Our guest this time is Wendy, a creativity and arts educator from Hanoi. Wendy has spent the last decade working with youth and working professionals across Vietnam.

1. What workshops does Wendy hold for students? What is the focus of these workshops?
   Wendy conducts workshops that help students learn about themselves, their values, talents, and passions. These workshops often include interactive activities, vision boards, and prioritization exercises to help students reflect on what is important to them and set personal goals. Wendy works primarily with the students in Hanoi and the North of Vietnam but she has also worked with some schools in the South.

2. What differences has Wendy noticed between students in the North and the South of Vietnam?
   Wendy observed that students in North Vietnam tend to be more introverted, preferring interactive activities that allow time for reflection. In contrast, students in South Vietnam are generally more outgoing and enthusiastic about fun, crazy activities.

3. How have career choices and opportunities changed for students over the last decade, according to Wendy?
   Over the last decade, Wendy has noticed that students now have a wider variety of career choices compared to the past. Previously, common career paths included banking, teaching, and software engineering. Now, students are exploring diverse fields such as owning a cafe, opening a photography studio, or becoming influencers on Instagram and TikTok.

4. What role do parents play in Vietnamese students’ career choices?
   Parents in Vietnam have a significant influence on their children’s career choices, especially since many high schools lack career orientation programs. Most students depend on their parents to gather information and help them make informed decisions about their future careers.

5. How do students in Hanoi balance staying in their hometown versus moving to other cities for work?
   Most students prefer to stay in Hanoi after graduation due to better job opportunities and income potential. However, after working for a few years, some may return to their hometowns if their families have businesses there or if they feel they’ve exhausted career opportunities in Hanoi. Additionally, those in creative fields might move to Saigon for more freedom and diversity in their work environment.

6. Are there any cultural or creative hubs in Hanoi similar to the erstwhile Zone 9 (that ran around 2013 and they abruptly closed down)?
   Yes, Complex 01 is a new cultural and creative hub in Hanoi. It is an old factory that has been renovated into a space for exhibitions, screenings, and local designer stores. It provides various activities and events for young people to enjoy and participate in.

7. What has been the impact of mental health awareness on Hanoi students, as Wendy observed?
   Wendy has observed an increased interest in mental health among students over the past decade. Students are now more aware of mental health issues, openly discussing them, and seeking knowledge about self-care. This generation is often labeled as the “snowflake generation,” but Wendy believes they are not weaker; rather, they are more knowledgeable and vocal about mental health.

8. What kinds of food and dining trends are popular among young people in Hanoi?Street food remains very popular among young people in Hanoi, often considered better than restaurant food. TikTok and other social media platforms provide reviews and recommendations for hidden street food spots. Young people also enjoy trying new food trends from abroad, like Korean food, which has become increasingly popular.

10. Has Wendy worked with working adults?
    Wendy collaborated with a NGO to help female factory workers in Thanh Hoa develop self-confidence. This enabled them to communicate more effectively with their managers about labor rights. She also worked with minority groups to help them tell their own stories, reducing misunderstandings and promoting a better understanding of their rich cultures.

11. How has Wendy’s experience been with the rise of digital and social media influences on young people in Hanoi?
    Wendy has noticed that Hanoi youth are heavily influenced by digital and social media. They often use platforms like TikTok for reviews and recommendations. There is risk of misinformation and people following unqualified mentors especially when it comes to wellness and mental health. There is also a positive side, as social media raises awareness about mental health and other important issues.

12. What trends are emerging due to uncertainty about the future?
    One significant trend arising from uncertainty about the future is the increased interest in tarot reading, horoscopes, and astrology among young people. Many students turn to these practices to gain insights and reassurance about their future. This interest extends to classes and workshops on spiritual topics, and a proliferation of related books and content in bookstores and online platforms.

Thanks to Wendy for joining us. Thanks to all attendees for joining us and asking the questions.

Sophie joined us to share her travels, work, and experiences living in Saigon and Hanoi.

