Podcasts about Da Nang

Thursday - Rauce Padgett is in while Deb is off. We take a test that determines if you will die in the next ten years, and we don't like the results. Date Night Guide with Dani Meyering with date night ideas like DJ parties in a coffeehouses, The Good Pour combines with Simply Cheese at new location, The Make Fest at the OSC, an Aqua-social at Center Street and a Grown-Up Book Fair in Horizon West. Attorney Glenn Klausman with the Case of Adding Comp insurance for Hurricane Season for Colbert Court. Plus, JCS News, JCS Trivia & You Heard it Here First.

VIII A lo largo de la historia, miles de soldados han sido testigos de lo inexplicable en medio del horror de la guerra. Fantasmas y Militares, rescatamos esos relatos olvidados, a veces silenciados, donde lo sobrenatural aparece justo cuando la muerte acecha. Desde las trincheras de la Primera Guerra Mundial hasta la jungla vietnamita, desde las aguas del Atlántico hasta los cielos de Europa, dramatización de historias reales: desapariciones, apariciones, objetos voladores, criaturas imposibles y testimonios que desafían toda lógica. Cada episodio une historia militar con fenómenos paranormales documentados. Aquí no encontrarás ficción, sino voces que regresan del frente con verdades que nadie quiso escuchar. En cada campo de batalla, más allá del estruendo de las bombas y las órdenes gritadas al viento, hay historias que no figuran en los partes oficiales. Testimonios sellados por el silencio, por el miedo… o por lo imposible. Este podcast rescata esos relatos, donde lo sobrenatural se entrelaza con la guerra. En las oscuras junglas de Vietnam, en agosto de 1969, tres marines estadounidenses patrullaban el perímetro de su campamento en Da Nang, cuando una figura alada surgió entre los árboles. No era un helicóptero. No era el Vietcong. Aquello parecía salido de una pesadilla. Viajaremos también a Ypres, en Bélgica, en plena Primera Guerra Mundial, donde un soldado, agazapado en la trinchera, dijo haber visto a su madre entre el humo del gas mostaza. No gritaba. Solo miraba. En los Países Bajos, a finales de 1585, un destacamento de los Tercios españoles fue rodeado por las aguas al ser inundada la isla de Bommel. El enemigo creía tenerlos atrapados. Pero durante la noche, un soldado encontró algo bajo tierra… a partir de ese momento, la historia cambió. En la batalla de Agincourt, en 1415, se cuenta que una niebla espesa descendió sobre el campo francés. Entre las sombras, algunos juraron ver figuras con arcos medievales, vestidas como en los tiempos de las cruzadas. Arqueros sin cuerda. Flechas que no mataban… pero paralizaban. Siglos después, durante la Primera Guerra Mundial, en el frente de Mons, soldados británicos dijeron ver aquellas mismas figuras cruzando entre el humo y el barro. ¿Fue solo propaganda o realmente regresaron? En la Segunda Guerra Mundial, un enorme B-17, bombardero estadounidense, descendió sobre territorio aliado. Sus motores funcionaban. Su tren de aterrizaje estaba desplegado. Pero ocurrió algo que no tiene sentido. También conocerás el caso del submarino UB-85, interceptado en abril de 1918 por un buque británico en el Mar del Norte. La tripulación alemana se lanzó al mar, desesperada. Cuando fueron interrogados, dijeron que algo había emergido del océano la noche anterior… En Gallípoli, 1915, durante la campaña del Dardanelos, un batallón británico marchó hacia una formación extraña, una nube densa en tierra firme. 250 soldados entraron Observadores neozelandeses los vieron desaparecer. Ninguno regresó. Estos no son cuentos populares ni mitos de taberna. Son testimonios reales, firmados por hombres que juraron decir la verdad. Fechas precisas. Lugares concretos. Voces que regresan desde las sombras de la guerra. Porque cuando la guerra abre las puertas del más allá… no todos los fantasmas vienen del pasado. Prepárate para marchar entre soldados... y entre fantasmas. HAZTE MECENAS, no dejes que La Biblioteca, cierre Nunca sus Puertas… Sigamos sumando en LLDLL, SUSCRIBETE en IVOOX y comparte. GRATITUD ESPECIAL: Siempre a los MECENAS. Sin ustedes… esto no sería posible. SUSCRIBETE AL CANAL DE TELEGRAM: https://t.me/LaLamadaDeLaLuna PUEDES VER ALGUNOS VIDEOS DE LLDLL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEOtdbbriLqUfBtjs_wtEHw Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

