Viet Nam News Bích Hường HÀ NỘI — Book boxes along the streets of Germany and the sight of people reading while on the subways in Belgium greatly impressed Vietnamese PhD student Nguyễn Tuấn Nam during his time in Europe. The 31-year-old explained he thought being able to take or leave books for free was a great way to share the love for reading When he returned to Việt Nam a few months ago, Nam said he was very happy and surprised to learn there was a similar project in his country. Nam, a co-founder of an education tech start-up company, met with members of the book sharing project ‘Sách Chuyền Tay’ (Books in the City) in Hà Nội. Their meetings led to Nam offering the project a space to open a free library or an office where people could gather, read, borrow or give books. Nam’s company Blacasa, which applies information technology to connect tutors with people who need tutors, was … [Read more...] about Sharing is caring in terms of books
Anglican hymn book ancient and modern
Tying the knot between tradition and modernity
Having lived in Vietnam for several years and worked at Crowne Plaza West Hanoi since 2017, Barun Jolly has found life in the country very lively, energetic, and proactive. Each day he is fascinated by the unique Vietnamese culture, the people, and also traditional cuisine. He believes there is a lot to fall in love with in this beautiful country: from stunning beach towns and distinctive mountainside cities to the kind-hearted people and the wide range of diverse and delicious dishes available. What is most important to you when you think about luxury? The perception of luxury may vary in different industries, but I believe the essentials of luxury remain the same. To me, the most important thing in luxury is personalisation. The concept of giving a true sense of luxury lies in understanding what every single guest wants and deliver it at the right time in the right way, predicting guest behaviours and tailoring the service accordingly. It can start from the little things … [Read more...] about Tying the knot between tradition and modernity
Saigon Tet book fair to open during Tet holiday
VietNamNet Bridge – The annual HCM City Tet (Lunar New Year) Book Fair will be held downtown from February 2-8. Local residents visit the HCM City Tet Book Fair 2018. — VNS Photo by Phuong Mai Tu Luong, deputy director of the city’s Department of Information and Communications, said: “This year’s book fair has the theme of Muôn Màu Của Sách (Colours of Book). It will help promote the reading habit and knowledge of city’s residents.” The fair includes participation of eight local major publishers and book distributors such as the Phương Nam Cultural Joint Stock Company, the HCM City Book Distribution Joint Stock Company and Saigon Books. They will showcase 100,000 copies of books in literature, history, economy, politics, culture, science and technology. Several exhibitions will be organised at the fair displaying books, documents and photos about the development of the 320-year-old HCM City, organised … [Read more...] about Saigon Tet book fair to open during Tet holiday
Tết book fair to open during Tết holiday
Local residents visit the HCM City Tết Book Fair 2018. — VNS Photo by Phương MaiViet Nam News HCM CITY — The annual HCM City Tết (Lunar New Year) Book Fair will be held downtown from February 2-8. Từ Lương, deputy director of the city’s Department of Information and Communications, said: “This year’s book fair has the theme of Muôn Màu Của Sách (Colours of Book). It will help promote the reading habit and knowledge of city’s residents.” The fair includes participation of eight local major publishers and book distributors such as the Phương Nam Cultural Joint Stock Company, the HCM City Book Distribution Joint Stock Company and Saigon Books. They will showcase 100,000 copies of books in literature, history, economy, politics, culture, science and technology. Several exhibitions will be organised at the fair displaying books, documents and photos about the development of … [Read more...] about Tết book fair to open during Tết holiday
Thanh Hoá’s ancient and historic citadel
Getaway: Visitors explore Lam Kinh Citadel in Thanh Hoá Province. — VNS File PhotoViet Nam News THANH HOÁ — Travellers to Thanh Hoá Province should visit the former citadel of Lam Kinh. The citadel in Xuân Lam Commune, Thọ Xuân District, was built by Lê Lợi, founder of the Later Lê Dynasty, who reigned from 1428 to 1433. The Lam Kinh Citadel and the surrounding forest cover an area of 200 hectares. The citadel complex includes temples, sanctums and tombs. The Ngoc River, which flows through the citadel and the forest, is also a must-see. — VNS … [Read more...] about Thanh Hoá’s ancient and historic citadel
Da Nang: project hopes to revive ancient coastal villages