She worked with a child care and education non-profit, which took her to places like Mongolia, China, and other countries where she worked closely with locals. Before that, she worked with a Singapore-based education business that runs schools in Vietnam.

Sophie talked about growing up in a Hanoi neighborhood considered a red-light district by some. She said it was safe and taught her to empathize with all kinds of people. This helped her in her work, especially with marginalized families, like migrant families in Mongolia.

Recently, Sophie traveled to Morocco and enjoyed connecting with locals. With the rise in Chinese tourism, many Moroccans in the tourism industry now speak some Chinese. Sophie became friends with a street vendor there.

India is one of Sophie’s favorite destinations. She traveled there with her family and fondly remembers being invited into homes and even to a wedding. She spent time in Bodh Gaya, Rajasthan, and Dharamshala, and also visited Nepal.

Sophie also loves Denmark. She enjoyed talking to people there and in other Nordic countries because many speak good English. She is interested in the Danish concept of Lykke, which emphasizes happiness through contentment, connection, and simple pleasures. She liked how Danish people are community-spirited, with many homes having gardens and chairs for neighbors to chat.

Sophie lived in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) for a few years. We asked her to compare life there with Hanoi. She said it’s easier to talk to people in Saigon, while people in Hanoi can be reserved at first. She also mentioned that places stay open later in Saigon, giving more opportunities to connect with people.

For a unique sight in Hanoi, Sophie recommended the Hanoi dykes: Hanoi dykes.

Thanks to Sophie for sharing her stories, and thanks to everyone who participated and asked questions.

We had Kristia from Jakarta joining us to talk about her trip from Jakarta to Jordan, most of it over land and solo.  Here is the recording.

Here are some notes from our discussions:

Kristia’s overland journey covered a vast stretch from Southeast Asia to the Middle East. Here’s a summary of her route:

- Started in Jakarta, Indonesia

- Flew to Singapore

- Traveled through Malaysia, focusing on the eastern part

- Went to Thailand, visiting the northern areas

- Entered Laos

- Took the new China-Laos railway to enter China

- Explored western China, including Yunnan province and areas with Tibetan culture

- Visited Tibet (with required permits)

- Entered Nepal

- Traveled across India, visiting cities like Varanasi, Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi

- Crossed into Pakistan

- Made an unplanned detour into Afghanistan

- Entered Iran

- Took a ferry from southern Iran to Dubai, UAE

- Traveled to Saudi Arabia

- Ended the journey in Jordan

Kristia  mostly traveled overland, with a few exceptions like flying from Jakarta to Singapore and taking a ferry from Iran to Dubai. Her route through western China (Tibetan areas in Sichuan and Yunnan) allowed her to experience Tibetan culture without needing special permits required for the Tibet Autonomous Region. The trip to Afghanistan was not initially planned but added after researching its feasibility. The entire journey took about 6 months.

Kristia’s experience in Afghanistan was quite interesting and different from what many people might expect.

Here are the key points about her time there:

- Unplanned visit: She initially didn’t plan to go to Afghanistan but decided to visit after her brother went there.

- Safety perception: Kristia mentioned that some travelers told her it was currently the safest time to visit Afghanistan in decades, due to the lack of active warfare following the Taliban takeover.

- Permits: She obtained necessary permits to travel between provinces, which is required for foreigners.

- Information gathering: Kristia relied heavily on WhatsApp and Facebook groups for up-to-date information from other travelers and locals about safety and logistics.

- Local reception: She found that the Taliban, who were generally accepting of her presence, viewed being Indonesian positively.

- Security measures: Despite the relative calm, there were still strict security measures in place, such as hotels with security barriers.

- Travel method: She mentioned sharing taxis with other travelers to visit places like Bamyan, known for its destroyed Buddha statues.

- Precautions: Kristia contacted the Indonesian embassy in Afghanistan and kept them informed of her whereabouts for safety reasons.

- Cultural considerations: She had to be mindful of appropriate dress and behavior, especially as a woman.

- Comparison to expectations: Kristia found the experience less dangerous than many might assume, though she acknowledged the need for caution and awareness.

