REEVES ALL ABOUT IT

This is no endorsement of anything, only an observation on the lack of division that can spill down from the sweat glands of government and into the pores of the masses.

Convenience, though, is such a mighty force in our modern existence, I can’t help but wonder if it stifles such love affairs as the one I have with Hà Nội.

Aside from the hearth of the local pub or the embrace of family, there’s only one winner here and I can’t wait to be back next week.

I've become more Hanoian than British, and the subtle nuances of daily life here that once seemed at best charming, are now intricately woven into the fabric of my existence.

Want spaghetti carbonara at 2am? Grab. Want someone to transport a Christmas tree halfway across a capital city on a 100cc scooter at 10pm on Christmas eve? Be. Want your carefully manicured pangolin safely returned from the pet spa? Uber? 

Want to drive in Vietnam? Don't have a license? The situation isn't great right now but Vietnam is making strides in the right direction.

My question is far simpler, when does fandom become fanaticism? When do we abandon our critical thinking skills and ethical codes to defend or in some cases attack on behalf of our heroes?

Nguyễn Quí Đức was born and raised in Việt Nam but upon arriving in the United States while so many of his peers decided to pursue other more trodden paths, he chose to write.

You invest in the artisanal talent and hard work of local people, you avoid the ethical dilemmas associated with fast fashion and you look good doing so. 

On the 5th anniversary of 'Bourdain Day' I tried to express the thoughts and feelings of many - especially those sharing his connection to Vietnam.

The innate human balance of purism and ingenuity ensures the age of choice continues to grow while our holiest methods are retained.

Scroll down and find my earliest contribution to Vietnam News, recanting fond memories of Tết holiday.