Why do people go to museums?

I’m not absolutely sure about this, but I do believe a fair number of people visit museums
because it helps them have a more positive attitude towards the presence and the future.
Let’s take myself for example. Whenever I visit the Museum of War Remnants, it teaches
me to really appreciate the sacrifice and contribution of former generations so that I can
have this current happy and peaceful life. It is also said that it’s possible to predict, I mean
anticipate the future based on what we know about the past. I’m not sure but yeah, that
might be a real possibility.

Well I guess the main reason could be curiosity. It seems to me that most people have
this natural desire to acquire a clear understanding of their own country’s history as well
as others’. There are usually displays of ancient objects from the past in the museums,
so the people who go there could visualize the lifestyle, maybe fashion or even traditions
and customs of the former generations. As a result, they could enrich their own knowledge
as well as satisfy their curiosity.

I guess people visit museums for different purposes. Academics and scholars usually go
to museums to develop their professional expertise in a particular area. If they are doing
research, they can spend time observing antique exhibits, or referring to historical
documents to back up their thesis, or find the answer to a particular question. In addition,
I think ordinary people can also benefit a lot by spending time in a museum, because they
can enrich their knowledge or satisfy their interest in a particular field like fashion,
transportation, or maybe things like coins and stamps.

Perhaps people visit museums because of their unique atmosphere. When visitors go to
the War Museum, they could almost hear the firing, the screaming and crying of the
victims. Or if they spend time at the Museum of Transportation, they could partly
understand how inventions in science and technology have facilitated people’s life.

What kind of sports are popular in your country?

I guess it depends. For many young men, more physically demanding sports such as
football or basketball are usually favored whereas young females often go for gentle forms
of exercise or any kinds of sports or activities that can help them stay in good shape or
have an hourglass figure, things like aerobics or gymnastics. Many senior citizens in VN
usually choose to do yoga or t’ai chi in the early mornings to stay healthy and live a longer
life.

I would have to say it’s football. This sport attracts a lot of spectators, who often gather at
a café to watch a football match together and cheer on their favorite team

I guess football is kind of a big deal in Vietnam. I mean, it’s the most popular spectator
sport. When it is football season, like August, for example, when the Premier League
takes place, football fanatics usually go to watch the matches at a café an root for their
favorite team

Do you think it’s important to play a sport?

Of course, it is. Engaging in physical activities helps us keep in shape, and sports can
also be a fun way for lazy people to get their feet wet if they hate the gym

Absolutely. I think playing sport is a fantastic way to get lean, because it involves a lot of
physical activities. Nowadays, most people lead a sedentary lifestyles and tend to shy
away from the gym. For these people, I believe sports would be an energizing way to get
some exercise

Do you like playing sports?

I’m actually an active person, so I like all sorts of sports, but football is the most exciting
one for me

Well, I’d consider myself a pretty athletic person, so naturally I have an affinity for all
sporting activities. My favorite is football. Not only is it fun to play, it’s also loads of fun to
watch

What kinds of gifts are popular in your country?

I’d say that there are plenty of gifts for various occasions and the choice of presents to
give surely depends. For children, they tend to prefer colorful gifts or toys they can play
with. However, young adults may love receiving more practical items as gifts. Most young
women will enjoy presents like jewellery, cosmetics or shoes while the ideal gifts for many
young men may range from shirts and ties to belts or watches.

What are the benefits of children playing toys?

It has some downsides too but generally kids can actually benefit from having some fun
time with their playthings. Puzzles and building blocks, for example, can in fact facilitate
their thought process and enhance their creativity

People often think of toys as being detrimental to kids, but I think they can benefit
children’s development in some ways. Educational toys like building blocks can actually
boost the cognitive development of small kids. For example, my brother used to play with
Lego a lot when he was small, and he’s very creative person

What was your favorite toy in childhood?

My parents actually bought me so many toys when I was small. However, when asked
about what I loved the most, my first pick would be the Power Ranger figure. Every child
of my age back then was into this series, which explains why I was so happy when I got
it

Well, to be honest, I was kind of a spoiled kid. My parents used to pamper me with all
kinds of toys, but my favorite was this Power Ranger action figure. I am a big fan of the
franchise so when I got the toy, I was elated. I still have it in my living room, actually

Should parents buy many toys for their children?