Overall, while Kristia’s experience in Afghanistan was positive, she emphasized the importance of staying informed, respecting local customs, and taking necessary precautions when traveling in such regions.

Questions

Q: Did you feel unsafe traveling solo in Shangri-La?

A: Kristia felt very safe in China, including Shangri-La. She mentioned the high level of control and surveillance actually made her feel safer.

Q: How did you get around? How to know where to catch a ride or transport?

A: Kristia relied on online research, asking locals, and using Google Translate. She emphasized figuring things out step-by-step rather than planning everything in advance.

Q: How do you get data access during your journey? Or are you off the grid most of the time?

A: She used a combination of roaming with her Indonesian SIM card and buying local SIM cards. She recommended getting local SIM cards when possible for easier access to local apps.

Q: What concerns did you have during your long trip? How did you do your banking?

A: Kristia could use her Indonesian credit cards in most countries except Iran. She advised having multiple cards and some cash. For Iran, she brought US dollars and Chinese yuan.

Q: How did you navigate safety as a solo female traveler?

A: Kristia mentioned paying more for safer accommodations and transport, avoiding traveling at night, and always sharing her location with family. She also contacted Indonesian embassies in countries she perceived as riskier.

Q: Did you need additional permits to travel around Shangri-La?

A: No additional permits were needed for Shangri-La, only for the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Q: What was your favorite place all along?

A: While she enjoyed aspects of every country, Kristia mentioned Pakistan and Iran as places she’d like to revisit and explore more thoroughly.

Q: Were people in countries like Pakistan or Afghanistan familiar with Indonesia?

A: Yes, Kristia found that Indonesia had a good reputation in Islamic countries. Many people were familiar with Indonesia, often through Indonesian foreign workers or Indonesia’s stance on issues important to Islamic countries.

Thanks to Kristia for joining us. Thanks to Nico for connecting me to Kristia and thanks to all the participants for the questions and interesting discussions.

Links:

[Kristia Davina Sianipar (@kristiasianipar) • Instagram photos and videos by Krisita](https://www.instagram.com/kristiasianipar/)

June was a busy month for us. By some good fortune, we ended up with several meets across Southeast Asia.

In Singapore, we discussed Sri Lanka over some food from the serendipitous island. We talked about Sri Lanka’s history, including its cycles of kingdoms created by locals and neighboring Indian regions, its colonizations by the various European powers, independence, and civil war. We also covered topics like travel, the China-India rivalry and its impact on Sri Lanka, the economy, and of course, cricket.  (Thanks to Tristan for the photo)

In Bangkok, we discussed the Philippines. We talked about how it has become a low-cost place for Japanese, Koreans, and now Chinese to learn English, leading to the growth of English learning startups. We explored the colourful movie industry, the popularity of fast food chain Jollibee, local politicians, and the cultural impact of many Filipinos working overseas, such as the Balikbayan box. We also discussed travels to the various islands in the Philippines.

In Jakarta, we returned to Little Tokyo (where we had some meets in the mid-2010s) to explore the neighborhood and try some Japanese food. We discussed recent happenings in Indonesia, travels to faraway islands, the increasing ease of travel for Indonesians, travel literature, and life in urban Indonesia.

We gathered in Saigon (and on Zoom) to share our travel stories, observations, and more. We discussed technology adoption in China, the various political factions in Japan, sustainable gardens in Vietnam and Singapore, water festivals in Thailand, Korean popular culture in India, using artistic talents to support travel, and how thrilling adventures can sometimes be found right in your own neighborhood rather than far away.

Thanks to all the participants for your stories and photos.

Stephanie joined us on 23 May, 2024 to discuss traveling, living and working in China. We had EE join us in June to talk about her experience as a student in China.

Our discussions with Stephanie.

1. Living Experience in China

Friendly Locals: Stephanie and others shared experiences of Chinese hospitality and friendliness. Despite cultural differences and stereotypes about loudness or rudeness, locals are often warm-hearted and curious about foreigners. Taking slow trains is a good way to connect with curious locals.