VIII A lo largo de la historia, miles de soldados han sido testigos de lo inexplicable en medio del horror de la guerra. Fantasmas y Militares, rescatamos esos relatos olvidados, a veces silenciados, donde lo sobrenatural aparece justo cuando la muerte acecha. Desde las trincheras de la Primera Guerra Mundial hasta la jungla vietnamita, desde las aguas del Atlántico hasta los cielos de Europa, dramatización de historias reales: desapariciones, apariciones, objetos voladores, criaturas imposibles y testimonios que desafían toda lógica. Cada episodio une historia militar con fenómenos paranormales documentados. Aquí no encontrarás ficción, sino voces que regresan del frente con verdades que nadie quiso escuchar. En cada campo de batalla, más allá del estruendo de las bombas y las órdenes gritadas al viento, hay historias que no figuran en los partes oficiales. Testimonios sellados por el silencio, por el miedo… o por lo imposible. Este podcast rescata esos relatos, donde lo sobrenatural se entrelaza con la guerra. En las oscuras junglas de Vietnam, en agosto de 1969, tres marines estadounidenses patrullaban el perímetro de su campamento en Da Nang, cuando una figura alada surgió entre los árboles. No era un helicóptero. No era el Vietcong. Aquello parecía salido de una pesadilla. Viajaremos también a Ypres, en Bélgica, en plena Primera Guerra Mundial, donde un soldado, agazapado en la trinchera, dijo haber visto a su madre entre el humo del gas mostaza. No gritaba. Solo miraba. En los Países Bajos, a finales de 1585, un destacamento de los Tercios españoles fue rodeado por las aguas al ser inundada la isla de Bommel. El enemigo creía tenerlos atrapados. Pero durante la noche, un soldado encontró algo bajo tierra… a partir de ese momento, la historia cambió. En la batalla de Agincourt, en 1415, se cuenta que una niebla espesa descendió sobre el campo francés. Entre las sombras, algunos juraron ver figuras con arcos medievales, vestidas como en los tiempos de las cruzadas. Arqueros sin cuerda. Flechas que no mataban… pero paralizaban. Siglos después, durante la Primera Guerra Mundial, en el frente de Mons, soldados británicos dijeron ver aquellas mismas figuras cruzando entre el humo y el barro. ¿Fue solo propaganda o realmente regresaron? En la Segunda Guerra Mundial, un enorme B-17, bombardero estadounidense, descendió sobre territorio aliado. Sus motores funcionaban. Su tren de aterrizaje estaba desplegado. Pero ocurrió algo que no tiene sentido. También conocerás el caso del submarino UB-85, interceptado en abril de 1918 por un buque británico en el Mar del Norte. La tripulación alemana se lanzó al mar, desesperada. Cuando fueron interrogados, dijeron que algo había emergido del océano la noche anterior… En Gallípoli, 1915, durante la campaña del Dardanelos, un batallón británico marchó hacia una formación extraña, una nube densa en tierra firme. 250 soldados entraron Observadores neozelandeses los vieron desaparecer. Ninguno regresó. Estos no son cuentos populares ni mitos de taberna. Son testimonios reales, firmados por hombres que juraron decir la verdad. Fechas precisas. Lugares concretos. Voces que regresan desde las sombras de la guerra. Porque cuando la guerra abre las puertas del más allá… no todos los fantasmas vienen del pasado. Prepárate para marchar entre soldados... y entre fantasmas. HAZTE MECENAS, no dejes que La Biblioteca, cierre Nunca sus Puertas… Sigamos sumando en LLDLL, SUSCRIBETE en IVOOX y comparte. GRATITUD ESPECIAL: Siempre a los MECENAS. Sin ustedes… esto no sería posible. SUSCRIBETE AL CANAL DE TELEGRAM: https://t.me/LaLamadaDeLaLuna PUEDES VER ALGUNOS VIDEOS DE LLDLL: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEOtdbbriLqUfBtjs_wtEHw

