Your Vietnam
The end of ‘train street’, but maybe only as we know it
Seán Nolan
HÀ NỘI Last week, authorities in Hà Nội passed a decision that has been coming for a while, ordering the coffee shops and businesses that line the train tracks known as ‘train street’ to close for good.
The reasoning is sound; it is impossible to guarantee the safety of those sitting just a few feet away from a train rushing through a residential area, and a serious accident is just waiting to happen.
However, while this is the end of ‘train street’ as we know it, it doesn’t have to be the end full stop.
With the right idea and appropriate permission, this decision could instead be a springboard to further capitalise on the tourism revenue that ‘train street’ provided.
While patrons are rightly no longer allowed to lounge on seats next to the track, a glass-fronted establishment in one of the buildings along the track would ensure that trade could continue in a safe way.
Patrons could sit and sip a cà phê sữa đá or nibble a cake while watching the train pass a few feet in front of them, from behind the safety of the glass-fronted establishment.
Taking the idea a step further, if two establishments were to open opposite each other, and with all the correct planning in place, what is to stop them connecting via a bridge over the tracks? People could then stand above the tracks while a train passes safely below and cross the line without endangering themselves or anyone else.
This unique area could be so much more than a series of coffee shops capitalising on the train tracks too. In the heart of the city, ‘train street’ could be fashioned into a cultural centre à la the Barbican Centre in London, dedicated to Việt Nam’s urban past while showcasing the brilliant present.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that these ideas are big ones and would require a significant amount of investment, planning and redevelopment in the area.
However, the popularity of ‘train street’ cannot be denied and to give it up entirely, along with the associated tourism revenue, would be a real shame.
The decision to close the businesses on ‘train street’ was the right one. However, that shouldn’t spell the end of ‘train street’ forever. On the contrary, perhaps, I hope could be the start of a new beginning. VNS
Source: http://ovietnam.vn/life-in-vietnam/the-end-of-train-street-but-maybe-only-as-we-know-it_337490.html
HCM CITY — Fashion model and movie actor Nguyễn Quốc Trí is representing Việt Nam at the Mister Tourism World 2023 in Brazil this week.
Trí stands at 1.80m, and 70kg in weight. Before being crowned as New Face of Television 2022 in HCM City, he worked as a flight attendant for Vietnam Airlines.
He studied at the HCM City Open University.
He works for Hồ Chí Minh Television and Voice of Hồ Chí Minh City.
“I will introduce Việt Nam, its culture and lifestyle to the world through my performance at Mister Tourism World 2023,” said 28-year-old Trí, a resident of Đồng Tháp Province.
For his performance, Trí will use traditional clothes by fashion designer Tuấn Hải.
Mister Tourism World 2023 was first organised in 2016, one among three contests for men. The other two include Manhunt International and Mister International.
Vietnamese representative Phạm Xuân Hiển was named the winner of the 2016 contest.
Last year, Phùng Phước Thịnh of HCM City won Mister Friendship and Best Talent at the pageant in the Philippines.
Mister Tourism World 2023 will take place from November 29 to December 6 in Salvador da Bahia and Rio de Janeiro. Competitors from 40 countries and territories will be competing. — VNS
Source: http://ovietnam.vn/events/fashion-model-attends-mister-tourism-world-2023_350545.html
HÀ NỘI —A Christmas event in Hà Nội is being held to support primary schools in the northern province of Ninh Bình.
To spread the spirit of sharing for a better life, ‘Christmas Village 2023’ hosted by the JW Marriott Hanoi during December 2&3, will help purchase solar water purifiers for primary schools in Nho Quan District, Ninh Bình Province.
Aiming to bring a meaningful and warm Christmas season to all people who are in need, the organiser will donate part of the ticket proceeds to help orphaned and disadvantaged children and women in Việt Nam with AFV, ActionAid, HopeBox, and Blue Dragon. A silent auction will take place on Saturday and Sunday to raise funds to support the community.
