WELCOME TO 2-2-2 TUESDAY
Here are 2 Cultural Highlights, 2 Quotes, and 2 Short Stories for you to enjoy.
Inspired by North Vietnam
2 Cultural Highlights
1.
Fancy Footwork In Vietnam:
Step aside soccer and fúbol superstars, Messi and Ronaldo. When it comes to using one’s feet in extraordinary ways, look no further than Vietnam. Why? The locals of Ninh Binh row boats gently down a stream, called Tam Coc, using only their feet! Can you imagine attempt such a task? Probably not, so I’ll try to explain the technique. The rowers lean against the back of the boat, and extend their legs up and outward against the oars to propel the boat forward. It looks like a combination of performing a swimming breast stroke with the legs while giving birth. To the untrained eye, the performance is equal parts confusing and marvolous.
The rowers may impress you and me by gliding effortlessly with symmetric strokes, but they aren’t just showing off. By using their legs as the primary source of power, they are more efficient for long journeys. Historically, this has helped fisherman in the region improve their navigation and fishing abilities.
2.
Most Unlikely Breakfast Drink:
Over sixty years ago, egg coffee “hatched” in Hanoi, Vietnam. How did this happen? A young man named Nguyen Giang cleverly turned to whisked eggs as a substitute during a severe milk shortage in Vietnam. His bold move to keep hotel guests happy paid off, leading to a now-famous morning brew unlike any other. You don’t have to be a coffee connoisseur to award a billion creativity points for this.
Today, coffee shops add ingredients like condensed milk and sugar to the recipe because, well, who doesn’t love dessert for breakfast, right?
2 Quotes to Consider
1.
“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin
2.
“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, try sleeping with a mosquito.” – Dalai Lama
2 Short Stories
1.
The Dream Chaser:
In the hills of Northern Vietnam, Quan, a hardworking farmer in his twenties, dreamed of breaking free from generations of poverty. Motivated by a burning desire to provide opportunities for his young daughter, he tirelessly learned English alongside his backbreaking work for seven years. Despite speaking poorly, he has seized opportunities to guide tours for international visitors, showcasing the beauty of his homeland. It was through one of these tours that we met Quan and discovered his aspiration to someday run his own business. During our time together, he shared glimpses into the most intimate details of his life.
Now, as I think about Quan, his story is particularly inspiring to me. Why? After several years of language learning, he still struggles to speak coherent English. Furthermore, he continues to face skeptics and doubters among his closest family members and friends. Yet, when you look into his eyes, he is undeterred by the slow progress. As he speaks about his dream, his face lights up with a radiant smile. He continues to forge ahead towards a better life. His determination and resilience inspire, proving that dreams, fueled by hard work and self-belief, can transcend challenging circumstances. His story is not over, but I believe his sacrifices will pave a brighter future for generations to come.
2.
Floating Villages of Vietnam:
Centuries ago, fishermen worked together to create self-sustaining systems. They learned to capture fresh water and grouped floating houses between karsts (small islands) to ensure calmer waters. Instead of living off the land, they evolved to live on the water.
Last week, my wife and I kayaked near Cai Bez, which is one of the rare floating villages that still exists today. As we approached from a distance, dilapidated pieces of wood and tarps caught my attention. The first thought that crossed my mind was, ‘How can people live like this?’ and I felt a wave of sadness. Seconds later, as we kayaked closer, the air was full of laughter. The kids were teasing each other, and the adults were waving to us. It quickly became clear that these people happily choose this lifestyle. The only uncomfortable person was me, so I decided to shift my mindset.
The people proudly invited us to observe their living spaces. Locals in the area taught us that around 300 families continue to live on the water despite directives for them to move onto land.
As times have changed over the years, the villagers have adapted in positive ways. After relying entirely on fishing and aquaculture for centuries, families have started to supplement their income by welcoming tourists for overnight homestay experiences. Cat Ba, the neighboring island, has provided increasing educational opportunities for the children of these villages.
By the end of this mind-expanding experience, the people of the floating village reminded us to 1. Believe in human adaptability and to 2. Avoid judging a book by its cover.
Thanks for tuning in to 2-2-2 Tuesday! If you have any feedback, comments, or suggestions, we’d love to hear from you. Have a wonderful week.
Much love to you and yours,
Zack and Farah