Jim Hawes, a Navy SEAL and CIA paramilitary officer, whose covert maritime missions in the 1960s helped shape the early fight against communism in Vietnam and Africa.In 1964, Jim became the first SEAL Team 2 officer permanently assigned to MACV-SOG in Vietnam, where he led maritime operations into North Vietnam - operations initially run by the CIA and unknown to most outside a tight circle of operatives. From a remote base outside Da Nang, Jim conducted coastal raids and intelligence-gathering missions behind enemy lines. These formative missions, including involvement in what was to become known as the Gulf of Tonkin incident, laid the groundwork for the Navy's involvement in the larger SOG effort. Following Vietnam, Jim brought his maritime expertise to Africa, joining the CIA's paramilitary ranks during the height of the Cold War. On Lake Tanganyika, he helped run one of the most successful clandestine operations in Agency history - intercepting weapons, disrupting communist movements, and tracking Che Guevara's insurgency in the Congo.Jim is the author of Cold War Navy SEAL: My Story of Che Guevara, War in the Congo, and the Communist Threat in Africa. Today, six decades after BUD/S, he lives in Africa - now telling the stories that shaped a generation.FOLLOW JACKInstagram: @JackCarrUSA X:  @JackCarrUSAFacebook:  @JackCarr YouTube:  @JackCarrUSASPONSORSCRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/cry-havoc/Bravo Company Manufacturing - BCM Stock MOD3:https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-stock-mod-3-black/  and on Instagram @BravoCompanyUSATHE SIGs of Jack Carr:Visit https://www.sigsauer.com/ and on Instagram @sigsauerinc Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here https://jackcarr.co/gear 

John Hamilton, director of marketing for the Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Viet Nam, talks with Jennifer Lutz of Insider Travel Report about how the resort integrates sustainability into its luxury experience, from rainforest conservation and endangered monkey protection to energy-saving design and community education. Hamilton discusses the property's architecture inspired by Vietnamese heritage, a Michelin-starred dining program, wellness offerings and the importance of creating a peaceful, immersive escape. For more information, visit www.danang.intercontinental.com.  All our Insider Travel Report video interviews are archived and available on our Youtube channel  (youtube.com/insidertravelreport), and as podcasts with the same title on: Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, PlayerFM, Listen Notes, Podchaser, TuneIn + Alexa, Podbean,  iHeartRadio,  Google, Amazon Music/Audible, Deezer, Podcast Addict, and iTunes Apple Podcasts, which supports Overcast, Pocket Cast, Castro and Castbox.  

After the Marines left, we turned their base into our own, setting up an aid station to care for our soldiers. From organizing the pharmacy to handling a fainting soldier during a blood draw, to a long day of conducting malaria tests in the field, these anecdotes capture the humor, challenges, and lessons of military life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit clintmorey.substack.com

Crónica de viaje: David Monteagudo recorre el corazón de Vietnam entre historia imperial, playas y farolillos David Monteagudo nos relata su paso por el centro de Vietnam, una de las zonas más ricas cultural y paisajísticamente del país asiático, al que viajó hace apenas unas semanas. En esta etapa de su viaje, David sobrevoló en apenas 90 minutos el trayecto Hanoi – Hué, que por carretera supondría 24 horas, para adentrarse en una experiencia que combinó historia, espiritualidad, modernidad y belleza natural. Hué, la joya imperial Primera parada: Hué, la que fuera capital imperial de Vietnam durante más de 150 años (1802–1945). Aunque muchos vestigios de aquella época fueron destruidos durante la guerra con Estados Unidos, aún es posible visitar la imponente ciudadela imperial, así como las majestuosas tumbas de emperadores como Khai Dinh, Minh Mang o Tu Duc. La Pagoda de Thien Mu, también conocida como la Pagoda de la Dama Celestial, es el símbolo espiritual de la ciudad y uno de sus lugares más fotografiados. Da Nang, entre lo moderno y lo místico La siguiente parada fue Da Nang, una ciudad costera de más de 1,5 millones de habitantes que vive un auténtico boom turístico y hotelero. Entre sus imprescindibles, destaca la Montaña de Mármol, con sus cuevas sagradas repletas de templos hinduistas y budistas. David también recorrió el ya icónico Puente Dorado, sostenido por dos gigantescas manos de piedra, ubicado en un parque temático inspirado en la campiña francesa. Y como broche nocturno, fue testigo del espectáculo de fuego y agua del Puente del Dragón, todos los fines de semana a las 21 h. Otro lugar curioso: el Templo Caodaista, una singular religión creada en los años 20 que venera a figuras como Jesús, Mahoma, Lenin o Víctor Hugo.

