REEVES ALL ABOUT IT

The snake, embodying transformation and strategic decision making should hopefully bring with it a year of good governance.

Raffaelson as he was previously known, has now transcended us mere mortals, entering into a truly exclusive group of people deemed worthy of full Vietnamese citizenship.

However, I’m no meteorologist, so I thought I’d seek out an expert opinion for our readers in the musings of the man himself - ‘Hà Nội’s Weatherdude’.

Driven by the fondness that absence grows from in the 'expat’ community, we have our own festivities and, dare I say, traditions to look forward to.

For the uninitiated or freshly landed ‘expats’ who’ve yet to receive their baptism by firewater, here’s a primer on the choreographed chaos you’ve been witnessing, and perhaps, soon participating in.

These block parties are more than just social events; they are the pulsating heart of community spirit, challenging the norms of competitive enterprise.

Bánh Cuốn is a morning revelation, Bun Cha asserts its dominance before 10am, and the best Phở spots run dry by nine.

The things they share often come from a place of passion, something far more noble and honest than gatekeeping or taking smug pleasure from being 'in the know'.

'Trà đá vỉa hè' (sidewalk iced tea) is a culture all of itself, with these much-loved and usually modest set-ups existing not merely for their thirst-quenching qualities but as a social lubricant.

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.