Well, no, because children have got to know the limits. If parents keep giving them what
they ask for, they will just become more unreasonable and maybe even sulk over not
getting what they want

Mhmm, personally I don’t think it’s a good idea. I mean, if parents indulge their children
and just buy whatever toy they like, the kids are likely to develop a habit of pestering their
parents for things, and that’s definitely not a good thing

What are the disadvantages of children playing toys?

Toys can be time-consuming, I mean, children often lose track of time when they play
with toys, and as a result, they may not have enough time for study,

What kinds of pets are popular in your country?

I’m not really sure but I think it varies from one person to another. In general, children and
young adults tend to choose cut animals like dogs or cats or more popular recently,
hamsters or guinea pigs as their pets. Dogs and cats are still mostly favored as pets by
many Vietnamese families. However, I guess, for many elderly people, a (gold) fish or a
bird is still a better choice.

What are the benefits of owing a boat?

There’re plenty I’d say. Firstly, taking your boat out on the water and go for a sail would
be a great way to unwind, and honestly nothing can beat that for me. Also, it’s kinda cool
to own a speedboat, especially if you have the intention of impressing a girl. And lastly,
going about by boats could guarantee you the hassle of traffic, and in some cases it’s a
means of earning a living for some.

Do you like robots?

To be honest? No. I used to enjoy watching my younger brother and nephews playing
with small size robots; however, ever since I saw a couple of robotic movies in which
these intuitive machines develop their own kind of behavior and threaten the lives of other
humans, well I must say that not only freaks me out but also puts me off.

Did you like fruits as a child?

Yeah. I did. I’m not pretty sure why but I unlike my friends who liked savory dishes or
sweets. I’ve loved fruits ever since I was a little girl. So I always ate them whenever I got
the chance.

Have you ever bought mirrors before?

To tell the truth – no. When I was younger I lived with my family, and our house was fully
furnished, so there were no needs to buy anything extra. Now I’m sharing a house with
my colleague, and when I moved in the house already had what was needed.
Why do you think most people only have two or three children nowadays?

I believe there’s many explanations for this trend. In some countries, governments have
strict regulations about family planning and so couples aren’t allowed to have more than
two kids. Also, people these days don’t give birth to many children because they want to
give them the best in terms of education and opportunities. Europeans and Americans
have fewer kids because of their busy and stressful lifestyles as well as high cost of living.
Many of them start a family very late, and give birth to one or two children due to their
physical health.

Many people get married late these days. What are the reasons for this trend?

Like I mentioned earlier, the young generations these days delay getting married for many
reasons. Some marry late because they aim to focus on their career development or
further education. Others postpone starting a family since they want to enjoy their
individual freedom and avoid family responsibilities. Sadly, there are those who wish to
be married but do no get to meet the right person just yet.

Do you think people spend a lot of money on weddings? Why?

Absolutely. Nowadays, the quality of life has been greatly improved with people earning
much higher income. And wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so most people are
willing to spend more money to make this day special. In the past ,weddings were simply
some traditional rituals and a feast organized at home; whereas, in modern days, young
couples are ready to pay a fortune for wedding photos shoot in foreign countries and
bridal gowns and tuxedos.

What’s the typical age for getting married in your country?

There isn’t exact age for marriage in VN because it actually depends on the regions where
people live. For example, for boys and girls in the countryside, I suppose 20 to 24 would
be the marriageable age. However, in modern cities like HCMC, people stay single a bit
longer, probably because they want to focus on their career, enjoy their individual
freedom. Hence, they don’t usually get married until they are 27 or older.

How is wedding usually celebrated in your country?

I’ve been to many weddings before, and I suppose similarly to many wedding ceremonies
in South-East Asia, Vietnamese weddings could be quite time-consuming and
complicated as well. The traditional rituals often take place at home, or at church if people
are religious, and a wedding reception is finally held at a hotel or a restaurant. Relatives
and friends would be there to witness the couple’s union and shower them with wishes or
gifts.