Honoring Sacrifice: Veterans Reflect on Their Service and the Meaning of Memorial Day.  This poignant discussion on Memorial Day with two distinguished Vietnam War veterans, Vincent (U.S. Navy) and Steve (U.S. Air Force). They share their personal enlistment stories, experiences in Vietnam, and the profound significance of Memorial Day. Vincent and Steve reflect on the sacrifices of fallen comrades, the importance of educating younger generations about patriotism, and the camaraderie that helped them through tough times. The episode underscores the need to honor and remember those who served, particularly through community events like the Grayslake Memorial Day Parade. Honoring the Sacrifice: A Deep Dive into Memorial Day with Vietnam Veterans In this special episode of "Discovering Grayslake," we delve into the profound significance of Memorial Day through the eyes of two distinguished Vietnam War veterans, Vincent Mark Taranto and Steve MacInnis. Hosted by Speaker 1, this episode offers a heartfelt exploration of the personal experiences, reflections, and insights of these veterans, shedding light on the true meaning of Memorial Day.  Understanding Memorial Day: More Than Just a Day Off The True Meaning of Memorial Day Speaker 1 opens the discussion by emphasizing that Memorial Day is not just a day for barbecues and leisure but a solemn occasion to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Vincent Mark Taranto (Speaker 2) underscores this by highlighting the importance of educating others about the distinction between Memorial Day and other patriotic holidays like Independence Day. He stresses that saying "Happy Memorial Day" misses the point, as the day is meant to honor those who are no longer with us. Personal Reflections on Service and Sacrifice Vincent shares his poignant experiences from his time in Vietnam, reflecting on the young lives lost during the war. He recalls the emotional weight of seeing caskets draped in flags and the impact of losing friends in combat. One particularly moving story involves his college roommate, Michael D. Oliver, a lance corporal in the Marine Corps, whose obituary he heard on the Armed Forces Radio. This moment prompted him to pay tribute to Michael during a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, capturing a powerful photograph pointing at Michael's name on the wall. Steve MacInnis (Speaker 3) adds to this by sharing his own experiences of returning home from Vietnam and the lack of support and understanding from society. He describes how he and other veterans were met with hostility and indifference, leading to feelings of isolation and frustration. The Journey to Enlistment: Different Paths, Same Destination Vincent's Story Vincent recounts his decision to enlist in the U.S. Navy after realizing he would likely be drafted. He chose the Navy based on the uniforms and enlisted on November 17, 1965, going active in January 1966. His journey took him to various locations, including the Philippines and Danang, where he worked with the Marines and experienced the intense atmosphere of a combat zone. Steve's Story Steve's path to enlistment was different. After a year at Oregon State University, he decided to enlist in the Air Force to avoid being drafted into the Army. Despite trying to avoid the physical exam, he ended up passing and joined the Air Force, eventually serving in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. His entry into Vietnam was marked by a sobering realization as he witnessed the return of bodies from the war, a stark reminder of the reality of combat. Camaraderie and Humor: Coping Mechanisms in Difficult Times Building Bonds Both veterans emphasize the importance of camaraderie in coping with the challenges of military service. Steve recalls playing softball after shifts and engaging in social activities to unwind and support each other. Vincent agrees, highlighting how they looked out for one another regardless of their backgrounds, forming strong bonds that helped them through tough times. Moments of Humor Humor also played a crucial role in maintaining morale. The veterans share anecdotes of light-hearted moments that provided much-needed relief from the stress of combat. These moments of levity were essential in fostering a sense of unity and resilience among the troops. Honoring the Fallen: Personal Tributes and Community Involvement Remembering Friends Both veterans share stories of specific individuals they honor on Memorial Day. Vincent remembers his close friend, James Edward Hays, a chopper pilot who lost his life in Vietnam. He recalls the profound honor of being a pallbearer at James's funeral. Steve reflects on the importance of remembering those who served bravely and the impact they had on their lives. Community Events The discussion highlights the significance of community events in honoring the fallen. The Grayslake Memorial Day Parade is mentioned as a key event that brings the community together to pay tribute to veterans. Zoe (Speaker 4) describes how the parade culminates in a ceremony at Memorial Park, where the names of local veterans who lost their lives are read aloud, serving as a poignant reminder of their sacrifices. Educating Future Generations: Instilling Patriotism and Respect The Role of Veterans Both Vincent and Steve emphasize the importance of educating younger generations about the values of patriotism and service. Vincent shares his experiences speaking to youth about the realities of military service, urging them to appreciate the sacrifices made by veterans throughout history. Steve highlights the need for veterans to share their stories to provide a more accurate understanding of what Memorial Day represents. Engaging the Community The veterans encourage listeners to participate in local events, such as parades and memorial services, to honor fallen soldiers. They also suggest simple acts of kindness, such as displaying flags and memorials in their yards, to remind the community of the sacrifices made by veterans. Conclusion: A Message of Hope and Resilience As the episode draws to a close, the host thanks the veterans for their service and encourages listeners to engage in acts of kindness, particularly towards veterans. He challenges everyone to show appreciation for those who have served, whether through a simple thank you or by participating in community events that honor their sacrifices. This episode of "Discovering Grayslake" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of Memorial Day and the need to honor the sacrifices of veterans. Through their personal stories, Vincent and Steve shed light on the challenges faced by veterans and the need for society to recognize and support them. By educating future generations and participating in community events, we can ensure that the memories of fallen soldiers are kept alive and inspire pride in our nation.

