Watch, Read, Listen
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The Vietnamese side of History: French colony & Vietnam war
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It’s interesting to see the other side of history here. Vietnam was under French occupation for nearly 70 years, along with Laos and Cambodia. After the French were forced to withdraw following a battle, the country was divided: in the north, communist Vietnam; in the south, a Western-aligned region. This opposition later led to the…
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Under the pagoda with locals
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The grayness was slowly settling over Hanoi’s bustling city. The swarm of motorbikes kept pouring down the boulevard I was walking along. I knew it was going to rain and I’d already realized I wouldn’t make it to the narrower streets where I could take shelter. So I turned into the park I was passing…
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Hanoi, train street
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There is a street in the city which is famous for the train passing there. A narrow street which became a tourist attraction. It’s like buildings built as close as possible to the railway, with small cafe’s to sit in front of them. Just enough space for a row of chairs. Before the train arrives,…
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Istanbul – in between worlds
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The breeze of the Bosphorus sweeps through Istanbul. Seagulls cling to this wind above the bustling city, humming with car horns and boat engines. They simply float effortlessly, gracefully, as if swaying in a gentle dance. Storks are also a familiar sight here, especially along the shoreline near the Blue Mosque, above the Bosphorus. They…
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Prior to departure
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This time, the 4th time, traveling to Asia is very special. I have booked my one-way ticket 1 month after quitting my job. The job I have been doing with pleasure all the time. But after 11 years, time has come: to change. These weeks have been hard inner work: staying at home, getting used…
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Jakarta, riverside: kids’ curiosity
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A group of little girls stand on the other side of the river. They are around 5 to 7 years old. There are four of them, and they’re waiting for me. They run over from the other side of the canal: first to the bridge, then across it. They’re looking at me, giggling, shyly glancing…
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Jakarta, old Batavia: kids never seen a white person
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“My square,” the one I’ve been waiting for so eagerly! Hooray! The old center of Batavia with the gouvernor’s building. The previous Dutch colony of Indonesia. I’m here! Finally! I can almost feel the scent and spirit of bygone days in the air. The large white building I just exited from the side, now paints…
BecomingBeyond 