Do you think it is important to know about news from other countries?

I believe it is essential to be well-informed with both national and international news,

because in this day and age, most countries and economies are largely dependent on
each other. So, if you are well aware of what’s taking place in other countries, it can help
you take appropriate steps regarding investment, travelling or maybe even moving
overseas for working and living.

Which other sources can people use to find out about the latest news?

Vietnamese people gain access to news from myriad sources I’d say. Besides
newspapers and magazines, I think the majority of people can receive news from visual
medial like television; mobile workers like drivers usually listen to the radio, and I think
most youngsters these days prefer the internet, where they can easily get connected
using laptops or smartphones, with free wifi for example.

Which is more popular, newspapers or magazines?

I guess the two are equally common in Vietnam because they provide people with news
and tell them about what’s going on in other parts of the world. But in terms of gender, I
would say males tend to prefer newspapers, whereas females, usually magazines.

Why do you think some people like to read magazines?

I can’t say for sure. However, I suppose most people, especially women, prefer
magazines because of the quality of the images and paper. Also, unlike newspapers
which simply keep you updated with the news, magazines often give you an overview of
what happened over a period of time, particularly in fashion and entertainment

How often do you read magazines?

Well, honestly, I rarely look at them. I’ve only got the chance to read magazines when I
have to wait at the salon to get a haircut, or maybe at the airport to board my flight.

Is it necessary to have musical lessons at school?

Absolutely yes. Why? Music plays an important role in our life. It helps in reducing stress,
refreshing your body and maintaining the right balance. Introducing music subject to
children in their early ages is of great value. It does not only develop love and affection
for going schools but also improve their learning skills.

What traditional instruments are there in your country?

Well, since VN has more than 50 ethnic minorities, there is a wide range of traditional
music instruments, including string, wind and percussion instruments. And one of my
favorites is the Cong Chieng (Gong), which once received Unesco’s certification as an
intangible cultural heritage.

If you had a child, which musical instrument would you encourage them to play?

Personally, I think that music is not only a form of entertainment but also a vitamin for
your soul. Therefore, if I had a child, I would let them try as many musical instruments as
they want to. By this way, I could figure out what is the most suitable one for them.

If you could learn a musical instrument, what would you choose?

To be honest, I’d love to be able to play the guitar, but I think I’m a bit tone deaf so I might
find it quite hard for me to learn any musical instrument, let alone guitar.

Did you learn to play a musical instrument as a child?

No, I didn’t but I always wish I had. If I had had the chance, I would have learned to play
the guitar. But my parents always thought it was more important to focus on school work
rather than learn an instrument.

How can parents encourage their children to eat more fruits?

I think that would be one of the most difficult tasks ever. However, I think parents could
do a few things to make fruits more appealing to eat, like making ice-cream or fruit juice,
or sometimes mix them with yogurt. Once in a while, maybe use fruits to make topping
and filling for cakes and other pastries.

What is the most popular fruit in your country?

Vietnam is a tropical nation, and so we have fruits throughout the year depending on the
season, like for now, we have rambutans. But I’d say the most popular one would be
watermelons. You can find them almost everywhere all year round.

Do you think it is important to eat fruits?

Of course. They provide us with sorts of vitamins, nutrients, and minerals for our body.
Fruits like avocados provide you with a huge amount of protein, lots of calories, and also
vitamin A, B, C, even more than milk.

Did you like fruits as a child?

Definitely. Unlike other kids who dislike eating fruits, I’ve savored fruits ever since I was
a little girl. My mother said that I could go on for a day or two just by eating plums, guavas,
or jackfruits.

Are there any fruits you don’t like?

Perhaps not. I am a fruit-lover so I eat most of them. However, there are certain fruits that
I have to consume in limited amounts such as lychees, durians, or jackfruits, or else I
might get pimples or have a nose bleed.

How often do you eat fruits?

Well, I consume fruits every day, and I make a point of including fruits in most of my
meals. However, I usually eat out for breakfast, so I’ve only got the chance to eat fruits
with my lunch and dinner.

Do you like fruits?