"So those bastards bumped the bridge down so that nobody could use it, and the locals got pissed off at that 'cause they enjoyed having a bridge. So they rebuilt it."This trip was one of the most fun and immersive ones we've recorded so far. Pai has this laid-back charm and unexpected beauty that really took us by surprise.Adrie and I take you along as we explore some of Pai's must-see spots — and wow, what a day. We started with the National Park Hot Springs, where the water gets hot enough to boil eggs (or a human, seriously). Then we checked out the WWII Memorial Bridge (Nara Bridge), which has a surprisingly cool history behind it. After that, we made our way across the Bamboo Bridge, a nearly 1-kilometer-long structure built for the ‘Gram, complete with swings, hearts, and even a ladder to nowhere. Finally, we wrapped things up at the breathtaking — and slightly terrifying — Pai Canyon for sunset. It was beautiful, hilarious, a bit slippery, and definitely memorable. If you're heading to Pai or just want to know what it's really like, this one's for you.Key TakeawaysPai Hot Springs are natural and beautiful, but can be dangerous — always check temperatures and wear grippy shoes.Respect local customs — the hot springs are used by locals, so be clean and mindful (no peeing, no weed, no booze!).Tha Pai Memorial Bridge has a rich WWII history — rebuilt multiple times and now a perfect selfie stop.Bamboo Bridge is a modern tourist gem, filled with photo ops — hearts, swings, and “ladder to nowhere” included.Pai Canyon offers stunning views, but be prepared for narrow paths, sheer drops, and zero handrails — not for the faint-hearted.Chapters & Timestamps[00:02:00] Cultural Tips + Slippery Rocks Lo"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

Physical signs of stress and high cortisol (puffy face, weight gain, fertility issues, menstrual issues, bloating, hair loss, acne…)“Healthy habits” that are secretly adding more stress on the female body Hidden stressors in your daily habits and environmentHow your  “stress bucket” load will affect your tolerability to stress and how you will be impacted by stressOur world nowadays is toxic and overly stressful, so what can we do?What does a stressful diet look like?Lifestyle habits and practices that will help you to decrease cortisol levelsWhat is anxiety? Why does it show up?What does inner work look like and how to get to the root causes to anxietyAnita Oh is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner with over 8 years of experience supporting clients around the world. She brings both passion and knowledge of orthomolecular medicine and herbal medicine with an innate gift for inspiring, empowering, and educating others on their journey to holistic wellness. She advocates for greater well-being and graceful longevity through a balanced approach that integrates holistic nutrition, intentional movement, and mindfulness practices.In addition to her work as a Life Coach, Anita is the founder of the GLOW Mastermind Community and the visionary behind the Women's Entrepreneurship & Empowerment Workshops in Da Nang, Vietnam.Her work blends soulful leadership with practical tools to help women heal, rise, and lead with clarity and purpose.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehealthyasianInstagram: https://instagram.com/the.healthy.asianGLOW Mastermind Community: https://thehealthyasian.carrd.coBook an appointment: https://calendly.com/thehealthyasian/30minEmail: thehealthyasian@gmail.comCONNECT WITH LAURENCE:Follow me at ⁠@laurence.annez⁠ on Instagram for more updates and inspiring content..SUPPORT THE SHOW:Help me reach more people by subscribing, rating, and reviewing on Apple Podcasts. I hope you loved this episode! If you did, take a screenshot, share to your IG stories and tag me ⁠@laurence.annez⁠ so I can share you!

"I think the Scottish accent's been voted one of the sexiest, but it's also, some of them, one of the most disgusting" - CraigThis bonus episode was a hilarious trip down memory lane. Craig and I just let loose with our Scottish accents, sharing stories about growing up in Glasgow that we've never really talked about on the main show. The cultural differences, the misunderstandings with Americans, and the unique character of Glasgow compared to the rest of Scotland - it all came pouring out in our natural voices. I think listeners will get a real kick out of hearing us in our element, not holding back on the Scottish slang and experiences that shaped us before we moved abroad. It's raw, it's authentic, and it's Glasgow through and through.What's fascinating is how our identities are still so tied to Scotland even though we've both been away for decades. The way we slip in and out of our accents, the experiences that only make sense to other Scots - it's like carrying a piece of home with you that never quite fades, even when you have no plans to move back. This episode really captures that weird space of being proudly Scottish while also acknowledging why we chose to build our lives elsewhere.Key Takeaways: - The difficulties of being understood with a Scottish accent in America and how Niall had to adapt his speech to be understood- How Americans have particular difficulty understanding Scottish accents, especially with words like "bottle of water" - Discussion of Scottish comedy (Kevin Bridges, Still Game) and how specific cultural references don't translat"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! The Podcast Launch LabThe Podcast Makeover Try Descript for free here!Support the show

