“Rising Dragon”
Why Vietnam is Unlike Anywhere Else on Earth
If there is one country that perfectly captures the harmony of ancient soul and high-octane energy, it is Vietnam. With nearly 60 million motorbikes flowing through the streets like a synchronized river, the country is moving fast. Yet, tradition remains the anchor.
You don’t just visit Vietnam; you taste it. Life here happens on the sidewalk. Sitting on a tiny plastic stool, you’ll find the best Pho or Banh Mi of your life, balanced perfectly between the five fundamental flavors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Whether it’s the decadent, custard-like Egg Coffee of Hanoi or a refreshing Salt Coffee, the “Phin” filter drip is a daily ritual that demands you slow down and watch the world go by.
Vietnam is more than a destination; it is a sensory overload that stays with you long after you leave. Ready to get lost?
Episode
Spring Rolls to the Hands of God: Vietnam
In this high-energy episode, the team dives deep into the heart of the S-shaped nation to find out what makes it one of the most vibrant cultures on the planet. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or a travel junkie, this episode has something that will make you want to book a flight to Hanoi tomorrow.
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Interview
“From Holland to Hanoi: A Teacher’s Vietnamese Adventure”
In this captivating episode of [NAO Podcast], join as we chat with Myrthe Duursma, a dedicated English teacher from Holland. She shares how her passion for education began in Vietnam, where she taught at a university in Thai Nguyen, just north of Hanoi.
Dive into her four-month stint: navigating communist North vs. the bustling, poverty-stricken South. Exploring Halong Bay’s caves by boat, attending a village-wide wedding and dodging apartment rats with duct tape and poison apples. Highlights include Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hue’s Forbidden City. Asian vibe that prepped her for more travels. Myrthe reflects on the welcoming yet guarded, the profound bonds with students, and why teaching feels like a true calling.
Wrapping up this episode celebrating cross-cultural connections and the joy of making a difference. Perfect for educators, travelers, and culture enthusiasts. Tune in for laughs, insights, and a reminder that winging it leads to the best adventures!
Episode length: ~25 minutes | Guest: Myrthe Duursma| Theme: Education & Travel
Food
Recipe: Vietnamese Style Spring-Rolls
What happens when you mix a chef, ancient water puppets, and a lost era of 1970s rock and soul? You get the latest “Vietnam Edition” of the Name and Occupation Podcast!
Side Note
Cobra Medicine Wine
In this intriguing clip, the conversation takes a turn toward the exotic. It becomes macabre as Chris unveils a rare souvenir. From the bustling markets of Vietnam. Inside a bottle of fortified rice wine, two preserved snakes are nestled.
Traditional beliefs surrounding “Snake Wine,” which is said to contain therapeutic and invigorating substances. These substances are believed to potentially help with various ailments, including back pain, rheumatism, and muscular joint issues.
“wicked cool” factor of having a double-snake cobra bottle on the kitchen counter. The big question remains: Is Chris actually brave enough to take a sip? Will he be passing out on camera?
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