Definitely. I enjoy all sorts of fruits from tropical ones like watermelons and durians to
temperate ones like cherries and apples. Honestly, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of eating
them.
In your country’s culture, how do you show that you are being polite?

I can provide you examples of the most common behaviors that are considered civilized
in my country. Switching off the cellphone or keep them silent is essential when one is
attending official meetings or in the cinema. Another proper manner is greeting people
appropriately and gaining eye contact during a conversation. One more thing is also very
important in our culture is the necessity of saying “thank you” for someone’s input or
contribution and including “please” when asking for a favor.

Why is it important to be polite to people?

There are so many reasons why we should be well-behaved. Firstly, etiquette can
improve our relationships with others, as well as help us to build mutual respect and
rapport. As a result, practicing treating people properly also enhances our communication
skills in the long run. Last but not least, on a larger scale, good demeanor cost nothing
but can make a big difference to how other people feel about you and the country or the
organization you are representing.

Why do you think watches have become less popular these days?

As far as I can see the main reason for this matter is the increasing popularity of mobile
phones, in particular smart phones. These technological devices can perform all watches’
functions and more. I bet that’s why not many people wear timepieces these days.

Is a watch important in your opinion?

Personally, I think it certainly is because it helps us be punctual. Watches not only function
as a time keeper but also reveal our social status. In addition, a good pick of watch can
make us look more stylish too. For people working in certain professions like pilots,
explorers and astronauts smart watches can even save lives

Why do people buy expensive watches?

There are numerous reasons that make some individuals want to purchase a luxury
timepiece. First, I think it’s a valuable investment because you get what you pay for. So,
if it’s of top quality it’s going to last for a lifetime and can be passed down as an heirloom.
Besides, possessing a costly wristwatch is also a subtle display of wealth.
Do you wear watches?

Well, I do actually. In fact, I have two watches, one Casio which is pink in color and the
other is Seiko which is dark green so it looks pretty much like the color of soldier’s uniform.
I usually wear the former to work and the latter when I go out with friends.

Did you have watches when you were a child?

I can’t say for sure if I had one when I was younger because that was a very long time
ago; however, I remember when I was in grade 6, my father bought me one – which has
a metal face and a sky-blue strap

Is it common for people in your country to carry a pocket mirror?

Yeah certainly. But I believe mostly girls and women bring pocket mirrors with them when
they go out. I bet that’s because they wear make-up so they want to check from time to
time if there is a need to apply extra lipstick or powder.

Do you think mirrors are important ornaments?

I’m not really sure. I suppose if the home designer has a good sense of style and makes
good use of mirrors then the place could look more spacious, elegant, or even mysterious.

Do you check yourself in the mirror while buying clothes?

Well, of course yes. I think it’ essential to see how you look in a new dress since the
garments might feel good on your body but they might make you appear funny to others.
Hence, it’s necessary to confirm your look before you decide to purchase an item.

Have you ever bought mirrors before?

To tell the truth – no. When I was younger I lived with my family, and our house was fully
furnished, so there were no needs to buy anything extra. Now I’m sharing a house with
my colleague, when I moved in the house already had what was needed.

Do you enjoy looking at yourself in the mirror?

I know it’s a sign of narcissism but I really love watching myself in the mirror. I usually do
that the first thing in the morning when I wake up. After getting some sleep I look best
because my skin is glowing.

Absolutely I look at myself in the mirror everyday when I wake up, it’s sort of my morning
ritual. I work in a professional environment, so I always do my best to look presentable.
That’s why I have to look in the mirror to make sure my hair is tidy, my face is groomed
and my clothes are not wrinkled.

Do you often buy mirrors?

Not really, I mean I only buy it when mine gets broken. But other than that, I don’t really
buy mirrors. Girls might, though. I think most females have a habit of replacing mirrors
quite often

Do you think mirrors are a necessary decoration?

I think it is a very useful decorative item. With a beautiful frame, it can nicely complement
a living room or a bedroom. In addition, in a small house, mirrors can actually make the
space look bigger. Actually, a lot of restaurants use mirrors to give the guests the illusion
that the space is bigger than it actually is

Will robots somehow replace human beings in the workplace?