The Fall of Saigon marked the official end of the Vietnam War. On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, the capital of South Vietnam, bringing about the unconditional surrender of the South Vietnamese government and reunifying Vietnam under communist rule. In early 1975, North Vietnam launched the Spring Offensive, a massive military campaign aimed at defeating South Vietnam. U.S. forces had largely withdrawn after the 1973 Paris Peace Accords, which were supposed to ensure peace and political resolution. However, fighting resumed almost immediately, and by March 1975, North Vietnamese forces began sweeping through the Central Highlands with little resistance. City after city fell—Ban Me Thuot, then Hue, then Da Nang. The South Vietnamese military, riddled with corruption, low morale, and logistical failures, crumbled quickly. By mid-April, the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) had surrounded Saigon. Panic gripped the city. Over two million residents—government officials, soldiers, and civilians—feared brutal retribution from communist forces. The U.S., which had drastically reduced its presence in Vietnam, prepared to evacuate remaining American personnel and as many South Vietnamese allies as possible. The evacuation was codenamed Operation Frequent Wind. It began in earnest on April 29, as NVA shelling closed Tan Son Nhut Airport. Helicopters became the only viable means of escape. U.S. Marine and Air America helicopters shuttled people from the U.S. Embassy and other buildings in Saigon to ships offshore in the South China Sea. Scenes of desperate Vietnamese civilians scaling embassy walls, clinging to departing helicopters, and crowding onto rooftops became iconic images of the war's chaotic end. During the final days, U.S. Ambassador Graham Martin remained in denial, delaying evacuation and worsening the chaos. Only about 7,000 Vietnamese were airlifted out in time. Tens of thousands more were left behind. On the morning of April 30, the last U.S. Marines guarding the embassy were airlifted out under fire. At around 11:30 AM, North Vietnamese tanks crashed through the gates of the Presidential Palace. President Duong Van Minh, who had been appointed only days earlier in a last-ditch effort to negotiate a peaceful handover, surrendered unconditionally. The war was over. Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, and the South Vietnamese government ceased to exist. Tens of thousands of former South Vietnamese officials, military officers, and intellectuals were sent to reeducation camps. A mass exodus of refugees began—many fled by boat, leading to the “boat people” crisis in the late 1970s and 1980s. The Fall of Saigon was not just a military collapse but a symbol of the United States' failure to achieve its objectives in Vietnam despite years of fighting, enormous casualties, and massive financial investment. It left a deep scar on American foreign policy and military planning and redefined how the U.S. approached future conflicts. We're grateful to UPMC for Life  for sponsoring this event!

越南

In this special extra episode of A Vietnam Podcast, I take you through a day filled with various adventures. Starting with a cold sunrise bike ride where the stunning beauty of the dawn was well worth the early wake-up. Then, I recount our challenging yet exhilarating hike to a waterfall, where we navigated through icy waters and tricky paths. Along the way, I share some interesting local quirks, such as the abundance of weed shops and Friday laundry closures. We opted to skip a wild tubing event due to our 'mature' age and instead enjoyed a fun, albeit slightly murky, poolside hangout. Join us on this journey and get a glimpse of the highs and lows of our travels.00:00 Introduction to the Extra Episode00:26 Exploring the Pool and Surroundings01:07 Sunrise Adventure03:54 Waterfall Hike Challenges08:14 Poolside Relaxation and Tipsy Tubing09:48 Sunset Bar and Local Discoveries11:36 Reflections on Pai13:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser"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

About 20 minutes after meeting Tian near Da Nang, Vietnam, I hit record on my phone and we dove straight into two hours of unscripted magic. We talked about everything from superpowers, human limitations, masculine and feminine polarity, past lives in Atlantis, the nature of God, technology, AI, and much more. Tian is the author of GOD GAME, a mind-bendy (and witty-funny) book/audiobook that explores the cosmic joke of existence and why we're all key players in it. I definitely recommend giving it a read/listen if you're curious (and ready to expand consciousness). This convo is a wild ride through spirituality, science, and the mysteries of being human—peppered with moments that might just shift the way you see reality. More info about Tian's book below and you can connect with him on social media. you know i'm always exploring new ways we can decode patterns and "uplevel" so if you want to go deeper, check out my Patreon or book a Soul Session for 1:1 guidance. and super special thanks to @fox&tiger for the intro tunes