An ancient well in Son Tra district (Source: baodanang.vn) Da Nang (VNA) – Son Tra district in the central city of Da Nang has almost completed research and preparations for a project to bring community arts into living space and preserve ancient coastal villages. The project has its origin in the idea of local famous photographer Nguyen Van My, also known as My Dung, a member of the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists. After receiving permission of the municipal People’s Committee, the district began studying and surveying the target area, which covers An Tan and An Don coastal villages in the district’s An Hai Bac ward with a combined area of 5.2ha. Based on the proposal of photographer Nguyen Van My, the project is seeking an appropriate solution to preserve the status quo of the two villages besides the Han river, where the special architectural characteristics of traditional Vietnamese villages are still kept almost intact. Such interesting features … [Read more...] about Da Nang: project hopes to revive ancient coastal villages
In a union of tradition and modernity, U.S actress Meghan marries Prince Harry
Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle during their wedding ceremony in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Dominic Lipinski) In a medieval chapel at Windsor Castle that 39 English kings and queens have called home since 1066, Harry and Meghan exchanged vows watched up close by royals and celebrities, and from afar by a global TV audience of many millions. Wearing a veil, diamond tiara and a sleek dress with a long train, the American actress was accompanied up the aisle of St George's Chapel by Harry's father, Prince Charles, before she and Harry exchanged vows and were proclaimed husband and wife. The couple kissed on the steps of the 15th Century chapel, before delighting the sea of well-wishers, some of whom had camped for days to witness the spectacular show of British pomp and pageantry, by touring Windsor in a horse-drawn carriage. The union of Harry, 33, a former royal wild child and sixth-in-line to the British … [Read more...] about In a union of tradition and modernity, U.S actress Meghan marries Prince Harry
Harry and Meghan marry in emotional wedding
Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle became husband and wife in a star-studded Windsor Castle ceremony on Saturday, filled with traditional pomp and modern twists - and watched the world over. The new Duke and Duchess of Sussex exchanged vows at the altar in St. George's Chapel in an emotional event that brought the biracial U.S. TV star into the heart of the British monarchy. As some 100,000 packed the sun-baked Windsor streets outside, Queen Elizabeth II and the royal family were joined by stars including Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, George Clooney and David Beckham. The couple held hands throughout and exchanged vows in a traditional Church of England wedding featuring unusual turns. U.S. pastor Michael Curry delivered an impassioned address and a gospel choir sang "Stand By Me." With the words "I will", 33-year-old Harry, and Meghan, 36, declared they would love, comfort, honor and protect each other. Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, looked visibly moved. Archbishop of Canterbury … [Read more...] about Harry and Meghan marry in emotional wedding
Youth flock to study ancient fiddle with a twist
Youth flock to study ancient fiddle with a twist The đàn nhị, a bowed two-string instrument, is a multi-purpose fiddle in the vast treasury of Vietnamese traditional music. Takes two: Xâm (right) with violinist Hoàng Rob in a duet performance Also known as the Vietnamese fiddle, the instrument’s size, shape and materials differ according to the ethnic group which uses it. The đàn nhị has a range of two octaves, with a bright, clear, soft sound. To change the timbre or reduce the sonority of the instrument, the artist traditionally uses his left knee or a big toe to cover the instrument’s sound box. By so doing it creates a reverberating sound, defining the closed, even melancholic state of mind of the singer with its dark, cold tonal effect. The instrument’s unique features alloww it to produce a range of performances, with a special timbre, and give it the ability to reflect various emotional states. As a result, … [Read more...] about Youth flock to study ancient fiddle with a twist
Book street festival to brighten Tet holiday in HCM City
At a press conference on February 1, Vo Van Long, Vice Director of the municipal Department of Information and Communications, said that the book street festival, having “Vuon mam tri thuc- Khat vong vuon cao” (Stimulating knowledge, rising aspiration) as its theme, will take place along Mac Thi Buoi, Nguyen Hue and Ngo Duc Ke streets, District 1. Twelve prestigious publishers and distributors will introduce 26,000 book titles of various kinds like children’s books and books about political, cultural and economic issues. Particularly, the festival will feature exhibitions of books about the Tet Offensive in Spring 1968 and President Ho Chi Minh as well as images on the development of Sai Gon- Ho Chi Minh City. One of the key sections at the festival showcases photos, books, archives and maps on the Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos. The event aims to encourage reading culture among local residents and popularise the city as a modern, … [Read more...] about Book street festival to brighten Tet holiday in HCM City