Cultural Adjustments: Understanding and adjusting to local customs is important. Learning basic Chinese can greatly enhance the living experience, making it easier to navigate and communicate.

Daily Life: Digital payments through WeChat and Alipay are ubiquitous. These apps are essential for transactions, from grocery shopping to booking taxis. However, having some cash on hand is advisable, especially for smaller or less tech-savvy vendors.

Stephanie enjoyed living in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, appreciating the blend of historical significance of the region and the modern conveniences. Despite initial fears and cultural adjustments, she found the locals to be genuinely friendly and helpful.

EE completed a master’s degree in China and found the academic environment rigorous but rewarding. Highlighted the curiosity and friendliness of Chinese people towards international students.

2. Working in China (as a teacher)

Teaching: There are opportunities for English teachers, especially in international schools. However, there is a strong preference for native speakers from Western countries (US, UK, Australia). Non-native speakers or those from non-Western countries might face challenges. Persistence is key. Using LinkedIn and directly applying to schools via WeChat can be effective strategies. Some schools, particularly in smaller cities or less popular provinces, may be more open to hiring non-native speakers.

Teachers are highly respected in China, and students are generally very disciplined and academically focused. This cultural norm extends to local and international teachers. Chinese students are dedicated and often have long study hours. They are curious and show a keen interest in learning about cultures outside China. Kim (who also teaches in China) noted the academic focus and curiosity of students. Highlighted the challenges and changes in the job market post-COVID-19.

3. Travel Tips

Use WeChat and Alipay for most transactions. However, carry some cash for emergencies or smaller vendors who may not accept digital payments.

Use local map apps like GaoDe (Amap) and Baidu Maps. These apps are in Chinese, so basic knowledge of the language can be helpful.

For popular attractions and train tickets, book in advance through apps like Trip.com and Meituan (thanks Rebekah). Some places may require advance reservations even for free entry.

High-speed trains are a fast and convenient way to travel between cities. Train stations for high-speed rail are often separate from regular train stations, so plan accordingly.

4. Recommended Destinations for first time China visitors

Henan Province: Besides Zhengzhou, visit historical cities like Kaifeng, Luoyang (known for the Longmen Grottoes), and Anyang (famous for oracle bone inscriptions).

Guilin and Yangshuo are good for first time China visitors. Known for their natural beauty and cultural experiences. Xian (for the history) and Kunming (for the weather) are other good first cities to visit. Chengdu also.

In June 2024, we had EE join us and talk about her life in China.

Talking to EE about her student life in China (2017 to 2019)

We had EE who studied for her MBA in China just before the COVID years join us for a chat. We were interested in learning how China was changing during that time (2017 to 2020). EE had an interest in China since Junior College and took up Chinese studies in English, hence the decision to move to China to study.

1. Location and Experience in Haining:

• E E lived in Haining, a tier three or four city, which was relatively rural but strategically located between Shanghai and Hangzhou.
• The campus where E E studied was newly built and large, but sparsely populated initially.
• The campus aimed to attract international students through scholarships and had Western-style facilities, including single dormitory rooms.
• Foreign students, especially those with Western looks, received significant attention from locals initially.

2. Language and Education:

• Courses were taught in English, which was a challenge for some Chinese professors due to their proficiency primarily in reading and writing rather than speaking.

3. Urban Development and Changes:

• E E observed rapid development in Haining and major cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou, including advancements in technology and infrastructure.
• Notable changes included the shift from cash and card payments to Alipay and facial recognition payment systems.
• E E mentioned tightening security, such as facial recognition for jaywalking and stricter entry protocols in various places.
• There was a noted shift in the atmosphere, with increasing nationalism in the society and more emphasis on local festivals.
• Foreign friends who remained in China faced difficulties with work and travel back home, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

4. Travel and Local Life:

• E E traveled extensively within China, primarily using high-speed trains, and noted the differences between larger cities and smaller towns.
• Observations included changes in street food culture and the increasing presence of organized hawker centers.
• E E still recommends people to travel to China as it is a safe and diverse destination.