Shayne lewis on guiding light

Moscow (VNA) – The war to defend the northern border of Vietnamese people 40 years ago (February 17, 1949) was spotlighted in a recent seminar held at the Ho Chi Minh Institute under Saint Petersburg State University of Russia. In his remarks, Professor Vladimir Kolotov, head of the institute, recalled the struggle and cited memoirs of Gennady Obaturov, chief military advisor to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence during the war, helping participating students understand more about the whole-hearted support of experts of the Soviet Union (now Russia) to Vietnam at that time. The brief but fierce war is still in the mind of those who lived during the period, the Professor said. Russian students from Saint Petersburg State University enthusiastically participated in the discussion. Doussia Kalganova, a third-year student, expressed her love for Vietnamese land and people, saying the seminar has helped Russian youths learn more about Vietnam, and brought young people … [Read more...] about Seminar sheds light on northern border defence war

From late November on is the best time to enjoy the red maple season on Ta Xua Mountain. The 2,865-meter mountain can be accessed from many paths. Visitors who want to admire the maple forests should tell their porters in advance. The trip always starts in Ban Cong Commune, which is 230 kilometers from Hanoi. … [Read more...] about Maple forests in Vietnam

Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesia’s resort island Bali fell quiet on March 7 for the annual “Day of Silence” festival, halting flights, internet and closing tourist attractions to allow time for meditation and introspection. Known locally as Nyepi, the festival marks a new year of Hindus on the island. They are expected to stay at home for 24 hours and self-reflect on the day. Non-Hindus and tourists are also asked to participate by staying indoors for the island’s annual shutdown. Cars and motorcycles are not allowed on the road except in the case of an emergency, lights inside homes and on the street must be switched off, and tourist attractions and shopping centres are all closed. Ngurah Rai International Airport announced it would close for 24 hours starting from 6am on March 7, affecting 468 flights, including 207 international ones. Local authorities also ordered mobile internet providers to shut down for the day, except for essential public services. … [Read more...] about Bali island shut down for “Day of Silence”