I must say that’s an obvious possibility as you can see certain areas of our workplace
have been taken over by these intuitive machines. In fields like automobile production,
space exploration, and hazardous environment inspection, robots have been gradually
taking charge.

Would you ride in a car drive by a robot?

Even though I’m a bit reluctant, I’d love to give it a try. I believe that automation is superior
to humans in terms of driving because they are coded, so they would follow the traffic
rules and avoid over-speeding. What’s more? They don’t feel asleep while driving so I
can feel safe and give my whole attention to doing things I like.

Would you like a robot to help out around the home?

Definitely no. I can’t imagine waking in the middle of the night just to find out one is
standing at my bedside and staring down at me. I know I have a rather wild imagination
but what if what is depicted in the movies is true – that one day they might develop a mind
of their own and take control over humans.

Why are robots part of many TV shows and movies?

I suppose the nature of television programs and films is to reflect reality and depict the
future. TV broadcasts these shows to inform us about great inventions and advancements
so far in terms of building smart machines. Movies aim to prepare us for the influence of
artificial intelligence as well as warn us about the possible consequences when these
machines get out of control.

Which event or person from history would you like to learn more about?

Probably Adolf Hitler, the notorious German dictator during World War II. It might be a
rather bizarre pick, but I do have this personal interest in learning about the life and,
moreover, the mind of those considered antagonists, or villains, in mankind’s history. It
would be intriguing to look at the big picture of human society at the time, to see what
could have led to their horrendous behaviors.

Do you think the internet is a good place to learn about history?

To a certain extent, yes. The internet is always an extremely easy and convenient means
to access information on all subjects, history included. What I particularly like about online
resources is that they offer different perspectives to look at multifaceted historical issues.
The only problem is the richness of data on websites means we need to carefully evaluate
their validity and reliability.

Do you like to learn about history?

Well, to be honest, not really. When I was going to school I didn’t find history very
enjoyable. I had to memorize so many facts and figures to pass my exams and the
struggle apparently diminished my interest in the subject.

Do you like to watch TV programs or films about history?

While I’m not very keen on historical documentaries, I’m quite a fan of historical costume
dramas. These are the movies mostly based on past events and often involve spectacular
visual effects together with memorable characters in delicate outfits, so they’re very
popular both in cinemas and on TV.

Do you think history is an important subject?

Certainly. To my belief, we should be aware of what happened in the past to have an

insight into who we are and where we came from, so that we could appreciate the
contribution and sacrifice of former generations and truly treasure what we are having
today.

What are the main qualities of being a good leader?

The definition of an ideal leader varies from people to people for good reasons, I suppose.
As far as I’m concerned, a leader who is a true influencer and would leave great impacts
on his people is someone who is a man of his word, knowledgeable and inspiring with a
visionary mindset. It’s an undeniable truth that neither an organization nor any person
wants to be led by those who are pretentious and lack of capacity and vision. We all need
those who take actions and are ahead of their time to guide us to a better place.

How do you see a leader now and in the future?

I personally don’t think there would be much difference between leaders now and some
time in the future for their core values are much likely to be the same. By this, I mean
most true leaders tend to operate on similar principles such as innovation, integrity,
positivity and so on. Not all these characteristics would be acquired or presented by all
leaders but some of them would. Hence, in spite of living in different time, leaders would
still be those with some particular admirable traits that are distinguishable.

Do you think there will be changes?

Well, changes are inevitable since they are the causes of any advancement. Therefore,
it’s not surprising that there might be some alterations in leadership style and their effects.
If we trace back history, the differences are noticeable. Many emperors or royal governors
in ancient time ruled their kingdom by inflicting fear and pain on their people, which flatly
contradicts how leaders conquer others’ minds and hearts nowadays. Modern leaders no
longer impose anything on anyone but inspire them with their vision and yearning for a
better life.

How does leadership apply to children at school?

