adele DoanThis conversation with Adele Doan was full of energy, insight, and plenty of laughs. Adele's a TEDx speaker, community builder at Workflow, founder of Career Lab, and LinkedIn influencer with over 80,000 followers—and it's clear she's leading the charge in how young Vietnamese people think about work, social media, and identity.We talked about everything from learning English through How I Met Your Mother, to why Facebook is too noisy for professionals, and how Gen Z in Vietnam are hustling in new, creative ways. She also opened up about the evolution of Saigon—what's changed, what hasn't, and what still needs to happen, especially in terms of art, culture, and public spaces. Adele's mission is all about using social media with intention and building meaningful careers, and this episode is packed with stories and ideas to inspire anyone navigating the future of work in Vietnam.Key TakeawaysLinkedIn is still an untapped opportunity in Vietnam – and Adele's helping Gen Z unlock it. English and confidence can come from unconventional places—even sitcoms. Gen Z are balancing school, work, and content creation with incredible drive. Facebook is cluttered—LinkedIn is where career-focused conversations are happening.Saigon is growing fast—but still lacks creative spaces, museums, and arts infrastructure. Chapters & Timestamps04:30 – Learning English Through Sitcoms & Self-Confidence"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

借你1分鐘↓憑直覺選字，測看看你的投資風格↓ https://fstry.pse.is/7czkyz 2025/4/30前領取酷聖石冰淇淋優惠，還有限量Food panda優惠碼可以拿。廣告內容由元大證券提供 ——以上廣告由 Firstory 與【月城南廣告】共同執行—— 2025年清明連假共有4天的時間，去年我決定安排了一場「越南硯港」的小旅行。為何挑選陽光山茶半島的「IHG洲際酒店」呢？這麼高級的Resort一晚要價居然要NT.17,000元！？這個價位堪比泰國的頂級飯店開價，真的有這個價值嗎？寶可孟到底是怎麼預定的，還有總計花了多少錢呢？而這一次的入住，身為擁有「洲際大使會籍」的我，又能享有哪些好康？本集節目錄制時間早於實際入住日期，所以我先來跟你聊聊本次訂房的注意事項，還有我身上的訂房小故事，下回再來跟你分享越南峴港洲際陽光半島度假酒店實際入住心得！ 來寶可孟YouTube頻道上收聽節目：https://pokem.me/PokemYTPodcast -- 以下是我入住過的全球各國洲際酒店分享，提供大家參考－ 越南峴港洲際陽光半島度假酒店圖文開箱：(近期更新) 台灣台中洲際酒店圖文開箱：https://pokem.me/41kADh6 台灣高雄洲際酒店圖文開箱：https://pokem.me/4eNfT6r 法國巴黎洲際大飯店圖文開箱：https://pokem.me/46d6DWm 泰國曼谷洲際酒店圖文開箱：https://bit.ly/3v1s66y 印尼峇里島洲際大飯店圖文開箱：https://pokem.me/ICBR01 -- IHG優悅會完整介紹：https://bit.ly/496CoQP 希爾頓連鎖酒店集團介紹：https://pokem.me/HiltonHonorINTRO GHA Discovery會員介紹：https://pokem.me/GHAIntro 美國運通簽帳白金卡FHR介紹：https://bit.ly/44r4gxD 永豐永傳世界卡產品介紹：https://bit.ly/47smqzR Wota Lifestyle訂房服務介紹：https://pokem.me/3Acuqd8 -- 小額贊助支持本節目： https://open.firstory.me/user/ckdpsqfmxifcf0862q6efk1qa 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/ckdpsqfmxifcf0862q6efk1qa/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

 "Why do Vietnamese people love seafood pizza? 'Cause it's disgusting." - Niall MackayFind out in this episode why Vietnamese people love seafood pizza! You may be surprised to find out why.With Krista Hope and Adrie Lopez Mackay, we delve into this curious culinary choice and how pizza in Vietnam has changed with a bit of humor and a lot of curiosity. Sharing personal takes on what makes this dish universally loved we explore the cultural and gastronomic factors that influence its life in Vietnam. Over 7 Bridges Craft Beer we discuss the flavors and traditions that make pizza in Vietnam a contentious yet fascinating topic.02:46 Sustainable Brewing and Pizza07:00 Pizza in Vietnam: Then and Now12:44 The Controversy of Pizza Toppings17:17 Enjoying Recycled Ingredient Pizza17:57 Exploring Local Pizza Joints22:26 Cultural Differences in Pizza Preferences24:13 Vietnamese Perspective on Pizza27:25 Seafood Pizza and Market Adaptation29:58 Final Thoughts and Ratings"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

“ Drag, I think, is also just a form of art that it doesn't really require you to have any experience in art.” - Gia NguyenGia's story is one of resilience, self-expression, and community-building, and I think that really shines through in our discussion. It was insightful, energetic, and, most importantly, a conversation that truly needed to be had. We talked about everything from craft beer to drag culture in Vietnam, and Gia's perspective on how the country is evolving was fascinating.What really struck me was how accepting Vietnam is of the LGBTQ+ community, especially compared to some other countries. Gia shared that while there are still challenges, the overall cultural attitude is one of curiosity rather than judgment. It's refreshing to hear that queer people can express themselves openly without fear of widespread discrimination. This is one of the reasons I love Vietnam so much – the people here may be conservative in some ways, but they also have a deep-rooted respect for others living their truths.Gia's journey into drag was another highlight for me. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that led to years of performances, community organizing, and the creation of Peach, a space where people of all identities can express themselves. That level of passion and commitment to representation is something that truly deserves recognition.Niall MackayKey Takeaways:- LGBTQ+ acceptance in Vietnam is deeply rooted in traditional religious practices- Vietnamese society tends to be curious rather than judgmental about LGBTQ+ expression|"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