At the Christmas village, guests can stroll down through the bustling stalls showcasing a vast array of domestic and international brands with many holiday season products such as handicrafts, decorations, toys, fashion, beauty among others.
Exciting outdoor activities such as a bouncy castle, Santa’s playground, statue painting and live performances will also take place throughout the two days.
Festival-goers can also enjoy delicious delights such as pastries, German sausages, crispy chicken, or Japanese grilled skewers from Kumihimo restaurant.
Families can go on a picnic in the relaxing space of JW Lakeside Gardens, or enjoy drinks at the Beer Garden.
On Saturday evening, guests can immerse themselves in the magical moment as the entire hotel is lit up in sparkling lights and Christmas music at the Lighting Ceremony with the special presence of 31 underprivileged children from the Hữu Nghị Đống Đa School, with Santa Claus scheduled to make an appearance.
The entrance fee is VNĐ150,000 for adults, and 100,000 for children above 1.1-1.4 metres tall. Free for children below 1.1 metres tall. — VNS
Source: http://ovietnam.vn/events/take-part-in-charity-christmas-village-to-spread-the-spirit-of-sharing_350455.html
HÀ NỘI — Artists from South Korean Gwangju Museum have displayed their paintings at Việt Nam National Fine Arts Museum (VNFAM) for the first time.
The exhibition entitled The Melody of Korean Art features seven artists including Lee Hyung-woo, Yoon Nam-woong, Lee In-sung, Kim Sung-nam, Pyo In-bu, Kim Byoung-taeg and Kim Chang-duk.
“The exhibition is a good chance for Vietnamese fine arts lovers to get to know Korean fine arts and have a chance to enjoy paintings by Korean artists in Hà Nội,” said Nguyễn Đức Kiên, deputy-director of VNFAM. “I believe that it will promote co-operation between the two museums in future to strengthen bilateral relationship between the two countries.”
Made in a wide range of materials including oil, lacquer, silk, ceramic and Korean traditional hanji paper, the works portray the beauty of Korean country, people and joy.
Arist Lee Hyung-woo uses diverse colours to depict the daily life of Koreans. With generous brushstrokes and metaphorical and witty situations, the artist brings laughter to viewers.
Yoon Nam-woong expresses human emotions through his honest and humorous works. He evokes joy and love of life by capturing life’s milestones with a humorous perspective, artistic freedom and idyllic rural images.
Lee In-sung’s paintings reflect images of human life. The artist recounts stories that could happen to anyone and emphasises its meaning through metaphorical expressions.
Kim Sung-nam captures and expresses nature full of raw energy, rather than the familiar, peaceful and beautiful natural landscape from the usual human perspective.
Artist Pyo In-bu creates his works with hanji paper. His painting series entitled Memories of the Wind is a reflection of memories in life.
Kim Chang-duk uses natural materials such as quartz, stone powder and natural colours to create unique ceramic paintings. The works deeply express the spirit and customs of Korea.
Artist Kim Byoung-taeg is the one who repeatedly uses red or blue for images of water, sea and mountains, which are considered the source of life. For him, nature carries many important symbols conveying messages of hope and healing in life.
Gwangju museum is a renowned cultural hub with a deep-rooted tradition of art. Since its opening in 1992, Gwangju Museum of Art has been a part of modern art history in Korea and gained ground as a cultural zone.
Gwangju museum plays an important role in connecting museums and artists around the world, organising exhibitions in many countries like China, Japan, Britain, Germany and the US, according to the museum director Gim Jun-gi.
“The selected works displayed in Việt Nam contain the landscape of Korea and cheerful emotions of the people,” said Gim. “I want to popularise Korean art to the Vietnamese audience and I expect to have art exchanges between artists of the two countries.”
The exhibition runs until November 30 at 66 Nguyễn Thái Học Street. — VNS
Source: http://ovietnam.vn/events/korean-and-viet-nam-museums-co-organise-art-exhibition_350433.html
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