Leadership is not only adults’ realm but people of all ages can practice it, including
children. Most are not natural-born leaders, instead, they are likely to go through
painstaking process to attain certain skills since they were young. For example, kids with
leadership mindset probably stand out for their imitation, persistence and optimism. If they
take part in group activities, potential leaders are usually those who take on team leader
roles and enthusiastically enjoy the game as well as encourage others to do the same.

Why do young people want to live separately?

I think living separately has some benefits. Youngsters will learn how to appreciate the
time and manage their own life. On the one hand, they learn how to split the time between
working, studying and time for themselves. On the other hand, for those who leave their
parents for work, they would reduce the burden on their parents. They can sustain their
own lives and no need to depend on anyone.

What is the difference between living alone and living in a group?

I guess the first difference is more privacy when living alone. We don’t have to care about
what roommates think when we mess up the room or party all night. However, life is more
tedious and dreary when people do things alone. Living with friends enables people to
have less burden on money and make life easier. Also, people can have lifelong friends
by living together. Those are the benefits that make living in a group ideally

What are the benefits of living alone?

Well, for me, living alone allows people to enjoy their company to the fullest. They can
invite friends to come over and have fun without bothering anyone. Besides, people can
concentrate better when they live alone. Their roommates may throw a party and whether
they like it or not, they would be distracted by the noise so work would be less productive.
The last thing is living alone helps people handle daily lives as independent people. They
will find themselves in control of everything and be more mature.

What skills are needed to live alone?

From my point of view, there are some basic skills needed to live alone. The first thing is
cooking. Many people don’t know how to cook and often have fast food. This isn’t only
harmful to their health but also consumes lots of money. Also, I recommend people stay
on top of bills because they may end up in debt without watching their money. They should
set money aside for emergencies too. Last but not least, learning to balance schedule. It
is important to learn how to do multiple things in a day. They need to be flexible and willing
to schedule time for activities, work and social engagements.

How do people in your country spend free time?

Well, I think it depends on personality. People who are active are likely to hang out and
spend more time outdoor. They may join in some clubs, make new friends or involve in
some social activities to amuse themselves. On the other hand, introvert people tend to
idle away the hours staying indoor and spending quality time with their families.

How important are celebrations in your country?

Very important

- A way to preserve all the traditional values of the Vietnamese culture

- The best way for all the cultural values to be passed down from generation to
generation
- An ideal way to introduce Vietnamese culture to foreign friends and tourists

How does the popularity of celebrations differ in the view of the old generation and
the young one?

In my opinion, traditional celebrations, for Tet holiday, for example, are still popular with
both the older and young generations, partly because it is something they have been
used to ever since the time when they were young. However, some kinds of modern
celebrations, for Valentine’s day or Christmas, for instance, seem to attract more young
people. Some holidays like Christmas, tend to be more and more popular with all people,
including both Christians and non-Christians

Should there be a similar celebration for all the countries?

Maybe not

- New Year celebrations are somewhat similar for all the countries all over the world
- Each country should keep its own celebrations as it is a way to reflect its own
distinct culture, even in the era of globalization

How does the climate of a place affect the kind of buildings that are built there?

Well, obviously I am no architect but constructions should indeed be adapted for different
patterns of weather. It would be quite ill-advised to have skyscrapers in tropical, humid
climates, where hurricanes happen on a regular basis. Meanwhile, special needs for
buildings erected in temperate and continental climates revolve around indoor
temperatures. This explains why most houses and offices in colder regions of the world
have built-in central heating.

How do different seasons affect the lifestyle of people in your country?

Well, generally our routines vary from season to season, especially between summery
and wintry months. During dog days we tend to stay indoors, enjoying life in an air-
conditioned room. On the other hand, windy and chilly weather in fall and winter is more
likely to lure people outside. We can always fight the cold with layers of clothing but the
sweltering heat in summer just cannot be countered

Do you think fighting global climate change is a governmental responsibility or the

responsibility of individuals?

Personally I think that mutual efforts between the government and the ordinary people
are central to a comprehensive solution. There are measures that the state can take, not
individuals, and vice versa. While only the authorities are capable of putting my boss
sucks necessary environment-friendly laws into effect, any real changes and results rest
on the attitude and behavior of the citizens. After all, it always takes two to tango
How do different season affect the way people feel?