“We are up at the crack of dawn. It's so early in the morning that the fish are still asleep.” This video captures our early morning adventure in Da Lat, filled with various activities and hidden gems. Our day begins at dawn and involves cloud hunting—a unique activity of watching clouds roll over the hills. We drive through town, witnessing the quiet before the city awakens and humorously comparing it to nightlife in other regions. Our strawberry picking plans hit a snag as we realize it's off-season, leading us to buy strawberries from a roadside vendor instead. The adventure continues with a visit to a local chocolate factory offering a tasting session, highlighting hidden gem number eight. We also explore the Maize Bar, a labyrinthine establishment inspired by the Crazy House, culminating in spectacular views over the rolling hills of Da Lat. Alongside these activities, we savor local dishes such as Vietnamese pizza (Banh Trang Nuong) and Da Lat pancakes with quail eggs. This episode encapsulates the diverse attractions and culinary experiences that make Da Lat a fascinating destination.00:00 Early Morning Adventures01:33 Cloud Hunting Excitement04:10 Exploring Hidden Gems10:15 Breakfast Delights14:57 Strawberry Picking Misadventures20:57 Strawberry Picking in Da Lat21:58 Exploring the Chocolate Factory23:00 Tasting Chocolate Samples27:02 Discovering Vietnamese Pizza31:38 Maze Bar Adventure34:12 Navigating the Maze Bar39:53 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Rescue and patchwork relationship.B Book 3 in 18 parts, y FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.Loving your enemy is easy, you know precisely where both of you stand(Right where we left off)The closest Marine had been waiting for me to finish my bonding moment with Menner before speaking. He walked and talked like an officer."You are certainly Mr. Cáel Nyilas," he nodded. "I'm Lt. Robeson, United States Marine Corps. I would like to take you and your party home. What is the situation?""Lieutenant, this young lady is Aya Ruger. She was kidnapped along-side me and managed to kill over twenty of our enemies, so be careful around her." I was deadly serious about what I said. Aya should get proper credit for all the people she sedated then drowned. Dead was dead, even if it was accidental."These two," I pointed to Zhen and Mu, "are Lúsìla ninda and Amar, Taiwanese nationals suffering some shock from the abrupt crash landing of the aircraft. They don't seem to know why they were kidnapped, but they were instrumental in aiding Aya and me making it to shore during the typhoon.""If you say so, Sir," he nodded. He did believe me, yet a soldier was taught to be skeptical of anything a civilian told him about a military situation. "The bodies?""Those are the corpses we found after the storm. I decided we should attempt to place them in your custody so you can figure out who they are," I suggested."Sir, I don't think we can let civilians keep their weapons aboard the flight," the Marine Lt. stated since I had both a pistol and submachine gun, Aya had her pistol and Zhen had her and Mu's blades. A Marine NCO sent a party to gather the dead."Marine, I am Cáel Nyilas, Irish diplomat, freebooter and Champion of the worst possible causes," I began my spiel."You probably have some orders concerning bringing me in alive. I am not so constrained and am more than willing to steal this aircraft and fly back to Hawaii without you. My team keeps their weapons, or you give me your best shot, right now," I met his gaze. He mulled over his options. Two Romanians and two Marines were starting to load the ad hoc body bags aboard the C-37B."Normally I don't take that kind of crap from a civilian and I don't want you to think I'm making an exception because of your Security Clearance. I'll let your people keep your weapons, but if something goes wrong, I'm shooting you first," he assured me."Done deal," I offered my hand and he shook it."Oh and Happy Tibetan Independence Day," he congratulated me."What?" I gasped. Rescue and patchwork relationships{6 pm, Sunday, August 17th ~ 22 Days to go}{11 pm Sunday, Aug. 17th (Havenstone Time)}{And just this once, 11am Monday, Aug. 18th Beijing Time}"Oh and Happy Tibetan Independence Day;, nice work.," the Marine congratulated me."What?""How is that possible?" muttered Mu."Yippee!! No more burning monks," Aya fist-pumped. Personally, I think she did that for the enjoyment of our guardians and to piss off Zhen and Mu just a tiny bit more.(Mandarin) "Brother," Zhen studied her brother's pained expression. "What has gone wrong?"(Mandarin) "The province of Tibet apparently has broken away," he groused. In English, to the Marine Lieutenant he repeated, "How is this possible?""I take it you didn't know Peace Talks had broken out?" he grinned. I doubted the Lt. bought my 'these are my two Taiwanese cobelligerents' story, but belief was above his pay grade, so he didn't give a shit."Yes," Mu mumbled, "we knew of the proposed cease-fire.""Yes, you mean both sides actually honored it?" I added. I really had been out things for a while."Nearly two days ago, noon, Peking Time, the People's Republic of China and the Khanate put a six month cease-fire into effect which has remained intact for forty-one," he looked at his watch, "forty-one and a half hours." He was being a cock to the petulant Mu. No one called Beijing 'Peking' anymore. I had even ordered Beijing Duck on several menus. Peking was the height of Western Imperialist thinking, or so it looked to Mu.(Mandarin) "He is yanking your chain, Mu," I explained. "You are looking pissed off at being rescued, which isn't doing my alibi for you much good.""My apology," Mu nodded to the lieutenant. "Is there any news from the Republic of China? Are they free as well?" That was nice of Mu to call Taiwan by its pet name, the ROC."Not yet," he patted Mu's unwounded leg, "but with the utter shellacking the Khanate put on the People's Navy (really the People's Liberation Army Navy, but the Marine was getting his shots in) it is only a matter of time."I had been translating in a low voice to the V nători de munte in order for them to keep up with the conversation. They all started laughing. The Marines joined in. There was a huge joke here that we had missed out on while stranded.(Romanian) "So, ask them if they know where their aircraft carrier is," Menner chuckled. Most Romanians had grown up knowing of only one China.Me: (Romanian) "What!"A Naval Corpsman who didn't know Romanian, but knew 'aircraft carrier' just fine jumped in: "Oh yeah, the missing Chinese Aircraft carrier," she chortled.Mu: "What!"I'd only been gone two and a half days. What the hell had been going on?(What had transpired in my absence and the subsequent consequences)(Notes:P R C = People's Republic of China; PLA = People's Liberation Army;P L A N = People's Liberation Army Navy;P L A A F = People's Liberation Army Air Force;R O C = the Republic of China {aka Taiwan, aka Chinese Taipei, aka the "other China"};The First Unification War {aka what the Khanate did to China in 2014};Truce lasts from August 16th 2014 until February 15th, 2015 = 183 days)There are several classic blunders grownups should know to avoid: never fight a land war in Asia, never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line, and, if you are going to cross a master thief, first make sure you have nothing of value. For the land war in Asia, check with my partner, the Khanate. Substituting Black Hand for Sicilian ~ check with Ajax, use an Ouija board. So far, destiny was batting .500.The last blunder I created entirely on my own, but I felt it was the true and right response for the circumstances. So witness the Six Families of the Ninja and the greatest theft in all of recorded history.In the closing hours of the First Unification War, as in many wars, some serious theft was going on; mainly it was the People's Republic getting fleeced.The most obvious and immediate blows came in the Spratlys and Parcel Islands where Khanate forces (actually, elements from all the JIKIT players) seized the key island in the Parcel chain, Woody Island, and secured the P L A N base the Chinese had created there, including the 2,700 meter runway built there in the 1990's. The 1,443 Chinese civilians and 600 military inhabitants in the area were incidental complications and the survivors were about to be 'repatriated' to the mainland anyway; the Khanate didn't want them hanging around as they prepared for the inevitable end of the six-month truce.Yes, the Khanate had stolen the most important island airfield ~ an unsinkable carrier really ~ in the South China Sea. It was also the northern end of the potential People's Republic of China's stranglehold on the east-west sea lanes between East Asia and the rest of the World, i.e., roughly 25% of all global trade.The southern end? That would be the Spratlys. There are few 'real' islands in that 'island group' and only two worth having: the artificial one the P L A N was building and the one the ROC has a 1200 meter airfield on. That artificial island and every other PRC/P L A N outpost in the region was also stolen by the Khanate between 4 a.m. and noon of that final day of active conflict.Every geological feature that had been the basis for the PRC's claims to all of the South China Sea was now in Khanate hands. Considering how much the P L A N had bullied everyone else in that portion of the globe, the Khanate taking over their geopolitical position was incredibly awkward. It was going to get worse.Technically, the Khanate hadn't stolen the P L A N 'South Sea Fleet' (SSF); they'd blown the fuck out of it, including sinking the sole fully-functioning P L A N carrier Liaoning as well as five of the nine destroyers and six of the nineteen frigates in her battle group. The Liaoning and one destroyer had died in those last few hours as the SSF was racing for the relative safety of Philippine waters ~ so close, but no cigar.So the Khanate had stolen the ability of the P L A N to project power in the South China Sea until February 15th, 2015 when the U N brokered truce ended. But that was not the epic theft, though. That distinction went to the Ninja. What did they steal? A semi-functional Chinese nuclear powered super-aircraft carrier still under construction.The beast had no official name yet, but she was a 75,000 ton engine of Global Domination laid down in 2011 and clearly complete enough to float and to be steered under her own power. (To be on the safe side, the Ninja included stealing four tugboats to help in their getaway.) So, you may be asking yourself, how does one 'steal' a nuclear-powered, 1000 foot long, 275 foot wide and ten-story tall vessel?For starters, you need a plan to get on board the sucker. We had begun with the Black Lotus. They wanted to sneak onboard, exit the dockyard the ship was being built in, then sink it off the coast so it couldn't be easily salvaged. That was plan A.Enter the Khanate and their plans; they too wanted to sink this vessel, and destroy the dry docks while they were at it. That was plan B. Actually, the Khanate desire was to contaminate that whole section of the port city with fallout from shattered reactors. They knew they would have to apply overkill when they smashed that bitch of a ship because the PLAN had hurriedly put on board its defensive weaponry ~ ensuring that the Khanate couldn't easily destroy it. For their approach, Temujin's people wanted the Black Lotus' help with the on-the-ground intelligence work. But the Black Lotus didn't want to help anyone irradiate Chinese soil.Enter JIKIT as referee. All those islands the 'Khanate' was busy stealing were actually part of a larger JIKIT mission called Operation Prism. Another object that was a part of the overall plan was Operation Wo Fat, the sinking of the Liaoning ~ again GPS direction and distance to be courtesy of the Black Lotus.JIKIT absolutely needed the Black Lotus. The Black Lotus wouldn't help anyone planning on poisoning any part of China for the next thousand years. Sinking the unnamed and incomplete vessel off the coast in deep waters meant no nuclear leakage and plenty of post-war time to salvage the wreck before it did start to hemorrhage. The Khanate wanted to kill this potential strategic nightmare no matter what it cost the Chinese ecology.JIKIT went to the Ninja to help them adjudicate the issue. All the lights flared brightly in Ninja-Town when they heard of that delicate dilemma. They could make everybody happy and send a clear message to the Seven Pillars expressing how unhappy the six surviving families were about the 7P's trying to annihilate them when all of this 'unpleasantness' began.The Khanate was already going to blast the shipyards and docks, the Black Lotus was already going to sail the ship into deep waters, so why not take it one step further, sail the ship into Japanese waters and declare it Khanate property as a colossal Fuck You! to the PRC, PLAN and specifically the Seven Pillars, all at the same time?Now normally, you can't steal a ship that big. The owners will notice it is missing and come looking for it. And you can't sell or hide the damn thing. So, you steal it at the tail end of a war before the players can capture, or sink it. It just so happened the Ninja had access to a war and such a time table.The next problem: where do you put it? The Khanate's closest safe haven was 8,000 km away at the Eastern Mediterranean Seaport of Izmir.But wait!The Khanate was about to steal an island airbase with its own (albeit small) harbor. The Khanate was confident that a few weeks after the truce, an alternate port, or two, would become available for the two-to-three year process it would require to prepare the vessel so it could be commissioned as the true warship it was meant to be.So, how do you steal a well-guarded, humongous ship with its skeleton crew of 500? You need a distraction ~ a big one. Remember those Khanate airstrikes? They intended to destroy the dockyards anyway. Now all they had to do was 'miss' the carrier.They could do that. If you recall, to dissuade the Khanate from sinking the ship in the final days of the war, the PLAN had hastily put teeth on the thing by giving it all its pre-designed defensive weaponry and added jury-rigged radar and sonar systems. The carrier could defend itself if needed. With the new plan (C), the airstrikes could avoid those teeth, thus reducing the risk of losing their precious planes and pilots.A series of bombing runs and missile hits near the carrier would convince the PLAN admiral in charge to hurriedly put some distance between the ship and shore, Not out to sea. That would be stupid. Within the harbor, his weaponry could adequately defend his ship. And if she took serious damage, he could run her aground, so the vessel wouldn't really sink.The only problem was that out in the harbor, with everything exploding, he was away from the only ground security support available. That was when the Amazons, Black Lotus, Ninja and JIKIT mercenaries would make their move. How could they sneak up on such a big, important ship? By using the submarines the US Navy, the British Royal Navy and Japanese Defense Force were providing, of course.Note: As I stated earlier, Lady Fathom, Addison and Riki had wandered way off the reservation . By this time, if you were a Japanese, British, or American submarine commander in the Yellow Sea and you weren't part of this madness, you were insanely jealous of those who were.The missions JIKIT was sending them on were:-definitely Acts of War if they were ever discovered,-far more dangerous than any war game exercise they'd ever been part of, and-the ultimate test of their crews and equipment.These people weren't suicidal. They believed they were the best sneaks under the Seven Seas and now they could prove it ~ in 50 years when this stuff was declassified (if it ever was).For the one American, two British and four Japanese submarines inserting the assault teams, this whole mission had a surreal feel to it. They were transporting a packed assortment of women of Indian, Malaysian and Indonesian descent along with some very lithe Japanese ladies and gents, none of who talked a whole lot.There was a third group with the spooky women and spookier Japanese teams, and that group was scared shitless about the sudden turn their lives had taken. They were all former American and British servicewomen (to not tick off the Amazons too much) with carrier and/or nuclear reactor experience who had been RIFed (Reduction in Force, aka fired) in the past five years from their respective national navies.Around a week ago, they had all answered an advertisement by a logistics support corporation that was going to do a 'force modernization' in an unnamed country. They all knew that mean the Khanate. The job had been laid out as 'basically your old job with the addition of training the natives' and it included the promise of no combat.It was a guaranteed five year contract with an option for a year-to-year extensions for another five years if you desired to stick around. For that, you received your 'pay grade upon retirement + 20%', free room and board, private security, judicial protections and a $10,000 to $10,900 signing bonus. For many struggling military families, it was manna from Heaven and thousands were signing up.Then 72 hours ago, a different group from the same company came knocking on the women's doors. If you could come with them right then and there, they had a satchel of money, $100,000 to $109,000, tax free, and a Non-disclosure Agreement for you to sign. Sure, the deal sounded shady, but the money was very real.Twenty-four hours later those who accepted the money found themselves in a small fishing village on Ko Island, Japan. There some rather fiercely intense people outlined the job they were needed for. From a submarine, the assault teams would sneak aboard the carrier, neutralize the crew and then the new crew (them) would sail it to Jeju, Jeju Island, South Korea.At that point they would be allowed to stay with the vessel (preferred), or depart for a non-war zone of their choice. Both options came with another $100,000 to $109,000 payment. Anyone who declined this particular job would remain incognito on Ko Island for another 48 hours then be allowed to leave without the need to return their initial payment.Of the 312 job applicants, 293 volunteered for both the first and second parts of the assignment. With the technical and linguistic expertise of the Amazons and 9 Clan members that would be enough to get their prize to Jeju Island's temporary safety and then make the last leg to Woody Island and a more permanent anchorage.Besides the airstrikes to goad the carrier away from the wharves, all the Khanate had to do with the carrier was put three or four clearly Mongolian faces onboard when the various nations of the world came calling. After all, what was the public going to believe:, the Khanate had pulled off yet another daring (i.e., mostly JIKIT) Special Forces coup, just as they'd managed to do throughout this short war, or that 'Ninjas stole my Battleship, umm, carrier' stuff some PRC leaders were claiming? Forty-eight hours later the whole globe was able to watch the newly named Khanate supercarrier, the  z Beg Khan, passing through Japanese territorial waters while being escorted by South Korean and Japanese warships.The PRC did complain to the United Nations over the 'theft' of both the carrier and 'their' islands, but the Security Council, led by the UK, could and would do nothing about the 'latest round of injustices heaped upon the People of China'. By the time the UN got around to doing nothing, the next round of JIKIT diplomacy was causing the PRC even greater headaches.That greatest theft, while remarkable in its own right, was really a sideshow to the reordering of the political order in Southeast Asia. The big winner wasn't the Khanate. And it certainly wasn't the mainland Chinese. No, the nations to immediately prosper were an unlikely pair, the Republic of India and the People's Republic of Vietnam (PRV). The Republic of China (R O C) was also getting its own small boost as well.By gambling their precious navy, India had become the largest power broker in the South China Sea's resource bonanza. She went from a minimal presence to being the critical ally of the Khanate and the 'big stick' (naval-wise) of Asia's new dynamic duo. The Indians had the only two functional aircraft carriers in the region and the Khanate had Woody Island with a mega-carrier number of planes sitting on it.Their combined naval aviation was not something any of the others powers wanted to mess with. The duo then sealed their supremacy by making the duo a trio. That third member was the PRV. Vietnam was the land-based logistical anchor of the three regional powers.Not only did Vietnam gain the prestige denied it for over two centuries, it redressed the P L A N humiliating treatment of their own navy for the past thirty years. The Khanate's naval aviation would shield Vietnam's economic exploitation of the Parcel Islands. The Indian Navy could counter anything the P L A N South China fleet could come at them with.Yes, the P L A N had two other fleets, the Northern and Eastern, but both had been put through their own 1001 levels of Hell by the Khanate's air power, plus they had to protect the Chinese heartland from Russia and North Korean ambitions. The South Koreans and Japanese were suddenly a very real threat from the East too. But for the time being, the Indians had the decisive edge.The final location for the  z Beg Khan was an old familiar haunt for some Americans, Da Nang, PRV. It had the facilities, courtesy of the US military from the 1960's and 70's, to be the new base for the Khanate's Eastern Fleet and logistical hub for their naval aviation forces in the Parcel Islands.The Vietnamese were thinking with more than their testicles, as were the Indians. Sure, geopolitical clout was nice, yet that was only the icing on the economic cake that was the Parcel Island Accords. That hasty bit of JIKIT backroom dealings gave a 50% stake in the Parcels to the PRV.India got 20% of something she had 0% in a month ago. The Khanate gained a 20% stake for their audacity and the ROC gained 10% because the other three would protect its share from the PRC. Something was better than nothing and the three legitimate powers agreed to the deal because in less than six months, the PRC would be back in the game.The Indians and Vietnamese wanted the Khanate to stay interested in the region and the Taiwanese wanted to forge closer ties to the Khanate. That treaty was a 'no-brainer'. Within one week, the Vietnamese were strutting like peacocks and internal political opposition to the Indian intervention into the South China Sea in the Indian parliament was silent.The Spratly Islands was a tougher deal to work out within the six month timetable. There were more players ~ the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand (who had a non-functional carrier). The JIKIT deal gave everyone but the Indians a 10% piece of the huge natural gas, oil and fisheries pie and the Indians got 20% once more.The Philippines and Malaysia were both very opposed to this treaty; they believed they deserved a far larger portion of those regional resources. Indonesia and Thailand also felt they could hold out for a bigger slice and weren't happy with India getting so much for basically having a double handful of ships (34 actually) sailing about.That 'handful of ships' was the point JIKIT was trying to make. If the PRC beat the Khanate next year, did any of the players think the PRC would give them anything, even if they promised them more right now? Really? When the PLAN had the biggest guns, they hadn't respected any other claims to the region. Why would that change in the future?The reality was this: India would only stick around if they had the economic incentive to remain. Vietnam, the Khanate and the ROC were watching the clock and realized this was the best deal they would get. Brunei and the Philippines were also coming to that understanding. Brunei was tiny (thus easy to defend), very rich already and a good ally of the British.The Philippines had a very weak navy and a non-existent naval air force. They couldn't even enforce their current claims versus Brunei, much less confront the PLAN, or any other nation's current military. The Philippines was, sadly, relatively big and very poor. Its big traditional ally was the United States, and the US was currently busy doing 'not much' about the South China Sea situation.The world's biggest navy was partially taking up its traditional (and treaty bound) role of interposing itself between the North Koreans, PLAN/PLAAF and Russians arrayed near Japan and South Korea, or busily not 'ratcheting up tensions' in the region by sending more forces into the front lines.President Obama was urging dialogue and 'stepping back from the brink' even though every country in Southeast Asia felt the brink had already dissipated the moment the PRC was forced to accept the cease-fire. In this context, the Philippines had good reason to be feeling lonely at the moment.Bizarrely, both New Delhi and Hanoi were singing the praises of US Secretary of State John Kerry and the Rt. Honorable Phillip Hammond, Secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs for the UK, for their deft handling of the crisis, thank you, Riki Martin and Lady Yum-Yum.Riki wasn't expecting any thanks. She was certain she'd be fired and imprisoned for the rest of her life. Lady Fathom Worthington-Burke was sure she'd get two additional knighthoods out of the deal, which would look very nice engraved on her tombstone. Javiera had long ago decided to face the music and go down with the ship, so to speak.The CIA's Addison Stuart already had her exit strategy. She was going to go work for the Khanate, building up their clandestine service when this whole mad scheme collapsed into recriminations and 'extreme sanctions'. Mehmet, Air Force Sr. Master Sgt. Billings and Agent-86 had all decided to go with her. Katrina had their escape plane on standby. Mehmet's family was already 'vacationing' in Canada.Anyway, the Republic of India, the Khanate, the Republic of China, the People's Republic of Vietnam (the Vietnamese were happy to already be getting half of the Parcel Island windfall), the Sultanate Brunei (Lady Fathom 'knew' some people and the Sultan was an autocratic Muslim ruler, just like the Great Khan) and the Philippines (because they had no other true choice) were all coming around to signing the Spratly Accords.Indonesia and Thailand were kind of waiting for a better deal. Malaysia was downright hostile, having gravitated toward the PRC over the past decade and been assured by the PRC a better apportionment would be their reward for upsetting the treaty process.The Great Khan's answer was simple. He publically threatened the Malaysian Federation in general and both the King (Sultan Abdul Halim of Kedah) and Prime Minister of Malay (Dato' Sri Najib Tun Razak) in particular with military action if they kept dragging their feet.He even told them how he'd do it. He'd butcher or expel every living thing in the states of Perlis and Kedah (~ 2.1 million people) and give those empty lands to Thailand to settle along with the added sweetener of Malaysia's 10% of the Spratlys. He would also invade Eastern Malaysia, taking the island state of Labuan for himself while giving Sarawak to Indonesia and Sabah to the Philippines if those to states agreed to the split.He'd also decimate their navy & air force before devastating every port city, just like he'd done to China. He'd already killed more than two million Chinese. What was another two million Malays to him? Also, Indonesia wanted Sarawak and the Philippines had claims on Sabah. While they were openly and publically defying the Great Khan's plan, could Malaysia really take the chance?What would India and Thailand do while this was going on? Thailand stated that it would protect its territorial integrity, whatever that meant. India wasn't returning Malaysia's phone calls while showing their populace re-runs of Malaysian violence against their Hindu minority, the bastards!To the world, the Indian Navy proclaimed it would 'defend itself and its supply lines' which was a subtle hint that they would shepherd any Khanate invasion force to their destination. Why would the Indians be so insensitive? The Malaysians were screwing up their deal to get 20% of both the Parcel and Spratlys wealth, that's why.If the Khanate went down, there was no way India could defend their claims (which they'd won by doing nothing up until now). Oh yeah, Vietnam began gathering up warplanes, warships, transport ships and troops for the quick (710 km) jaunt across the Gulf of Thailand to north-eastern Malaysia to kill Malaysians because Vietnam needed the Khanate to ensure their own economic future as well.That military prospect had a cascade effect, especially among the Indonesian military. If the Indian Navy remained active, the vastly more populous Western Malaysia couldn't reinforce the state of Sarawak. Sure, the Philippines was unlikely to conquer Sabah on their own, but all the Indonesians needed was for Sabah to be kept pre-occupied while their army took their promised territory, fulfilling a fifty year old dream of conquest/unification.The United Nations blustered. It wasn't that they didn't care, they did. They also cared about the deteriorating situations in Libya, Nigeria, Syria and Ukraine. The situation was complicated by the unwillingness of the permanent members of the Security Council, namely the PRC and Russia, to recognize the Khanate.In reverse, when those two tried to stick it to the Khanate, the UK stoically vetoed them. Why? Well, more on that later. Let's just say the Khanate was good for business in the European Union in general and the United Kingdom in particular because the Khanate was prepared to economically befriend the British. Ireland was being treated in a promising manner too. The United States,the United Nations?Let's just say that in the two months following the cease-fire, the Khanate bloodily and brutally solved the ISIS conundrum and the Donbass Crisis. When the smoke cleared, the Khanate had reintroduced the practice of impalement to the modern battlefield, driven the separatists from the Ukraine and was on the border with Israel and Jordan.Sure, the Ukrainians were stun-fucked by the Khanate's 'peace-keepers' going on a bloody rampage through the eastern rebellious regions, but they had delivered up peace by mid-September. Yes, the Russians were in an uproar about the impalements.As the Khanate spokesperson said, 'if they aren't your people, then it is not your problem' and 'there are no more Russians left alive in the Ukraine'. In fact, fewer than a thousand people, all armed insurgents, were executed in such a manner, but the terror created by the highly publicized killings had the effect of sending a hundred thousand people stampeding over the frontier into Russia proper.Next, the Khanate said it wanted to 'reexamine' the Crimean situation. There were Turcoman in that area and they weren't being treated well, or so it was claimed.Even as Russia and the Khanate were posturing in the Donbass, the Khanate struck in the Middle East. By the end of September, Syria and Lebanon had ceased to exist as organized entities. Most of those two countries as well as portions of western Iraq became Turkish provinces in the Khanate infrastructure. Northeastern Syria, southeastern Turkey and northern Iraq became the Khanate state of Kurdistan.It was a campaign reminiscent of the 13th century Mongol conquest, not a modern military struggle. Whole villages were eradicated. The entire Arab population of Mosul was exiled to the new territories in the East. The city was repopulated with Kurds from Turkey. Back in Turkey, those Kurds were replaced by Armenians from Azerbaijan, cauterizing another internal issue within the Khanate.Jordan was cautiously hopeful. Israel? "We don't seem to be having problems with Hezbollah anymore," with a shrug and "it could be worse." As for ISIS; there really was an Islamic State controlling more than half of Iraq and all of Syria now and it allowed no other pretenders to that distinction. By the time the world woke up to that reality though, the Great Hunt had happened and I was dealing with the consequences of that.A larger ideological and political matter was occurring in the United States, the United Kingdom (and to a limited extent Australia and Canada). The Ramshackle Empire (aka the Khanate) was just that ~ a Frankenstein nation fueled more by nationalistic pride and nostalgia for a Super-State (that only two living people had firsthand experience with) than an integrated armed forces and infrastructure.It may have been built upon more than a 13th century creation and two hundred years of real and imagined oppression. It did have long term planning and real genius driving it forward. Having throttled the PRC into giving them six precious months of peace to 'tidy up the backyard' (aka the Middle East and Russia) and forge a true nation, the Khanate was now hiring experts to aid them in the task.First and foremost, Temujin and the Earth & Sky had envisioned an armed state built upon military principles and discipline. Fate had delivered to them the means of their own salvation in the form of NATO's policy of disarmament and 'Reduction-In-Force' levels (RIFed).The US and UK had trained tens of thousands of male and female volunteers in their Armed Forces in infrastructure creation and management for the Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns. From 2010, those militaries had informed those experts that their services were no longer required. Unlike the shrinking militaries of the 1990's, there was no private sector to 'soak up' the majority of those personnel.The Earth & Sky had been working on the problem of nation-building on a time table and they kept coming up short. They had to fight to create their state first, so the all-important after-battle had been something their leaders dreaded. Temujin had been understanding about not everything being 100% ready. Few wars were fought that way.Then a young male Amazon of mixed Magyar ancestry talked history with the Earth & Sky representative to a seemingly inconsequential personage's funeral. A few critical E&S leaders (a minority, to be sure) immediately sought ways to cultivate this man into what was a ten year plan to open doors to the Amazons. Then that man saved the Great Khan's life and everything changed.Before the E&S had even remotely considered directly approaching the Amazons for help, the Amazons came knocking on their door. The Seven Pillars of Heaven had tried to kidnap a camp full of Amazon children ~ an assault on their future. The two secret societies were bound by one unique, fortunate idiot and a mutual thirst for vengeance.They were also directed by two incredibly foresighted, ambitious and brilliant people. In Katrina of Epona, the E&S elders found someone who equaled their hope to see the Seven Pillars humbled and humbled immediately. Moreover, these were the Amazons they were dealing with. Amazons always sought both lightning decisions and long term solutions.From the moment Iskender left his third meeting with Cáel Nyilas, Katrina put the fruits of the First Directive (the Amazons efforts to recruit militant outsider women) into overdrive. Havenstone had the apparatus in place to screen potential inductees. All they had to do was add a "can you suggest any other people who might be interested in this line of work" box to their employment forms.That brought men into the process in surprising numbers. The market was flush with military veterans having trouble readjusting to the civilian community. The Khanate wasn't hiring killers. They wanted ex-military and civilian police officers to create a national police force.They also wanted engineers and builders, cadres for their cadet corps and a whole range of specialist in jobs most of the Western World took for granted. The money came from off-shore accounts funded by Havenstone International. The employment opportunities came from Earth & Sky front companies operating in the UK and the US (and Israel, but that was another matter).They had already started hiring scores of civilian English-speaking experts to help build their newborn nation's infrastructure before the first blow landed. English hadn't been chosen out of any cultural bias. Relying on Russian and Chinese sources wasn't feasible, the Khanate wasn't overly linguistically gifted where distant tongues were concerned and, as pointed out, the English-speaking world had a glut of applicants.Now to the problem, there were people in the US and UK who weren't happy with their citizenry going to the Khanate and helping them to survive and thrive. These power groups wanted the Mongol-Turkish Empire to keep the resources flowing to the West, without any reciprocal commitment on their part.Imagine their surprise when some wonks at the State Department and Foreign Ministries found bundles of expedited passport requests to the (former) nations of Turkmenistan, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Mongolia (and later Afghanistan and Iraq). The Department of Defense  Ministry of Defense were discovering their former military personnel and civilian contractors with Security Clearances were heading the same way.Of all those destinations, only Mongolia and Kazakhstan were under any kind of 'Restricted Travel' advisories. Barring any coherent anti-Khanate strategy from their administrations, the bureaucracies were doing their jobs, with Havenstone exerting just enough influence to get the job done while flying beneath the radar.After JIKIT was created, the group had a US Senator greasing the wheels to get the requests expedited. In England, Lady Worthington-Burke shamelessly used the people at the other end of the O'Shea hotline to get the job done overseas. She did have to sell out a teammate, but that was what good boys were for ~ taking one for the team. (That would be me, if there was any misunderstanding.)When Cáel Nyilas was kidnapped under the watchful eye of the FBI (I wasn't sure how they got that bum-wrap), the whole situation exploded. The PRC didn't have me, yet promised they might produce me if certain concessions were made. According to Addison, I was worth 5,000 barrels a day of refined fuel oil and 50 tons of coal a month, and the Great Khan agreed to pay! Woot! I was loved by somebody who was a somebody.All that attention drove home some salient points. I was a noble scion of Ireland, Romania, Georgia and Armenia (in no particular order) and they all wanted to know why the US had let me be kidnapped. Didn't my president know I was a sacred national treasure? After JIKIT tracked down the bribes and clandestine activities to Chinese shell corporations, those powers wanted to know what sanctions would be applied.'But wait, wasn't I a private citizen?' my national leaders pleaded. Then the PRC made a case which boiled down to 'I had it coming for being a fiancé to Hana Sulkanen and a brother to the Great Khan', while ignoring me being snatched in the territorial US of A. Of course, they didn't claim to have actually done the kidnapping.Javiera was waiting on that one; 'What was their excuse for kidnapping a little US girl to force my compliance?' The furious Federal authorities even found two dead adult bodies and two digits from said child to add to the media frenzy. To prove I had migrated to fantasy land, the CNN journalist got it right ~ they had tortured the girl and I had killed two of them for it. Just ask the Romanian Army how lethal I could be.In a rare comment, Temujin informed the international press that he believed I was still alive. Why did he believe that? If I wasn't, they would have been able to spot the pile of dead enemy around me and my 'boon companion' (go Aya!) from orbit. Until they discovered this carnal pit from Hell, I was surely still alive.Just at the cusp of turning publically against the Mongol barbarians, the world suddenly got angry with their enemy, the PRC. The principal two Western regimes were paralyzed with indecision until my miraculous cry for help from the middle of the Pacific showed the world I was alive, had punished my enemies and rescued others from under the opponent's cruel thumb.Clearly if I started ranting against the People's Republic of China, my government would be rather peeved with me. I hadn't screwed a dozen poli-sci majors to miss out on that obvious situation. I behaved and hoped they wouldn't make me die from an embolism, or some other equally implausible cause.(DC is a marvel. 9 pm, Monday, August 18th. 21 days)I'd been dragged to DC, to honor promises made in Rome a week ago. I had another choice; I could have justifiably said I was still getting over my kidnapping ordeal. But that choice fucked over Javiera Castello, my boss at JIKIT (Joint International Khanate Interim Task force).That was how I ended up in a 'secret and secure' meeting with Tony Blinken, Deputy National Security Advisor (DNSA) and his experts. He was someone I didn't know. The rest, I'd had a verbal run-in with them after the Romanian bloodbath. I'd been cranky. I would hardly consider us to be on good terms now.All four experts were from the US State Department. They were foregoing their usual group of flunkies because this meeting wasn't really happening. All the participants were officially somewhere else, mostly not even in D.C. Had this soiree 'really happened', the Congressional sub-committees would have been able to request the minutes of Tony's meeting with members of JIKIT and:·         Victoria Nuland, Ass. Sec. of State for European & Eurasian Affairs (ASSEEA)·         Robert O. Blake Jr., Ass. Sec. of State for S & C Asian Affairs (ASSCAA)·         Daniel R. Russel, Ass. Sec. of State for E. Asian and Pacific Affairs (ASSEAP)·         Bill A. Miller, Director of the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) (aka Big Willy)We made stiff, formal introductions (which signaled the utter lack of trust in the room.) Javiera hadn't wanted to put me through an interrogation this soon after my near-death experience, considering my snarky nature when stressed. The White House was putting the squeeze on her. The main player was Tony, who talked with the Leader of the Free World on a weekly, if not daily, basis.The Diplomatic Security Service people had successfully peeled off Pamela and my SD Amazons only after they agreed I could keep Aya. They tolerated me keeping the nine-year old girl despite the obvious fact she had gone through worse hardships than I had endured and was still packing her Chinese QSW-06 suppressed pistol.I had already fabricated and submitted my report on how I'd overcome a plane-full of rogue delinquents from the Forumi i Rinis  Eurosocialiste t  Shqip ris  (Euro-socialist Youth Forum of Albania) bent on recruiting impressionable European socialites by accessing my Twitter account.That's right, the Albanians had it out for me. I reiterated that critical bit of data to the Department of Homeland Security when they questioned me on the veracity of my memories. The two ethnic Chinese I was found with? I thought they were from Taiwan, and they both appeared to be suffering from amnesia.I was already suffering repercussions from my pathological refusal to take life seriously. Javiera believed I was about to get a formal apology from Ferit Hoxha, Permanent Representative of Albania to the United Nations. Damn it! Now I had to do something nice for the Albanians. Maybe I'd offer them membership in the Khanate, full-statehood with an economic package to sweeten the deal.Yes, that was how Albania and Kosovo joined the Khanate, a product of my love for exaggeration and a little post-Ottoman solidarity over Tarator (cold soup made of yoghurt, garlic, parsley, cucumber, salt and olive oil with a side of fried squids), Tav  Kosi (lamb meatballs) and Flia & Kaymak (a dessert I highly recommend).We had toasted the Pillars of Kanun (Albanian oral law and tradition): ~ Nderi (honor), Mikpritja (hospitality), Sjellja (Right Conduct) and Fis (Kin Loyalty), ~ and he promised to tell his people that I had Besa which was an Albanian-ism for being a man who would honor his word of honor (despite us being brought together by my lie). The shit-ton of financial and military aid I asked the Great Khan to sweeten the pot with might have helped as well.Later, Lady Yum-Yum told me that the military leaders of NATO called it a 'master-stroke' in neutralizing Comrade Putin's Russian-backed 'Greek threat

