Dogs

A pet memorial corner at Tề Đồng Vật Ngã Pagoda. VNS Photo Bảo Ngọc Bảo Ngọc Thousands of pets have been laid to rest in the burial ground of Tề Đồng Vật Ngã Pagoda. Founded 50 years ago, it is a peaceful place in downtown Hà Nội where animal lovers can pay their last respects to their beloved pets. Nguyễn Bảo Sinh, 84, owner of the pet cemetery, believes that pets have the right to be treated like humans. He said that it was one of the main reasons he built the pet cemetery. “I think pets have equal rights as human beings, and they should be treated and loved just like humans,” he said. “Buddhism teaches us to have love and kindness to all, including animals and plants. That is the compassion in Buddha’s teaching. My pagoda is built based on the principle of compassion in Buddhism." From a small ground, Sinh has developed this place into an unusual destination, with “life-to-death” services for pets such as hotels, healthcare, funeral, and cremation. “I used to have a … [Read more...] about An unusual cemetery where pets can be remembered

Editor’s note: Valentin Constantinescu wrote to Tuoi Tre News to share his thoughts on his own wedding following our series on things that often ‘shock’ foreigners when it comes to traditional Vietnamese weddings. The Romanian man has lived in Vietnam since 2004 and married his Vietnamese wife in 2018. This piece has been titled, subtitled, and edited by Tuoi Tre News for clarity, consistency, and coherence. Long story short, I met my wife in 2016 in Hanoi. About six months into our relationship, we realized we would be with each other forever. In August 2018, we decided to sign the papers to be legally married in Vietnam. We moved to Ho Chi Minh City shortly after and planned to hold our actual wedding ceremony on September 17, 2021. 17th of September is our anniversary – it’s the day she agreed to be my girlfriend. She chose the year 2021 because it looks cool – 20 and 21 are consecutive numbers. Unfortunately, COVID-19 completely ruined our plans – we lost a … [Read more...] about ‘Weddings in Vietnam seem very aloof to me’

Shanghai achieved on Tuesday the long-awaited milestone of three consecutive days with no new COVID-19 cases outside quarantine zones but most residents will have put up with confinement for a while longer before a return to more normal life. For other cities in China that have been under lockdown, a third day with no new cases in the community usually means "zero COVID" status and the beginning of the lifting of restrictions. The commercial hub of 25 million set out on Monday its clearest timetable yet for exiting a lockdown now in its seventh week, but the plan was met with scepticism by many residents who have seen isolation extended time and again. Shanghai plans to resume outdoor activities in stages, with some convenience stores and pharmacies reopening this week, but with most restrictions on movement remaining in place until May 21, after which public transport and other services will resume gradually. By June, the lockdown should be lifted, but residents will still be … [Read more...] about Shanghai achieves ‘zero COVID’ status but normal life is weeks away