Spring flowers

Walking their dog after dinner has always been a favorite daily activity of Tho Pham and his wife, a Vietnamese couple who live with their 39-year-old son in Garden Grove City, California. But not in the last few months as the wave of anti-Asian violence and harassment has terrified him. "I do not dare go out without my children because I am afraid someone will knock me to the ground or stab me to death just because I am Asian," he laments, adding that the hate crimes have disrupted his daily life. Many other Vietnamese share his apprehension, especially older people. Wally Ng, a member of the Guardian Angels, patrols with other members in Chinatown in New York City, New York, U.S., May 16, 2020. Photo by Reuters. Violence and hatred directed at Asian Americans, which also includes mugging, have surged across California since the beginning of the Covis-19 pandemic as Asians are blamed for its origin in Wuhan, China. Videos of an Asian woman being punched in the face on a subway platform and a Thai man being pushed to the ground in San Francisco have sparked fears, and the Vietnamese community is traumatized. Hoai Nguyen, a housewife in San Jose, home to the largest Vietnamese population in America, says: "It is annoying and scary when you go out and have to keep looking behind your back to see if you are being followed by someone suspicious." She has been called "coronavirus" several times while walking and shopping, but she had not expected the discrimination and hatred to turn violent and even murderous. Last month the Vietnamese community in San Jose was shocked after a 64-year-old woman was robbed in front of Dai Thanh Supermarket during the Lunar New Year holidays. Nguyen says with a sigh: "I cannot do that (go out) on my own because they may kill me. How weak I am and how cold-hearted those people are." Since older people are targeted, no one is comfortable letting their parents or grandparents go out alone though the first …

[Read more...] about Vietnamese in U.S. rattled by rising hate crimes against Asians

The Hanoitimes - With the relocation of the capital and a comprehensive reform, Ly Cong Uan (King Ly Thai To) and his descendants succeeded in building a strong nation. Peaceful ascension to the throne The kings of the Early Le Dynasty, founded in 980, embarked on effective reforms to stabilize the political and economic situation. However, the decease of king Le Dai Hanh in 1005 led to infighting within the royal family for succeeding him. In the end, Le Dai Hanh’s fifth son, Le Long Dinh, defeated other princes to claim the crown. However, the brutal struggle that he fought for the throne caused resentment among the people. The statute of Ly Cong Uan in Hanoi. Photo: Jenna Duong. In 1009 when Le Long Dinh died at the age of 24 and his children were very small, Ly Cong Uan, a talented dignitary was supported by other court officials to ascend to the throne, peacefully seizing power from the Le. It is known as the most peaceful change of dynasty in the country’s history. From moving the capital to reforming the country Ly Cong Uan was crowned in the context of a serious political and socio-economic crisis and the threat of invasion from the Chinese Song dynasty. He was determined to end the political crisis that lasted through several reigns and bring stability to his kingdom. His  first decision as king was to move the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Dai La (Hanoi now). Hoa Lu was chosen by King Dinh Tien Hoang (924-979) as seat of his court to suit the needs of defending the nation in the early days after the civil wars. It was more appropriate for defense purposes as it is located in a low land surrounded by limestone mountains. However, it was difficult to develop an urban city here as traffic was inconvenient and its location is too distant from the thriving economic centers in the Red River Delta. In autumn of 1010, King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital of the kingdom to Dai La, mindful that the place …

[Read more...] about King Ly Thai To makes a milestone in the city’s history

The Hanoitimes - There are a variety of options for travelers to choose from for International Women's Day retreats. On the occasion of International Women's Day on March 8, many attractive promotional packages and culinary discounts are launching during the month at hotels, resorts and golfs around the nation. A staycation package within Hanoi is an ideal choice for International Women's day retreat. Photo: Sheraton Hanoi Hotel. Sheraton Hanoi Hotel promotes the charm of Hanoi Westlake and gives a hand to push up domestic travel with a staycation package called “Westlake Retreat”. Travelers will have chance to treat their loved ones on the special occasion with a staycation by the romantic Westlake shore. The package includes a buffet breakfast at Oven D’or restaurant, a special set dinner at the Hemispheres steak & seafood Grill restaurant, a cocktail drink with light snack per person per night at Bar Déjà Vu; and complimentary early check in at 9am and late check out at 3pm as well as room upgrade (subject to availability). The price for the package is at VND2,400,000++ (or US$103) for single occupancy and VND2,975,000 (or US$128) for double occupancy. A further 10% discount on room rate is applied for any Club Marriott Members. Booking time is from March 1 until May 31; Staying period: from 01 March until 31 December 2021 The Grand Ho Tram Resort & Casino , Vung Tau city introduces many incentive programs, including many gifts exclusively for women on the International Women's Week around March 8. The Bluffs Ho Tram Golf, Grand Ho Tram Resort & Casino, Vung Tau city. Specifically, with each invoice at The Grand Bistro or BBQ Smoke, all female customers will receive a free gift of flowers, chocolate, cocktails or champagne. Group of customers who hold a party to celebrate on March 8 will also receive a 10% discount on the total bill value. The Bluffs Ho Tram Golf offers its service promotion …

[Read more...] about Domestic tourism stimulation: March promotions launched