"Vietnam is becoming more open, more expressive, and more accepting. It's exciting to see."This was such a fascinating conversation with Phuong Truong, the owner of Twist Coffee Bar, one of Saigon's best LGBTQ+ friendly spaces. We talked about the evolution of queer spaces in Vietnam, how attitudes toward the LGBTQ+ community are shifting, and why sex education in Vietnam still has a long way to go.One of the things I loved most about this conversation was hearing how Vietnam isn't necessarily anti-LGBTQ+—it's just that for many people, it's still something new. As Phuong put it, many people in rural areas haven't been exposed to it, so their first reaction isn't rejection—it's curiosity. That's a perspective we don't often hear.Key TakeawaysLGBTQ+ spaces in Saigon are growing, and Twist Coffee Bar is a perfect example of that. Vietnamese society isn't necessarily anti-LGBTQ+—it's just that exposure is still limited in rural areas. The shift from a coffee shop to an LGBTQ+ bar was an organic one—and business actually grew. Sex education in Vietnam is still awkward and outdated, leaving young people uninformed. Vietnamese culture leans more toward acceptance than open discrimination. Chapters & Timestamps04:00 – How Saigon's LGBTQ+ Spaces Have Evolved06:00 – Attitudes Toward LGBTQ+ People in Rural Vietnam vs. the Cities10:00 – Why Vietnam Feels More Accepting Than Some Western Countries24:00 – The Awkward Reality of Sex Education in Vietnam30:00 – Religion, Karma, and"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