"I planned to do six months. I planned to do like Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, that kind of bit of Southeast Asia and never left Vietnam.... It's so unlike any other place I've ever been." - Craig HaggartThis episode was a long time coming, and it was more than worth the wait. I've been trying to get Craig on the show for over six months, and sitting down with someone who not only shares my hometown but also so many formative experiences was something truly special. As two Glaswegians in Saigon, the nostalgia and humor flowed naturally—and maybe a bit too much football chat!What struck me most was Craig's vulnerability and openness. From his journey as a gay man in Glasgow to finding community in Vietnam, and navigating love, culture, and identity—he told it all with humility and a cracking sense of humor. I know listeners will take something valuable from this episode, whether it's a laugh, a moment of reflection, or simply a reminder of how far we can come when we step into the unknown.Key Takeaways: The chaotic beauty of Vietnam – “It's so unlike any other place… the smells, the lights, the busyness—it's sensory overload.”Coming out in Glasgow at 14 – Craig candidly shares what it was like to come out young and navigate high school as a gay teen.Vietnamese culture and family acceptance – Insight into being part of a liberal Vietnamese family and his relationship with his Northern-born boyfriend.Scottish identity and sectarianism abroad – A raw discussion on how football-related sectarianism follows Scots globally, and how i"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! The Podcast Launch LabThe Podcast Makeover Try Descript for free here!Support the show

Precies 50 jaar geleden dropen de laatste Amerikanen, de ambassadeur en de mariniers die hem bewaakten, af uit Saigon. Binnen enkele uren was de stad, het laatste Amerikaanse bastion in Vietnam, in handen van het Noord-Vietnamese leger en de guerrillabeweging Viet Cong. Twaalf jaar lang hadden de Amerikanen er vergeefs gevochten om verspreiding van het communisme tegen te gaan, een hersenschim die zij de ‘dominotheorie’ noemden. 58.000 Amerikaanse soldaten, 3 miljoen Vietnamezen, en nog eens 600.000 Cambodjanen en Laotianen verloren het leven. Journalisten, zoals ik, waren verbijsterd door de gruwelijke wreedheden waarvan wij getuige waren, in plaatsenals Da Nang en Tai Ninh, en langs de Mekongrivier. En uit de meedogenloze wijze waarop Amerikaanse soldaten massaal in de pan werden gehakt. Uit de ogen van de Vietnamezen straalde wilskracht, uit die van de Amerikanen ongeloof en angst. Thuis, in Amerika, groeide het protest. De meeste burgers begrepen dat dit een verkeerde en on-winbare oorlog was. Uitgescholden veteranen Het pijnlijkst was het lot van veteranen, meestal dienstplichtigen, die bij terugkeer niet met respect werden onthaald, maar werden uitgescholden voor collaborateur en massamoordenaar. De huidige opperbevelhebber wist dienstplicht in Vietnam trouwens te ontlopen door afkeuring wegens een verzonnen en door een specialist bevestigde zere hiel. Trump herdenkt 30 april 1975 op Trumpiaanse wijze. Hij heeft zijn ambassadeur in Hanoi orders gegeven zich niet te laten zien bij officiële evenementen. Als onderdeel van de handelsoorlog heeft hij Vietnam getroffen met een extra zware heffing van 46 procent. Vietnam denkt ook deze oorlog te winnen. Guerrillabeweging Vietnam was een waarschuwing die door de wereld is genegeerd. Zelfs het machtigste leger kan niet winnen van een guerrillabeweging. Amerika verloor van de Viet Cong, Rusland verloor in Afghanistan van de mudjahidien, Amerika verloor in Afghanistan van de taliban en in Irak van sjiitische milities. In Colombia vecht de regering al 60 jaar tegen de linkse rebellen van ELN. Israël vecht al sinds 1987 tegen Hamas. Daarmee hebben al die guerrillabewegingen geen gelijk. Maar ze zijn taaier, koppiger, stugger, behendiger en onzichtbaarder dan reguliere legers, en het enige oorlogsrecht dat ze kennen is het vermorzelen van hun vijand. De tragedie op een dag als deze is dat kennelijk niemand gelooft in dat oude mantra: de geschiedenis herhaalt zich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"My mouth is on fire. My tongue is totally burned, but I want another one… 'cause it's so good."This episode was such a wild mix of adventure, confusion, and food. It's one of those travel days where you don't really know what's going to happen next, and I loved every second of it.From riding a half-broken bike through the hills of Northern Thailand to accidentally sitting in duck poo and stumbling upon a garden full of phallic statues, this day had it all. Pai totally surprised me—it was way more lively and international than I expected, and the street food scene was on another level.This episode is all about leaning into the chaos of travel, trying weird and wonderful things, and laughing along the way.Key Talking Points:The wild road trip from Chiang Mai to Pai – 762 turns and a lemon of a bike.The Erotic Garden – a totally unexpected and hilarious stop filled with art, innuendo, and surprise wisdom.Hopping on a bike - Riding experience in Thailand was different from that of VietnamEating everything – from gyoza and halal dumplings to coconut pancakes, and even lasagna made with macaroni.First impressions of Pai – hippie vibes, Gen Z fashion, TikTok-famous “banh mi,” and a whole lot of fun.Chapters and Timestamps01:30 – First stop: a totally unexpected Erotic Garden06:00 – Waterfalls, steep hills, and a near-death motorbike experience17:30 – Finally in Pai: weird fashion, hippie energy, and international food22:00 – The wild night market: Gen Z, food, and weed shops26:00 – More food: stuffed peppers, halal dumplings, and fake banh mi32:00 – A lasagna bar in Thailand (yes, really)34:30 – Pesto's not the best, but the spinach-mac combo hits the spot"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

