by Richard Sterling
In which we discover some of the quirks, and pleasures, of Vietnamese culture.
Every time I try to speak a little Vietnamese I get the damned tones wrong. I’ve inadvertently told a woman that she was a urinal; I’ve asked a waiter to change my stomach; I’ve asked for extra “no” at
by Richard Sterling
In which we explore the effects of altruism.
I stepped into Regional HQ the other day and Alfalfa told me he had just seen Heidi walk by in tears. Suzi Q had drawn my beer as per the usual telephonic ritual, but I laid the price on the bar and told her
by Richard Sterling
In which we simplify the origins of the Panama Hat.
This damned hat! Make no mistake, I love the thing. It’s the best I’ve ever owned. But the folks in Hat’s ’Hood have never understood the thing; what they have always insisted is my cowboy hat. Altiplano grasses of Ecuador and the
by Richard Sterling
In which we discover what makes the heart spin.
Valentine’s Day came to Vietnam, and the Patron Saint of Love was loaded for bear. Make no mistake, this is still officially a communist country. Officially. The signs of it are everywhere. Daily the masses are exhorted to “build socialism” and to “support
by Richard Sterling
Our Vietnam expat gives us another tour of his Saigon world.
It is sunset. The An Lac Pagoda, from which our alley takes its name, is full of congregants, as it often is at this time of day. They are so happy to be able to go there and perform their religious