Join Adrie and I (and Biscuit) on an adventure through Da Lat as we uncover hidden gems and more! We started with a trek that Google Maps recommended but were blocked by security, leading us to Happy Hill Café with stunning views and Instagram-worthy spots. While there, we observed the excessive use of plastic in such a natural setting. We then ventured to the Crazy House, a Gaudi-esque marvel designed uniquely. Throughout our journey, we navigated Da Lat's scenic routes, met locals with impressive English skills, and enjoyed lunch outdoors. Despite some challenges, the exploration was filled with beautiful landscapes, local culture, and of course, our furry friend Biscuit. This video captures the beauty, quirks, and environmental concerns of Dalat, making it a must-watch for future travelers!00:00 Introduction and Trek Plans00:48 Encounter with Security Guards01:01 Enjoying Coffee at Happy Hill02:10 Observations on English Proficiency04:57 Plastic Waste Concerns in Vietnam07:33 Exploring Hidden Gems09:39 Attempting the Trek Again12:38 Lunch at Moe Bistro15:14 Visiting the Crazy House"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!Support the show

On 8 March 1965 at Da Nang in South Vietnam, 3,500 Marines landed thus marking the beginning of US combat troops in Vietnam. 8 years later the Americans would withdraw having lost more than 58,000 dead, and 300,000 wounded. The Vietnam War itself cost, and these numbers are approximate, around 300,000 South Vietnamese troops dead, 1 million North Vietnamese and Viet Cong dead and more than 3 million civilians killed. Joining today is Geoffrey Wawro, historian and author of a new military history of this tragic conflict. This is the first of a two-parter as Geoff describes the background of US involvement, the mistakes made by the military leaders, and the Nixon administration's involvement. Part two is out on Wednesday as we discuss the war from 1968 as US troops lose discipline and the American public lost faith in the war. Geoffrey Wawro Links The Vietnam War: A Military History Aspects of History Links Latest Issue out - Annual Subscription to Aspects of History Magazine only $9.99/£9.99 Ollie on X Aspects of History on Instagram Get in touch: history@aspectsofhistory.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

"We don't always take a straight path in life. Sometimes, the detours lead to the most exciting places."This conversation with Ben Nguyen was an inspiring discovery into the creative journey of someone who has truly embraced change. From growing up in Hanoi to studying in Japan and working with global brands like IKEA and Trunk Hotel, Ben's story is a testament to following your passions—even when it means taking unexpected turns.One of my favorite parts of this episode was discussing the power of saying yes to opportunities. Ben didn't plan to work in social media, but thanks to a viral Instagram post of his dog, he found himself managing digital content for a luxury boutique hotel in Tokyo.Key TakeawaysSaying yes to unexpected opportunities can change your career—Ben's social media success started with a dog video.Work-life balance in Japan is intense, but international companies operate differently. The cultural differences between Hanoi and Saigon are more than just accents—each city has its own unique vibe.Creativity isn't always a straight path. Sometimes, your career zigzags into something unexpected.NFTs and digital art are redefining how artists can monetize their work. Chapters & Timestamps02:00 – Ben Nguyen's Background: From Hanoi to Japan09:00 – Cultural Differences Between Hanoi and Saigon16:00 – Transitioning from Business to Interior Design & Creativity21:00 – The Reality of Work-Life Balance in Japan30:00 – The Rise of NFTs & How Dig"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

“Dalat is full of hidden gems—you just have to know where to look.”Dalat has always had a special charm, but this trip was all about discovering the lesser-known spots that make it truly unique. From scenic coffee farms to quiet nature trails, we set out to uncover places that offer something beyond the usual tourist stops. And of course, Biscuit came along for the adventure—because if anyone loves the cool mountain air, it's her.One thing I love about Dalat is how easy it is to explore. We hopped on a motorbike and within minutes, we were riding past pine-covered hills, flower farms, and roadside cafés that felt like they belonged in a movie. Along the way, we met locals, tasted some interesting drinks (cheese coffee, anyone?), and enjoyed the kind of fresh air you just don't get in Saigon.If you're looking for the real Dalat beyond the usual tourist spots, this episode is for you. Get ready for scenic views, local flavors, and a few unexpected twists along the way!Key TakeawaysDalat's cool climate makes it perfect for growing strawberries, flowers, and wineRenting a motorbike in Vietnam is unbelievably easy—just show up, pay, and ride.Dalat Eden is a must-visit café with fresh local produce, beautiful gardens, and Instagram-worthy drinks. The town is packed with dog-friendly spots—Biscuit had just as much fun as we did. Hidden bars exist in Dalat—we found one disguised as a video game shop. Chapters and Timestamps:01:00 – The French Influence & Climate of Dalat04:00 – Hidden Gem #1: Dalat Eden Café & Gardens09:00 – Hidden Gem #2: Roadside Viewpoints & Dog-Friendly Stops12:00 – Exploring Dalat's Northern Side & Finding Local Gems19:00 – Hidden Gem"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here!Support the show

I denne episoden snakker vi om:Reise til Danang, VietnamSpiritualitet i VietnamSprituelle steder som:Ba Na HillsLady BuddhaMarble mountainsSusannes nye meditasjon (Egenreklame) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“ Vietnam is the number two producer of coffee in the world, which blew my mind because I didn't know that as a Vietnamese American.” - Sarah NguyenRevisiting this conversation reminded me why I started this podcast—to amplify powerful stories, and Sarah Nguyen's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her passion for reshaping the global coffee industry, advocating for Vietnamese coffee farmers, and pushing for diversity and transparency is exactly the kind of discussion that makes podcasting so rewarding.What stood out most was Sarah's deep connection to her heritage and her unwavering commitment to redefining the perception of Vietnamese coffee in the U.S. She broke down long-held misconceptions about Robusta beans and exposed how "Vietnamese coffee" is often misrepresented in specialty cafés. But her mission extends beyond coffee—it's about cultural preservation, economic empowerment, and challenging industry biases.Beyond the coffee industry, we explored themes of identity, language, and the Asian American experience. Sarah's openness about her family's refugee journey and the broader challenges facing the AAPI community added an important layer of depth to our conversation. Whether you're hearing it for the first time or revisiting it in this remastered edition, this episode remains just as powerful. From her surreal Drew Barrymore moment to her insights on sustainability and ethical sourcing, this conversation is packed with energy, authenticity, and game-changing ideas.Key Takeaways:Vietnam's Coffee Industry is Vastly"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