En abril de 1975, el frente survietnamita se desmoronó en solo 55 días, sorprendiendo incluso a Hanoi. Tras perder Huế y Da Nang sin lucha, el pánico se extendió: soldados desertaron, civiles saquearon aeropuertos y generales huyeron en helicópteros. La batalla de Xuân Lộc (último intento de resistencia) fracasó, acelerando el caos. Para el 30 de abril, tanques norvietnamitas entraban en Saigón mientras EE.UU. evacuaba a gritos desde su embajada. Medio siglo después, el derrumbe sigue siendo un ejemplo de desintegración militar acelerada por el pánico. Un episodio de tal envergadura sólo podía ser narrado por el G4+1: María Vázquez, Julio 'Caronte', Esaú Rodríguez y Dani Caran. 📚📚📚 Aprovecha la oferta de Zeppelin/DCA Books para la semana del libro, del 21 al 27 de abril. 📖 http://zeppelinbooks.com Casus Belli Podcast pertenece a 🏭 Factoría Casus Belli. Casus Belli Podcast forma parte de 📀 Ivoox Originals. 📚 Zeppelin Books (Digital) y 📚 DCA Editor (Físico) http://zeppelinbooks.com son sellos editoriales de la 🏭 Factoría Casus Belli. Estamos en: 👉 X/Twitter https://twitter.com/CasusBelliPod 👉 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CasusBelliPodcast 👉 Instagram estamos https://www.instagram.com/casusbellipodcast 👉 Telegram Canal https://t.me/casusbellipodcast 👉 Telegram Grupo de Chat https://t.me/casusbellipod 📺 YouTube https://bit.ly/casusbelliyoutube 👉 http://casusbelli.top ⚛️ El logotipo de Casus Belli Podcasdt y el resto de la Factoría Casus Belli están diseñados por Publicidad Fabián publicidadfabian@yahoo.es 🎵 La música incluida en el programa es Ready for the war de Marc Corominas Pujadó bajo licencia CC. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/ El resto de música es propia, o bajo licencia privada de Epidemic Music, Jamendo Music o SGAE SGAE RRDD/4/1074/1012 de Ivoox. 🎭Las opiniones expresadas en este programa de pódcast, son de exclusiva responsabilidad de quienes las trasmiten. Que cada palo aguante su vela. 📧¿Queréis contarnos algo? También puedes escribirnos a casus.belli.pod@gmail.com ¿Quieres anunciarte en este podcast, patrocinar un episodio o una serie? Hazlo a través de 👉 https://www.advoices.com/casus-belli-podcast-historia Si te ha gustado, y crees que nos lo merecemos, nos sirve mucho que nos des un like, ya que nos da mucha visibilidad. Muchas gracias por escucharnos, y hasta la próxima. Escucha el episodio completo en la app de iVoox, o descubre todo el catálogo de iVoox Originals

This is the first episode in a three-part series marking the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Is Vietnam still with us? Does this misbegotten American war still have something to teach? In this episode, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Fredrik Logevall, a preeminent scholar of the long war in Southeast Asia, delves into why U.S. leaders defied their better judgment and plunged the country into a quagmire that would haunt America for generations. The story may begin in 1965, when President Johnson sent the Marines into Da Nang, but the deep origins of the war take us back to 1945. Recommended reading: Choosing War: The Lost Chance for Peace and the Escalation of War in Vietnam by Fredrik Logevall Embers of War: The Fall of an Empire and the Making of America's Vietnam by Fredrik Logevall

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

"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!

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