PinnedFarewell to “Nihao”Picture this: a vibrant cityscape, buzzing with life and filled with dreams. In the heart of Dusseldorf, 5 Vietnamese girls set out on a night out to a renowned German brewery. In contrast to their friendliness, they were greeted with grumpy looks and told there were no available tables even…Racism4 min readRacism4 min read
PinnedLoving Myself: The Struggle Between Selfishness and Self-LoveFor the last few years, I have often pondered on the distinction between loving myself and being selfish. I grew up in a society that values selflessness and humility; expressing or having a strong affinity for oneself is not something anyone would like to do. That’s why I hesitate to…Love Yourself5 min readLove Yourself5 min read
Sep 9LayoverHeading to Vietnam 3 months ago, I revealed to my circle that we were leaving Dusseldorf for Hochiminh City, and a singularly straightforward question hung in the air. “Why?” they asked, each with their unique combination of curiosity and surprise. Some seemed genuinely curious about the reason, while a few couldn’t conceal their…Germany4 min readGermany4 min read
Aug 4Hoa dạng niên hoa — the most beautiful moments in lifeHoa Dạng Niên Hoa — dịch sang tiếng Anh là the most beautiful moments in life, nhưng trong tiếng Trung ý nghĩa của nó sâu sắc hơn vậy nhiều. Hoa Dạng Niên Hoa — 花樣年華 là một chuỗi nối tiếp của “đẹp như hoa” (hoa dạng) và “nhưng năm tháng…Beauty2 min readBeauty2 min read
Jun 11Letter to Léa #4My dearest Léa, Today, we celebrate your dad’s special 28+ birthday with your grandparent. As someone who does not enjoy being the center of attention, he expects nothing special. He is taking his morning coffee without any idea that I am looking at him now, writing this note…Letters3 min readLetters3 min read
May 30It’s alright not to have a dreamHuman brains are designed to think in boxes. In Professor Robert Sapolsky’s course on Human Behavioral Biology at Stanford University, he explained that humans have a natural tendency to think in categories. We provide ourselves with reference points that help make things easier to digest. For example, when we think…Society And Culture5 min readSociety And Culture5 min read
May 1Letter to Lea #2My dearest Lea, You just left today to be on the first alone trip with your dad and your grandparents. I find myself alone for seven days in the house for the first time. …Letters2 min readLetters2 min read
May 1Letter to Lea #1My dearest Lea, Yesterday you participated in a Ramadan celebration for the first time. At your kindergarten, your teacher decorated the kitchen, prepared some food that all the kids enjoy and even packed a little gift for the parents. To be honest, without you coming home with a little treat…Letters1 min readLetters1 min read
Apr 10Banana GenerationWinter has arrived in Europe — the Christmas season, the season of family and reunion. Everyone is excited to go to the Christmas market, drink hot cups of Gluhwein together, rejoice over the holidays, and reunite with their families. In the midst of that great feast, I, still feel like…Immigrants3 min readImmigrants3 min read
Apr 10Every second, the world holds its breath for a whileInspired by 00:00 O’clock by BTS On days when sadness holds you tight And your body feels like leaden might When everyone else seems to move ahead And you’re stuck feeling hopeless instead. When your feet won’t take a single step And anger fills your heart with fret When life feels like…Poem1 min readPoem1 min read