"We can't be creative all the time. We have to be like a vegetable on the couch sometimes." - Chris NguyenChris's story is one of adaptability, creativity, and carving out your own space in a world that often demands labels. I loved this conversation because it really encapsulated what it means to be a third culture kid—straddling different worlds, blending influences, and figuring out where you truly belong.We talked about everything from UX design to content creation, and what really stood out to me was Chris's perspective on finding a niche—or rather, not having one. He's embraced a philosophy of creative exploration, which is refreshing in a world that constantly pushes us to specialize.Another highlight for me was our discussion on the expat experience in Vietnam. Chris has a unique vantage point as someone with Vietnamese heritage but a Western upbringing, and he shed light on how that shapes his interactions with both locals and other expats. His insights into the fast-growing creative and tech scene in Vietnam were fascinating, especially for anyone looking to start a business or build a career here.It was a conversation full of laughs, deep insights, and, most importantly, a real look at what it means to build a life across cultures. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.Key Takeaways:The idea of a "niche" is overrated—authenticity matters more.Creativity comes in waves, and that's okay. You don't have to be productive all the time.Expats in Vietnam often get pigeonholed into certain labels, but everyone has a unique story."Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

Hang Tien 1 is part of a vast cave system in Phong Nha, connected by a river and featuring around 30 individual caves. In this episode, we explore the challenges of making these caves accessible for tourism and uncover fascinating details about their discovery and naming history.With an entrance measuring a massive 90 meters high and 50 meters wide, Hang Tien 1's entrance is even larger than the world-famous Son Doong Cave. However, Son Doong holds the title of the world's largest cave by volume, spanning an incredible 38.4 million cubic meters.Join me as we dive into the wonders of this incredible cave system and the unique geological features that make it such an awe-inspiring destination.04:46 Cave System Naming and Structure05:01 Tourism and Accessibility05:11 Cave Dimensions and Comparisons05:23 Song Doong Cave vs. Other Caves05:36 Volume Recognition of Caves"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Rabbit Hole Irish Sports Bar - Check out their new location on Tran Nao with the best views in the city over Landmark 81!Support the show

Join me, Niall Mackay, and my guests Misha Smith, Adria Lopez Mackay, and Ben in a lively debate on the Vietnamese dish, Phở, in this episode of Saigon Sunday Sessions. We discuss the pronunciation, different types (Phở Gà and Phở Bò), and our personal experiences with the dish. Opinions vary, with arguments ranging from Phở being labeled as 'dirty dishwater with noodles' to it being considered an underrated culinary gem. We delve into the cultural significance of Phở, addressing misconceptions and contrasting it with other Vietnamese foods. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and join the Seven Million Bikes community on Patreon.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:26 Setting the Scene: Saigon Sunday Sessions00:41 Segment Introduction: Underrated, Overrated, Properly Rated01:21 Pho: The Great Debate Begins02:06 Pho: Personal Experiences and Opinions04:18 Pho: Cultural and Culinary Insights09:56 Pho: Final Thoughts and Ratings17:02 Conclusion and Farewell"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Support the show

“I keep forgetting that I'm in Vietnam, the country that I live in.” This episode was one of the most exciting and adventurous ones we've done so far. Exploring the caves in Phong Nha truly felt like stepping into another world—massive chambers, stunning rock formations, and even a bit of a Lord of the Rings vibe. The trek itself was no joke either—river crossings, steep climbs, and the constant challenge of staying warm and dry made it a real test of endurance. But that's what made it so rewarding. Pushing ourselves physically and getting to experience such a breathtaking environment was absolutely worth it.- Niall MackayKey Takeaways:Hang Tien Cave is part of the world's largest cave systemHuu explains how the tour supports local employmentDetailed explanation of limestone cave formation processRiverside campsite with sauna facilitiesEvening meal featuring local Vietnamese cuisine prepared by portersChapters & Timestamps:01:00 – What's Ahead: Trekking, River Crossings & Cave Exploring02:00 – The Brutal Climb Out of the Cave04:00 – Inside the Hang Tien Cave: A Geological Wonder06:00 – A Proper Lord of the Rings Experience07:00 – The Freezing River Challenge: To Swim or Not to Swim?08:00 – Camping by the River & Sauna Time09:00 – Local Food & Stories from the Porters10:00 – The Haunting Sounds of the Cave: A Ghost Story"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Support the show

Kami Redd, a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and sustainable nutrition coach, joins us to discuss her transformative journey from chef to health advocate, emphasizing the importance of holistic wellness. Known for her innovative 30 pounds in 30 days weight management program, Kami combines her culinary expertise with a focus on emotional and mental well-being, challenging traditional views on diet and health. Throughout the conversation, she shares her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor and how it inspired her to pursue nutritional science, ultimately leading her to empower others in their health journeys. Kami also highlights the impact of societal pressures and stereotypes on Black women, advocating for self-acceptance and mental wellness. As she prepares for an exciting new chapter in Da Nang, Vietnam, Kami encourages listeners to embrace their authentic selves and find balance in all dimensions of wellness.Kami Redd joins the podcast with an inspiring narrative shaped by her experiences as a registered dietitian, nutritionist, and breast cancer survivor. Her journey began in the culinary world, where she honed her skills as a chef for over 20 years. However, it was her diagnosis at 34 that prompted a profound shift in her career and personal philosophy. Cami shares how the emotional turmoil of her illness led her to explore the healing potential of nutrition, ultimately motivating her to pursue a degree in nutritional science. This transformative experience equipped her with the knowledge and passion to guide others in their health journeys, emphasizing the intertwined nature of physical health and emotional well-being.Throughout the episode, Kami highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the emotional triggers that contribute to unhealthy eating patterns. She reflects on the societal stereotypes that often pigeonhole women into restrictive roles, advocating for a more holistic approach to wellness. Kami's '30 Pounds in 30 Days' program is not just about physical weight loss; it is a comprehensive guide to emotional healing and self-acceptance. She aims to help individuals recognize and break free from unhealthy cycles instilled by family and societal pressures, promoting a lifestyle that honors their true selves.Listeners will appreciate Kami's practical tips for cultivating a mindful and sustainable lifestyle. She encourages a balanced approach to wellness, where emotional, mental, and physical health are equally prioritized. Kami's insights on meal preparation, seasonal eating, and the importance of self-care resonate deeply, urging her audience to create a nurturing environment for themselves. As she prepares for her move to Vietnam, Kami reflects on her desire to immerse herself in new cultures and continue her mission of empowering Black women globally. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that true wellness encompasses acceptance, balance, and community support.Takeaways: Kami Redd emphasizes the importance of being true to oneself, a lesson learned over decades. Her journey into nutrition was influenced by personal health challenges, particularly breast cancer. Kami advocates for a holistic approach to wellness, integrating emotional and physical health. She encourages individuals to find balance in all areas of wellness for a fulfilled life. Kami highlights the impact of dietary habits on overall health and emotional well-being. The importance of addressing emotional eating behaviors is crucial for long-term health success. Links referenced in this episode:https://www.kamiredd.com/redladies.com

"I can't imagine how massive the cave is... it could be fit one Boeing airplane in the cave, or four 50 Building Floors." -  Hoàng Văn HữuThis trek through Phong Nha with Hoàng Văn Hữu offered an incredible glimpse into how tourism has transformed this region of Vietnam. What struck me most was the stark contrast between past and present - where locals once had to resort to dangerous activities like logging and collecting unexploded bombs for metal, they now have opportunities in the growing tourism sector. Hữu's personal journey from learning English to becoming a cave guide perfectly exemplifies this transformation.The most fascinating aspect was learning about Son Doong Cave and how carefully they're managing its tourism. Limiting visitors to just 1,000 per year shows remarkable foresight in preservation, especially considering the cave's massive size - being able to fit a Boeing airplane or a 50-story building inside is mind-boggling. The detailed organization of the tours, from fitness checks to the high guide-to-tourist ratio, demonstrates their commitment to both safety and conservation.5 Key TakeawaysThe Life-Changing Power of Learning English – Huu shares how learning English transformed his opportunities in Phong Nha, shifting his career from farming to becoming a tour guide. The Danger of Unexploded Bombs – Many villagers still risk their lives collecting scrap metal from unexploded bombs, a remnant of past wars in Vietnam. The Conservation Efforts Behind Son Doong Cave – Tourism in Son Doong Cave is highly restricted to protect its fragile ecosystem, allowing only 1,000 visitors per year. The Toughest Challenges of the Trek – From river crossings to steep jungle climbs, this adventure demands serious fitness and preparation. The Evolution of Phong Nha as a Tourist Destination – Once ove"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam! Try Descript for free here!Support the show

Joe Sanders entered the Marine Corps in 1954. An accomplished author, Joe was one of the first Marines to hit the beach in DaNang. This is a fascinating story of the early years of Marine Tankers in Vietnam.

"Our traffic jams are herds of ducks and families of water buffaloes." - Faryl HoangTalking with Faryl about her journey, her experiences as a Vietnamese-American rediscovering her roots, and what it's really like to live in a place as magical as Hoi An was fascinating. Her perspective offered a really balanced view—yes, it's paradise, but it also has its challenges. That's something I always try to emphasize when we romanticize a place. Hoi An isn't just lanterns and slow riverboat rides; it's also a living, breathing community that's evolving in real time.One of my biggest takeaways from this conversation was how we, as expats, often view progress differently from locals. The discussion about KFC and Starbucks coming to Hoi An was a perfect example. While foreigners might resist these changes, the local community celebrates them. It's a reminder that we're guests in these places, and our nostalgia for an "untouched" Vietnam doesn't necessarily align with what people living there actually want.Also, I just loved the moment when Faryl's dog started barking because a family of buffalo was walking by her house! That's the kind of real-life, unfiltered Vietnam I love capturing on this podcast. It was a great episode that blended travel, history, and a bit of cultural reality check all in one.- Niall MackayKey Takeaways:- The Reality of Living in Hoi An – Hoi An is stunning but lacks Western conveniences. No shopping malls, no major grocery stores—life here requires a slower pace.- The Changing Face of Vietnam – The arrival of big chains like KFC and Starbucks sparked debates among expats, but locals were thrilled. It's a sign of progress and accessibility, not just commercialization.- The Complexity of the Vietnamese Language – Even for someone with Vietnamese heritage like Faryl, learning the language is incredibly challenging due to regional dialects and pronunciation differences.- Hidden Gems Near Hoi An – Bac Ma National Park between Da Nang and Hue is an under-the-radar spot for hiking, wildlife conservation, and stunning landscapes.- Hoi An's Nightlife is Underrated – From backpacker chaos at Tiger Tiger to r"Send me a message!"Support the show

"If you want to come to see some of Vietnam that's a little bit of a hidden gem, then I would definitely get yourself to Phong Nha." NiallJoin us on an unforgettable journey from Saigon to Phong Nha Farmstay, where the excitement builds as we prepare to meet Ben Mitchell and explore the stunning landscapes of Phong Nha.Our adventure kicks off with caving at Phong Nha and Tien Son caves, accessible only by boat. Cruising down the peaceful river, we step into a world of towering stalactites and breathtaking underground beauty, perfect for private or group tours.The at the Pub With Cold Beer, we experience an incredible farm-to-table moment as a meal is prepared fresh on-site—a spontaneous and authentic slice of local life.And then, there's the Duck Stop. Picture quirky fun like a duck foot massage and meeting their buffalo, Mr Donald Trump. It's as hilarious as it sounds and adds a playful twist to an unforgettable trip filled with adventure, culture, and natural beauty.02:04 Exploring Phong Nha Cave05:11 Encounter with a Giant Spider06:53 Admiring Vietnamese Women11:46 The Pub with Cold Beer17:24 Unexpected Chicken Experience21:35 Reflecting on the Experience27:28 Exploring Bong Lai Valley28:45 Visiting the Duck Stop31:05 Meeting Donald Trump the Buffalo"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam! Try Descript for free here! Want to start a podcast? Book a Discovery Call with me on how Seven Million Bikes Podcasts can help you!Support the show

"Here in Phong Nha, tourism isn't just an industry—it's a lifeline for local communities." – BenSpending time with Ben Mitchell, someone who has dedicated 18 years to nurturing and showcasing Phong Nha—Vietnam's most stunning and underrated regions—was an absolute privilege. His stories about the region's transformation, from remote villages to a budding hub of sustainable tourism, were nothing short of inspiring. It's incredible to see how tourism here is not only preserving the natural beauty of the National Park but also empowering local communities to thrive.What struck me the most was the balance Phong Nha has achieved—it remains raw and untamed while offering unforgettable experiences, from exploring massive caves like Son Doong to riding through misty mountain roads on a motorbike. This episode reminded me why I fell in love with Vietnam's landscapes, its rich history, and the resilience of its people.Phong Nha is not just a destination; it's a journey into the heart of Vietnam's culture, nature, and soul. I left with a sense of awe and a promise to return—and I hope this episode inspires others to do the same.Niall MackayKey Takeaways:The Magic of Phong Nha's Caves - From Paradise Cave to Son Doong, these caves are among the most spectacular in the world.Sustainable Tourism Success - How tourism has transformed Phong Nha while preserving its natural beauty.Biodiversity and Six Seasons - Phong Nha boasts incredible biodiversity and a unique climate with six seasons.The Ho Chi Minh Trail and History - Phong Nha's critical role during the Vietnam War and its historical significance.Experiencing Phong Nha on a Motorbike - Why exploring this region on two wheels is the ultimate adventure.Chapters:03:00 – Meeting Ben Mitchell: The Journey to Phong Nha10:00 – Exploring Phong Nha's Breathtaking Caves22:00 – Sustainable Tourism in Action28:00 – The Unique Biodiversity of Phong Nha35:00 – The Ho Chi Minh Trail and Vietnam's History40:00 – Motorbike Adventures and Hidden Gems43:00 – Reflections on Phong Nha: A Must-Visit Destination"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

Every time we've been to Da Lat, we've been probably six times and you can always find something different to do - AdrieThere's so much depth to what you can do in Da Lat that people don't initially realize. Even after five visits, we're still discovering new experiences - from unexplored coffee shops to sunrise cloud hunting adventures. What's fascinating about Da Lat is its versatility - while the city center and night market might get crowded, especially during holidays, the moment you venture out on a bike, you discover this whole other world. The contrast between being in the busy center and finding peaceful spots just a short ride away is remarkable. I think both tourists and expats in Saigon don't fully appreciate just how much Da Lat has to offer.- Niall MackayKey Takeaways:- Most expats who've visited rate Da Lat highly, but many tourists might not even know about it.- Temperature difference between day and night is dramatic - visitors should always pack a jacket.- Da Lat is notably dog-friendly and offers various activities from cable cars to flower gardens.- The night market, while popular, is considered the least appealing aspect of Da Lat.Chapters and Timestamps:01:00 - Initial Ratings Discussion 04:00 - Weather and Climate Insights 06:00 - Food and Drink Spots 08:00 - Activities and Attractions 11:00 - Night Market Discussion 13:00 - Final Thoughts and Ratings 15:00 - Holiday Season Discussion "Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

 "It seems like everyone has a bike... In Singapore, where you don't have that much traffic and everyone's in a car, they will honk at literally everything." - Charlotte Visiting Cheo Leo—felt like stepping back in time—the oldest coffee shop in Saigon, reminded me of my first days in this city and how much I've come to love its energy and culture. Navigating the crazy traffic, exploring the dense streets of District 4, and tasting that incredibly strong stocking coffee—it was like a time capsule of everything that makes Saigon unique. It's chaotic, vibrant, and beautiful all at once, and sharing that experience with Charlotte made it even more special.- Niall Mackay Key Takeaways:* The Legacy of Cheo Leo - Learn about the oldest coffee shop in Saigon and its iconic “stocking coffee.”* Navigating Saigon's Streets - Why traffic in Vietnam flows like “water” and the art of smiling through chaos.* The Old vs. New Saigon - Exploring how tradition and modernity collide in the heart of the city.* The Expat Experience - Saigon as a “big college town” and the evolution of expat routines.*Cultural Food Habits - From chicken feet to pho, a look at how food shapes local and expat perspectives.Chapters:02:00 – District 4: Past and Present09:00 – Navigating the Chaos of Saigon Traffic12:30 – Old vs. New Saigon: A Unique Blend16:00 – Cheo Leo: The Oldest Coffee Shop in Saigon24:00 – Expat Life in Vietnam: Adjusting to the Culture26:00 – Vietnamese Food Habits: From Pho to Chicken Feet30:00 – Reflections on Saigon and What's Next --------------------- Comments & Community: I love hearing from you! Drop a comment below and let me know what you think about this video! Subscribe: If you enjoyed this video, make sure to subscribe for more episodes about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and insightful conversations. Follow On Insta: https://www.instagram.com/a_vietnam_podcast/ Website: avietnampodcast.com Join our community! Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer today with others who love Vietnam and love A Vietnam Podcast : https://www.patreon.com/AVietnamPodcast More About Me: I'm Niall Mackay, aka The Podcast Guy, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts and host of a Vietnam Podcast. I love sharing my passion for podcasting and the incredible stories from Vietnam. Thanks for joining me on this journey! "Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

An OATH AND PLEDGE PODCAST MASHUP! Josh Roe is in-studio with Clint talking about his recent 6-day trip to Vietnam! This description is from Josh's YouTube Channel - @joshroe - where he documents the stories of veterans! "On a recent trip to Da Nang, Vietnam I had the opportunity to witness an meeting hosted by Vietnamese Veterans who fought against U.S. Forces in the American War in Vietnam.Those Veterans met with U.S. military Veterans who fought in the war in Vietnam and some who have served since then, plus family members of Medal of Honor Recipient Rodney Maxwell Davis. Davis was killed in action in Vietnam in September 1967." A podcast centered around our soldiers, veterans, and the civilians they protect! Through conversations, questions, and stories - we will address topics like healthcare, lessons learned, relationships, combat, the transition out of the military, and more! Our veterans take an oath - we say a pledge - what does that mean and why are they important?! POWERED BY: www.1stleadu.com THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS: Vascular Institute of Chattanooga: https://www.vascularinstituteofchattanooga.com/ The Barn Nursery: https://www.barnnursery.com/ Optimize U Chattanooga: https://optimizeunow.com/chattanooga/ Guardian Investment Advisors: https://giaplantoday.com/ Alchemy Medspa and Wellness Center: http://www.alchemychattanooga.com/ Chattanooga Concrete: www.chattanoogaconcreteco.com Roofingco.com: www.roofingco.com ALL THINGS JEFF STYLES: www.thejeffstyles.com Please consider leaving us a review on Apple and giving us a share to your friends! This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

In this exciting episode of the Seven Million Bikes podcast, Adrie and I share our first-ever ride on the long-awaited Saigon Metro, a significant infrastructure development in Vietnam. We then dive into the electrifying atmosphere of watching the final football match between Vietnam and Thailand in the ASEAN Football Cup. As Vietnam secures a dramatic win, the episode captures the ensuing Đi bão celebration, illustrating the incredible national pride and festive chaos that envelops the city.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:10 Riding the Saigon Metro for the First Time02:14 Vietnam's Football Fever03:49 Exploring the City and Finding a Place to Watch the Game11:09 The Thrilling Football Match21:29 Celebrating Vietnam's Victory21:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts"Send me a message!"7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

[English caption below]Trong tập 22 của podcast Vietnam Innovators phiên bản Tiếng Việt mùa 5, chúng ta sẽ có cơ hội gặp gỡ anh Peter Nguyễn, Nhà sáng lập và CEO của Xedap.vn — chuỗi siêu thị xe đạp và xe điện lớn nhất tại Việt Nam. Trước khi bước chân vào ngành xe đạp, anh từng thành công với mảng phân tích thị trường. Sau khi chuyển nhượng cổ phần công ty, anh tham gia các cuộc thi Ironman (ba môn phối hợp) và nhận ra niềm đam mê đặc biệt với xe đạp.Năm 2016, anh thành lập Vòng Xanh, trở thành nhà phân phối chính thức cho Giant International — thương hiệu xe đạp thể thao hàng đầu thế giới. Từ đó, anh tiếp tục phát triển Xedap.vn thành một hệ thống bán lẻ hàng đầu với hơn 30 cửa hàng trên khắp các tỉnh thành lớn như Hà Nội, TP. Hồ Chí Minh, Biên Hòa, và Đà Nẵng.Trong cuộc trò chuyện cùng host Từ Ân, anh Peter sẽ chia sẻ về hành trình khởi nghiệp đầy cảm hứng, những khó khăn và cơ hội trong ngành xe đạp, cũng như tầm nhìn về việc đưa văn hóa đạp xe trở nên phổ biến tại Việt Nam. Với tầm nhìn chiến lược, anh dự báo Việt Nam sẽ trở thành trung tâm sản xuất xe đạp của thế giới trong 4-5 năm tới.Hãy cùng lắng nghe để khám phá những câu chuyện thú vị và ý nghĩa trong tập podcast tuần này nhé!__In episode 22 of the Vietnam Innovators podcast, Vietnamese edition, season 5, we're excited to welcome Peter Nguyen, Founder and CEO of Xedap.vn—Vietnam's largest bicycle and e-bike retail chain. From a successful career in market analytics to becoming a key player in Vietnam's bicycle industry, Mr. Peter's journey is nothing short of inspiring. After selling his company shares, he discovered his passion for cycling through Ironman triathlons, which eventually sparked his entrepreneurial vision.In 2016, Mr. Peter founded Vòng Xanh, securing the role of official distributor for Giant International, the world's leading sports bicycle brand. Today, Xedap.vn stands as a market leader, with over 30 stores across major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bien Hoa, and Da Nang.In this episode, Peter reflects on the challenges and opportunities he has faced, his mission to promote cycling culture in Vietnam, and his bold vision for the country to become a global hub for bicycle manufacturing within the next 4-5 years.Tune in for a conversation that highlights the potential of Vietnam's bicycle industry and the drive of a visionary entrepreneur shaping its future.—Đừng quên có thể xem bản video của podcast này tại: YouTubeVà đọc những bài viết thú vị tại website: Vietcetera—Yêu thích tập podcast này, bạn có thể donate tại:● Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vietcetera● Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/vietceteraNếu có bất cứ góp ý, phản hồi hay mong muốn hợp tác, bạn có thể gửi email về địa chỉ team@vietcetera.com#Vietnam_Innovators #VI #Vietcetera #Vietcetera_Podcast #VNI_VI_S5_22

Los ataques con napalm, los mexicanos en la guerra de Vietnam, el ataque al puerto de Da Nang y un avión repleto de cuerpos

"I wasn't Vietnamese enough for the locals and not white enough for the expats. It took time to find my place in Saigon."It was an absolute joy to record this episode. Rochelle's journey is the epitome of courage, adaptability, and humor. Her ability to share deeply personal stories—like her parents meeting on a refugee boat—alongside lighthearted anecdotes about perfecting cocktails and navigating Saigon's chaos, is remarkable. She's one of those rare guests who can make you laugh, think, and feel inspired all at once. This conversation wasn't just about her life; it was about resilience, community, and finding a place in a world that often feels divided. I'm truly grateful she finally said yes to joining me on the podcast, and I think her story will resonate with anyone chasing their dreams or building something meaningful in unexpected places.- Niall MackayKey Takeaways* Vietnam's Duality - Saigon's chaotic vibrancy offers a mix of traditional street life and Western comforts, making it a unique city for locals and expats alike.* Rochelle's Bold Career Move - Opening 86 Proof was inspired by her entrepreneurial spirit and the guidance of her mentor.* The Whiskey Sour Experiment - It took 34 iterations of whiskey sours to perfect the recipe that became a local favorite.* Navigating Dual Identity - Rochelle discusses the challenges of being too "Vietnamese" for expats and too "Western" for locals, a struggle familiar to many third-culture kids.* A Refugee Romance - Rochelle's parents met on the same boat while fleeing Vietnam, a story straight out of a movie.Chapters & Timestamps08:00 - Rochelle's Background: Refugee Parents and Canadian Childhood 24:00 - Journey to Vietnam and Opening 86 Proof 40:00 - The Art of the Whiskey Sour 34:00 - Challenges of Living Between Cultures42:00 - Saigon's Vibrancy and Community Spirit"Send me a message!"Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. The full list of winners is here. Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

“My tongue is on fire right now… Holy sh*t, it's still burning. Is it going to get worse? It's getting worse.”In this special edition of Saigon Sunday Sessions, we turn up the heat—literally! Join me at Brick and Barrel for the ultimate hot sauce and taco-eating competition, where local chili aficionados battle it out for bragging rights and fiery glory.From tasting sauces like the infamous Vietnam Reaper to cheering on contestants in a high-stakes taco showdown, this episode is packed with flavor, laughter, and a lot of sweating. Special guest Chad Mitchell from Mixtape joins the fun, tackling spicy tacos while answering big questions about life and beer.If you've ever wondered what it's like to eat fire for fun, this is the episode for you.– Niall Mackay5 Key Takeaways (With Timestamps) 1. “The Vietnam Reaper” Takes the Crown – Sauce #5 earns its reputation as the spiciest in Saigon. (00:01:00) 2. Anne Pham's Taco Triumph – Five fiery tacos in 13 minutes—Anne Pham wins the competition with grit and determination. (00:17:00) 3. Hot Ones Homage – Chad Mitchell faces the heat while discussing his journey from California to Saigon. (00:25:00) 4. Spice Brings People Together – From laughter to out-of-body experiences, the event highlights Saigon's lively food culture. (00:33:00) 5. Pro Tips for Spice Lovers – Lessons learned: don't touch your eyes, and keep the lime handy. (00:35:00)Episode Chapters00:00 – Welcome to Brick and Barrel: The Heat Is On01:00 – The Hot Sauce Gauntlet: From Mild to Mind-Blowing17:00 – Taco Showdown: Anne Pham vs. Kung25:00 – Spicy Q&A: Chad Mitchell Talks Beer and Life33:00 – Reflections on Saigon's Fiery SpiritReflect with MeAs someone who barely survived tasting just one taco, I have nothing but respect for the contestants and the brave souls who sampled all 11 sauces. This event perfectly encapsulates the vibrant, bold energy of Saigon's food scene.Wh"Send me a message!"Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

"I never understood I was different until the world told me I was."This episode Linda's story is an incredible journey through culture, identity, and compassion. It is not just unique—it's deeply inspiring and thought-provoking. Hearing about her experiences navigating dual identities as someone seen as Asian in the West and white in Asia really made me appreciate the complexity of cultural perception. Her passion for preserving her heritage, speaking multiple languages, and embracing both her Swedish and Vietnamese roots was eye-opening.What struck me the most was her work in animal welfare, which is so close to her heart. Her dedication to making a difference for animals in Vietnam, despite the challenges, shows such a profound level of empathy and determination. This episode left me reflecting on how our roots shape us, but it's our choices and compassion that truly define who we are. – Niall Mackay5 Key Takeaways (With Timestamps)Navigating Dual Identities - Linda's experience of being perceived as "Asian" in the West and "white" in Asia highlights the complexities of cultural identity.The Power of Language - Speaking four languages, Linda attributes her mother's insistence on preserving heritage as a critical part of her identity.The Refugee Story That Inspires - Linda's mother's 10-year struggle as a refugee showcases unparalleled resilience and the importance of familial sacrifices.Changing Perspectives on Pets in Vietnam - The cultural shift from seeing animals as property to considering them family members is a sign of evolving attitudes in Vietnam.Advocating for Animal Welfare - Linda's rescue efforts underline the importance of education and sustainable alternatives to end harmful practices.Episode Chapters02:00 – Growing Up Half-Swedish, Half-Vietnamese in Finland. Navigating identity and cultural duality in childhood.07:00 – Language as a Lifelong Asset. The role of language in preserving heritage and building opportunities.13:00 – A Refugee's Resilience. Linda shares her mother's inspiring journey as a refugee.36:00 – Evolving Perspectives on Pets in Vietnam. Insights into Vietnam's cultural shift toward seeing animals as family.46:00 – Advocating for Change in Animal Welfare. Linda's rescue w"Send me a message!"Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. The full list of winners is here. Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

"In the past I compared myself a lot with the people around me. And I felt, with all my German friends, like less German, but also having low values." Niall Mackay sits down with Trang Nguyen, a food scientist and aspiring content creator who recently moved to Vietnam from Germany. Trang shares her complex journey growing up as a Vietnamese-German, grappling with cultural identity, and her evolving relationship with her Vietnamese heritage. She also shared how her perspective on Vietnam has transformed, moving from a place she resisted to a vibrant home filled with opportunities and a unique lifestyle.Trang opens up about her experiences with cultural challenges, societal expectations, and her initial reluctance to connect with her Vietnamese roots. Now in Saigon, she's immersing herself in the lively street food culture and embracing a new career path in content creation. Together, Niall and Trang explore the stark contrasts between the Western and Vietnamese perspectives on privacy, food safety, and personal growth, offering listeners a heartfelt and insightful look into life as a Vietnamese expatriate reconnecting with her origins.Key TakeawaysStruggles with Identity – Trang discusses feeling different growing up as a Vietnamese-German, struggling with self-worth and societal beauty standards.Embracing Vietnamese Heritage – After years of distancing from her roots, Trang shares how volunteering and exploring Vietnam sparked a new appreciation for her culture.The "City That Never Sleeps" – Living in bustling District 1, Trang recounts the non-stop activity and unique rhythm of life in Saigon.Food Safety Culture Shock – As a food scientist, Trang shares her thoughts on Vietnam's street food culture and the resilience that seems to defy Western food safety norms.Content Creation and Career Path – Trang discusses her ambitions in content creation, aiming to share her journey without depending on it for financial stability.Chapters and Timestamps03:00 - Growing Up Vietnamese in Germany07:00 - Cultural Challenges and Identity16:00 - Embracing Vietnamese Heritage18:00 - Life in Saigon: First Impressions24:00 - Food Safety in Vietnam31:00 - Future Plans and Content Creation"Send me a message!"Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

Full Text of ReadingsThe Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Lectionary: 161The Saint of the day is Saint Andrew Dung-Lac and CompanionsSaint Andrew Dung-Lac and Companions' Story Andrew Dung-Lac, a Catholic convert ordained to the priesthood, was one of 117 people martyred in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862. Members of the companions group gave their lives for Christ in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries, and received beatification during four different occasions between 1900 and 1951. All were canonized during the papacy of Saint John Paul II. Christianity came to Vietnam through the Portuguese. Jesuits opened the first permanent mission at Da Nang in 1615. They ministered to Japanese Catholics who had been driven from Japan. Severe persecutions were launched at least three times in the 19th century. During the six decades after 1820, between 100,000 and 300,000 Catholics were killed or subjected to great hardship. Foreign missionaries martyred in the first wave included priests of the Paris Mission Society, and Spanish Dominican priests and tertiaries. In 1832, Emperor Minh-Mang banned all foreign missionaries, and tried to make all Vietnamese deny their faith by trampling on a crucifix. Like the priest-holes in Ireland during English persecution, many hiding places were offered in homes of the faithful. Persecution broke out again in 1847, when the emperor suspected foreign missionaries and Vietnamese Christians of sympathizing with a rebellion led by of one of his sons. The last of the martyrs were 17 laypersons, one of them a 9-year-old, executed in 1862. That year a treaty with France guaranteed religious freedom to Catholics, but it did not stop all persecution. By 1954, there were over a million Catholics—about seven percent of the population—in the north. Buddhists represented about 60 percent. Persistent persecution forced some 670,000 Catholics to abandon lands, homes and possessions and flee to the south. In 1964, there were still 833,000 Catholics in the north, but many were in prison. In the south, Catholics were enjoying the first decade of religious freedom in centuries, their numbers swelled by refugees. During the Vietnamese war, Catholics again suffered in the north, and again moved to the south in great numbers. Now reunited, the entire country is under Communist rule. Reflection It may help a people who associate Vietnam only with a 20th-century war to realize that the cross has long been a part of the lives of the people of that country. Even as some people ask again the unanswered questions about United States involvement and disengagement, the faith rooted in Vietnam's soil proves hardier than the forces that willed to destroy it. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

"In the West, we say hospitality; in Vietnam, it's still just F&B. Bridging that gap is everything to me." – Jason PhamThis episode with Jason was truly inspiring. Jason's journey from Australia to Saigon, rooted in his family's refugee story, brings so much depth to what he does in the hospitality industry here in Vietnam. He's not only a skilled mixologist but also an incredible storyteller, blending Vietnamese and Western influences in a way that's reshaping Saigon's cocktail scene. Our conversation really highlights the passion, creativity, and hard work behind his bars, and I think listeners will walk away with a new appreciation for the artistry involved in every drink he serves.- Niall MackayKey Takeaways:Jason's Negroni Secrets: Why he uses Lady Trieu Flower Bomb Gin to elevate his signature cocktail, the Negroni.Mastering Hospitality: Jason's philosophy on remembering guests' names and creating a welcoming atmosphere in Vietnam's young cocktail scene.Balancing Two Clienteles: How Jason tailors service for both Western expats and affluent Vietnamese in Saigon's growing bar industry.Embracing Cultural Heritage: Jason's journey as an Australian-Vietnamese and reconnecting with his roots in Vietnam.“Viet Kieu” Influence: How a mentor inspired Jason to return to Vietnam to make the most of the emerging market's unique opportunities.Chapters:10:00 - The Secret Ingredients to the Perfect Negroni22:00 - How Jason Builds Community Through Hospitality40:00 - Serving Saigon's Diverse Clientele: Expats and Vietnamese Elites58:00 - Growing Up Australian-Vietnamese: Jason's Cultural Journey01:02:00 - Why Vietnam is a Land of Opportunity for Viet Kieu and Entrepreneurs"Send me a message!"Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. The full list of winners is here. Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

We are privileged to welcome Le Ly Hayslip, whose memoir, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places, was the first to bring the story of a former Viet Cong and Vietnam refugee to American readers. Oliver Stone later made the book into a major motion picture starring Tommy Lee Jones. Ms. Hayslip is the founder of the East Meets West Foundation, now known as Thrive Networks. Her story is one of unimaginable trauma somehow matched by powerful resilience and a will to thrive. She was born in poverty in a village near Da Nang as the First Indochina War neared it height. What Americans call the Vietnam War followed, and her village became a frontline for the conflict between the Viet Cong and South Vietnamese government forces, backed by the United States. As a teenager, Le Ly joined the Viet Cong, primarily as a result of her village's political leanings and the influence they held over the area. Her role involved basic support tasks such as cooking and transporting supplies, but she also set booby traps and planted mines. She was arrested and tortured by South Vietnamese forces, who suspected her of espionage for the Viet Cong. This experience was traumatizing, and after her release, she faced suspicion from the Viet Cong as well, who questioned her loyalty. The double scrutiny and resulting abuses left her isolated and vulnerable. To escape the violence and constant threat of harm, Le Ly left her village and found work in Da Nang, where she encountered new struggles. She took on various jobs to survive–many of them illegal–and became involved with American soldiers, which brought a degree of financial stability but exposed her to new risks. In the early 1970s, Le Ly met Ed Munro, an American civilian contractor who eventually became her husband. Their relationship offered her a way out of Vietnam, and she emigrated to the United States with him. Upon arrival, Le Ly faced a new set of challenges: culture shock, language barriers, and the struggle to adapt to an entirely different way of life. Although safe from the violence of war, she was haunted by the trauma of her past and had to navigate the demands of her new life as a mother and immigrant. After settling in the United States, Le Ly worked a variety of jobs to support herself and her children. Though she and Munro eventually divorced, Le Ly persevered, working to provide for her family and find stability. Her journey gave her a unique perspective on both Vietnamese and American cultures, and over time, she began to process her experiences by writing her memoir, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places, published in 1989. In it, she shared her personal account of life during the Vietnam War, her family's struggles, and her journey to America. Her story offered an intimate view of the human cost of war, aiming to bridge understanding between Americans and Vietnamese. Le Ly's memoir caught the attention of American film director Oliver Stone, who was moved by her story and its focus on the impact of war on civilians, especially women. Stone had already explored the Vietnam War from an American perspective in Platoon and Born on the Fourth of July. With Heaven and Earth, released in 1993, he completed his Vietnam War trilogy, this time focusing on the Vietnamese experience. The film, adapted from Le Ly's memoirs When Heaven and Earth Changed Places and Child of War, Woman of Peace, follows her journey from Vietnam to America, highlighting her experiences with violence, survival, and resilience. Beyond her writing, Le Ly became a humanitarian and advocate for peace and reconciliation. In 1988, she founded the East Meets West Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving relations between Vietnam and the United States and aiding Vietnamese communities in need. The foundation has supported various projects, including medical assistance, educational programs, and infrastructure development, helping Vietnamese people affected by the war rebuild their lives. Through her humanitarian work, Le Ly sought to bridge the gap between her two worlds, fostering understanding and healing across cultures. Le Ly Hayslip's life story reflects the complexities of war, survival, and adaptation. Her work as an author, film collaborator, and humanitarian has contributed to greater awareness of the Vietnam War's impact on civilians and helped foster cross-cultural understanding. Through her story and her efforts, she has become a powerful advocate for peace and a testament to resilience amid the devastation of war. We're grateful to UPMC for Life and Tobacco Free Adagio Health for sponsoring this event!

"Send me a message!"Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance.Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

“Vietnamese culture values relationships deeply; we believe in kindness as a way of life, not a strategy.” - Jessie NguyenJoin Niall Mackay as he interviews Jessie Nguyen, a marketing manager at NFQ, about the rapidly changing image of Vietnam. In this episode of A Vietnam Podcast, Jessie sheds light on Vietnam's rising generation, the power of Gen Z, and their role in reshaping the country's global identity. From her move from rural Northern Vietnam to Saigon's bustling tech scene, Jessie shares her personal experiences and unique insights into the evolution of Vietnam's culture, economy, and tech landscape.With a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience, this episode explores how young Vietnamese are redefining workplace culture, blending Western influences with traditional values, and moving away from war-torn stereotypes. Discover why Vietnam is becoming an emerging hub for technology and sustainability, and what makes the Vietnamese workforce so unique in Southeast Asia.If you're interested in Vietnamese culture, Gen Z empowerment, and the country's transformative journey, don't miss this inspiring conversation.Key Takeaways:Gen Z and Self-Empowerment in Vietnam – How young Vietnamese are prioritizing authenticity, collaboration, and purpose in the workplace, breaking traditional hierarchy.Vietnam's Image Evolution – Jessie discusses Vietnam's shift from historical stereotypes to a modern identity focused on progress and innovation.The Entrepreneurial Spirit of Vietnam – Discover how entrepreneurship is embedded in Vietnamese culture and key to the nation's rapid economic growth.Embracing Technology and Sustainability – How Vietnam is progressing toward a sustainable, tech-forward economy, led by Gen Z and local businesses.Balancing Global Influence with Local Identity – Gen Z is blending Western influences with Vietnamese traditions, creating a unique and dynamic cultural identity.Chapters & Timestamps:03:00 – Gen Z: Vietnam's New Generation Redefining Work08:00 – Vietnam's Growing Economic Landscape15:00 – Moving Away from War Stereotypes19:00 – Embracing Innovation, Technology, and Sustainability25:00 – Global Influences and Personal Branding in Vietnam30:00 – Vietnam's Unique Workforce in Southeast Asia42:00 – A Vision for a Sustainable Future in Vietnam"Send me a message!"Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. The full list of winners is here. Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây.Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

"We're taught in the U.S. that we are the pillars of the world. But living abroad, you realize how untrue that is." – JamesNiall Mackay, Adrie, Mischa, James, Will and Shelly gather at East West Brewing Company to celebrate Vietnam Women's Day and reflect on what it means to live as expats in Vietnam. The conversation weaves through cultural observations, from the special significance of Vietnam Women's Day to the complexities of being an American living abroad. They dive into personal stories about embracing new cultural perspectives, the quirks of expat life, and the unique charm of Vietnam that makes it feel like home. With plenty of laughs, unexpected debates, and a bit of free-flowing beer, this episode captures the essence of Saigon's expat community while offering thoughtful reflections on life, freedom, and the challenges of living between worlds.Key Takeaways:The Appeal of Vietnam for Expats: "The American dream doesn't exist in America, it exists in Vietnam," says James, as they discuss how Vietnam offers a unique sense of freedom and opportunity for foreigners.The History of Vietnam Women's Day: A discussion on the origins of Vietnam Women's Day and how it commemorates the sacrifices of women in Vietnamese history.The Double-Edged Sword of American Identity Abroad: James shares stories of pretending to be Canadian while traveling, reflecting on the global perception of Americans.Reflections on Gun Culture in America: A candid conversation about the gun culture in the U.S., personal stories of mass shootings, and how life abroad changes perspectives on safety and freedom."Send me a message!"Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today! Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. The full list of winners is here. Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

"All tortoises are turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises—just like not all who wander are lost."Niall Mackay sits down with James Hunt, an American expat in Vietnam known for his restaurant ventures like Brick and Barrel and Big Boss Bistro. However, James's story extends far beyond the world of fried chicken and culinary pursuits. He delves into his passion for wildlife photography, which initially drew him to Vietnam, and how it eventually led him to explore and document some of the country's rarest creatures, including King Cobras and critically endangered species like pangolins.James also shares the challenges and joys of navigating Vietnam's stunning landscapes, from the rich biodiversity of Cat Tien National Park to remote, unexplored regions along the Laos border. Together, Niall and James discuss the growing awareness of conservation in Vietnam, touching on how recent government policies and grassroots efforts are making a difference. It's a conversation about adventure, discovery, and the importance of preserving Vietnam's natural beauty.Takeaways:Unexpected Journey to Vietnam: James recounts how his initial visit to Vietnam as a photography enthusiast led to an unplanned, long-term stay in a country that captured his heart.Vietnam's Hidden Wildlife: Learn about Vietnam's lesser-known wildlife, including the elusive parakeets and flying squirrels that inhabit even the urban areas of Saigon.Conservation Success Stories: James shares how Vietnam's government has made strides in conservation, cracking down on illegal wildlife trade and supporting educational initiatives.Exploring Cat Tien National Park: Insight into the changes and improvements at Cat Tien National Park, and why it's a must-visit for nature lovers looking to experience Vietnam's biodiversity.The Fight Against Wildlife Poaching: Discusses the illegal trade of animal parts like bear bile and pangolin scales, and the role of organizations like ENV and Save Vietnam's Wildlife in combating these issues.Chapters and Timestamps:02:00 - Meeting James Hunt: From Fried Chicken to Photography05:30 - How Vietnam Became Home for James10:15 - Opening Restaurants During COVID: Big Boss Bistro and Brick and Barrel14:20 - The Hidden Wildlife of Vietnam: Snakes"Send me a message!"Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today! Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. The full list of winners is here. Support the showThis show is produced by Seven Million Bikes Podcasts.If you would like to work with them too check out their website!

In Vietnam, they love Americans—even with all the history.Niall Mackay sits down with Tyler, an American expat and bar owner in Saigon, who shares his colorful experiences adjusting to life in Vietnam and the journey that led him there. From his early days pretending to be Canadian in Australia to avoid stereotypes, to his later years in Vietnam navigating the complexities of cross-cultural living, Tyler provides a blend of humor and insight into the expatriate life.The conversation touches on Tyler's decision to give up drinking while still running a bar and the unexpected challenges this brings in an industry where camaraderie often involves sharing a drink. He reflects on cultural differences, like Vietnam's forgiving attitude toward Americans despite past conflicts, and contrasts his life in Saigon with his experiences in the U.S. The episode is both lighthearted and thought-provoking, providing listeners with a unique perspective on expatriate life in Southeast Asia.Key Takeaways:Pretending to Be Canadian – Tyler shares why he initially hid his American identity abroad.Navigating Sobriety in the Bar Scene – The challenges and growth he's experienced as a sober bar owner.American Perceptions in Vietnam  – Tyler's surprise at Vietnamese people's positive view of America.Living Locally in Saigon – How Tyler's lifestyle in Vietnam differs dramatically from his life in the U.S.Advice for Americans Coming to Vietnam – Tyler's top tips for Americans thinking of moving to Vietnam.Chapters:01:00 - Debating Free Flow Alcohol02:00 - Reflections on Drinking Habits05:00 - Cultural Adjustments in Vietnam06:00 - Experiences in Australia as 'Captain Canada'10:00 - Perceptions of America Abroad14:00 - Living Locally in Vietnam16:00 - Cultural Differences and Adjustments17:00 - Driving and Traffic Experiences19:00 - Advice for Americans Moving to Vietnam"Send me a message!"Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. The full list of winners is here. Support the show

"The best part of Vietnam isn't just the stunning landscapes—it's the people, whose kindness and generosity leave a lasting impact." – Thao NguyenNiall Mackay welcomes Thao Nguyen, a passionate advocate for Vietnam's culture, history, and the genuine connections that make the country special. Thao, who hails from the Mekong Delta and has over nine years of experience in the tourism industry, shares her journey from studying business administration to starting her own tour company. She emphasizes the importance of providing authentic experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions, helping visitors connect deeply with Vietnam's culture and people.Together, Niall and Thao explore the rapid changes Vietnam has undergone over the past few decades, as well as the unique cultural values that continue to thrive despite modernization. Thao talks about the joy of sharing her country's traditions through personal stories, fostering a sense of belonging among her tour guests. The episode also delves into her charitable efforts, including creating opportunities for local Vietnamese to practice English with foreigners and supporting underprivileged communities.Key Takeaways:Thao shares the importance of authentic storytelling in tourism: "We share Vietnam's culture not through books, but through our own stories and experiences."Vietnamese kindness and generosity: Even those with little are willing to help others, a reflection of the country's Buddhist values.The role of karma in Vietnamese culture helps create a positive, non-confrontational attitude, even in chaotic situations like traffic.Thao's unique approach to tourism focuses on connecting travelers with hidden gems and non-tourist destinations, fostering real cultural exchange.Thao's commitment to giving back: "Sometimes helping others is a way for us to grow and become better people."Chapters and Timestamps:02:00 -Thao's Background: Growing up in the Mekong Delta and discovering her passion for tourism.05:00 - Rapid Change and Modernization in Vietnam12:00 - The Heart of Vietnamese Culture: Kindness, generosity, and the influence of Buddhism.16:00 - Navigating Vietnam's Traffic: The surprising calm in the chaos.22:00 - Creating Meaningful Connections through Tourism: Thao's unique approach to tours.25:00 - Giving Back to the Community: Thao's charity work and English clubs.31:00 - Challenging Stereotypes: Understanding poverty, tourism, and genuine help.35:00 - Reflections on Giving and Rece"Send me a message!"Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today! Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. The full list of winners is here. Support the show

“The air in Hanoi was so polluted that some days, we couldn't even see the mountains. Then COVID hit, and suddenly we had blue skies.”In this episode of The Saigon Sunday Sessions, Niall Mackay dives deep into the age-old debate between Vietnam's two major cities: Saigon and Hanoi. Joined by guests Paul Villanova and Krista Bernard with Adrie Lopez Mackay, they explore their personal experiences living in both cities, sharing everything from lifestyle differences to humorous anecdotes about motorbike adventures and the impact of pollution on daily life.Key Highlights:1.Moving from Hanoi to Saigon: Krista reflects on the decision to move from Hanoi after five years, citing job opportunities and life circumstances that led the couple to embrace Saigon's vibrancy.2.Cultural Differences: The group discusses the contrasting personalities of the two cities, with Hanoi's slower-paced, community-centered life versus the fast-paced, cosmopolitan vibe of Saigon.3.Traffic Chaos: The panel shares their often-comical motorbike experiences, navigating the chaotic traffic of both cities, and Krista describes her journey of learning to ride in Vietnam's unpredictable streets.4.Pollution Concerns: Air quality is a significant topic, with the guests comparing the smog-filled skies of Hanoi to the relatively clearer air in Saigon, particularly after COVID lockdowns.5.Bia Hoi Culture: A quintessential part of Hanoi life, the discussion highlights the local tradition of Bia Hoi, inexpensive fresh beer that fosters community gatherings in Hanoi, and the noticeable absence of this in Saigon's upscale bar scene.Episode Breakdown:[00:01:00] Moving from Hanoi to Saigon: Paul and Krista's story[00:07:00] Motorbike Adventures: Learning to ride in Vietnam[00:11:00] Cultural Differences between the North and South[00:18:00] Air Pollution: Living with the haze in Hanoi and Saigon[00:26:00] Bia Hoi vs. Saigon's bar scene: Social life in both cities"Send me a message!"Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today! Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned podcaster, or anyone in between, Fiverr has got you cSupport the show

"It's not about defying my family—it's about choosing a life that fits who I am."Niall Mackay sits down with Thinh Dang, a young personal trainer from Vietnam with a fascinating story. Thinh shares his journey from growing up in Dak Lak, moving to Da Nang for education, and ultimately ending up in Saigon, where he has built a successful career as a personal trainer—despite his family's traditional expectations for him to follow a more conventional career path.Thinh reveals how his family worked tirelessly to provide him and his siblings with better educational opportunities. Despite the pressure to conform to the typical expectations of a stable office job, Thinh followed his passion for fitness, which has not only given him personal fulfillment but also allowed him to carve out a successful business. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the crossroads between family expectations and personal dreams.Key Takeaways:Growing Up in Dak Lak - Thinh describes the tough environment of his hometown, highlighting the poor education system and his family's struggles with work.The Importance of Education in Vietnamese Culture - Thinh's parents sacrificed a lot to ensure their children had better educational opportunities in the city of Da Nang.Breaking Free from Family Expectations - Despite graduating with a business degree, Thinh chose to follow his passion for fitness and became a personal trainer.The Cultural Clash of Career Choices - Thinh shares how difficult it was to tell his traditional family that he wasn't pursuing a stable, conventional career.Building a Fitness Business in Saigon - Thinh's vision for the future includes scaling his personal training business by mentoring other trainers and eventually opening his own gym."Send me a message!"Episode Sponsors:7 Bridges Brewing Co. - An award winning Vietnamese craft brewery from Da Nang, with breweries across Vietnam!Tenzing Pacific - I highly recommend them for their professional advice related to personal, family, and business insurance. Make the best podcast possible! Listen to Smarter Podcasting today! Become a Bắp Xào Đâyer in our community on Patreon and become part of something special.You can choose a Cà phê sữa đá, Bánh mì, Cơm tấm, Bún Thịt Nướng or the ultimate level, a Bắp Xào Đây. The full list of winners is here. Need a stunning new logo for your brand? Or maybe a short animation?Whatever you need, you can find it on Fiverr.I've been using Fiverr for years for everything from ordering YouTube thumbnails, translation services, keyword research, writing SEO articles to Canva designs and more!Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned podcaster, or anyone in between, Fiverr has got you cSupport the show