I actually do believe that human emotions are subjected to changes in weather and
seasons. I’ve heard on the grapevine that winter chills often come in a touch of the blues
because they could evoke a sense of loneliness and melancholy. Speaking from
experiences, though, the glaring sun in summery months could get on some people’s
nerves and induce emotional irritability. Moderate season like spring and autumn are thus
more pleasant and less likely to bring out drastic mood swings.

Do you think dreams will affect sleep?

Maybe, I know people who are deeply affected by dreams. When bad things like death
happens, they may believe it to be a sign of bad luck and try to avoid it in real life

Yeah, to a certain extent, I think. Some people really let their dreams get to them,
especially bad ones. If they see death or suffering, for example, they may interpret it as
an omen. They often even take some precautions out of paranoia, like being extra careful
on the road. So yeah, I guess dreams do influence our behaviors.

Do you like hearing others’ dreams?

Yes, I guess. Some people think about their dreams so much they feel like someone else
should listen about them.

I sure do. A lot of people are haunted by their dream, and they really just need someone
to talk about it. Some are scared out of their mind if they see nightmares

Do you remember your dream when you wake up?

No, not really. I mean, when I wake up, I often have no recollection of what happened in
my dreams. I just recall disconnected fragments of the dream, which don’t really add up

Is it important to have a hobby?

Yes it is. Maybe it’s because people are getting more stressed because of work, so they
should have something fun to do, just to relax
Definitely! I mean nowadays life is getting more and more hectic, so people are constantly
under an enormous amount of stress. That’s why it’s necessary to get into some
recreational activities to unwind and just forget about life for a minute, you know?

Is it harmful to spend too much time on a hobby?

It probably is harmful, because that means you will have less time for not only your career
but also family and friends. A good book can easily distract from deadlines, for example

Yes, I believe spending excessive time on a hobby may have an adverse effect on people.
You may end up having not enough time for your priorities like family or work. For
example, it’s easy for me to lose myself in books and neglect the deadlines at work

Do you have any hobbies?

I do have a lot of hobbies, like reading books in my free time. Actually, I’ve been reading
The Godfather for a while, it’s quite interesting

Well, everyone has their own leisure pursuits and mine is reading. The book I’m reading
at the moment is The Godfather by renowned author Mario Puzo. It’s a classic, really,
and I’d really recommend it.

What free time activities would you like to try in the future?

I would love to have a crack at extreme sports in the future, maybe skidiving. It looks like
a blast and I think I will get a real kick out of freefalling from enormous heights

What do you like about your job?

Obviously it’s about the generous paycheck. Here I make quite a lot of money, which
helps me pay my bills. At the end of the month I can even get myself some decent rewards

Well I guess the thing I like most about my job is the salary. I make what I’d consider is a
lucrative income, which means not only is it enough to cover my bills, but there’s also
some extra to spend on whatever I want. So on payday, I often treat myself to a meal at
a high-end restaurant or splurge on a nice shirt

What do you dislike about your job?

Umm…What I hate the most is the amount of time I have to spend working. I always have
a lot of deadlines to meet and so have really little time for my family

You know, I’d have to say the overwhelming workload is something I’m not a fan of. I
mean, I’ve got a very hectic schedule, which means I’m always up to my ears in deadlines.
That leaves me with very little quality time for family and friends. In the future, I might look
into another job that is a bit less stressful.

Are you a student or are you working?

Hmm…Actually I graduated a few years ago and have been a KMPG auditor for quite
some time now

Well, for the past couple of years, I’ve been working as an auditor at KMPG, which is
among the top 4 auditing firms in Vietnam. I love my job, and I think it’s very interesting
line of work

Are people’s birthdays very important in your country?

Most people in my place consider birthday a very special occasion. It’s a perfect chance
to party with fancy sweet or savory meals, which explains why everybody looks forward
to it and expects to receive gifts from friends and families.

I guess for the vast majority of Vietnamese, birthdays are kind of a big deal. They usually
throw lavished parties to celebrate and there’s usually a lot of anticipation before the big
day. For example, people expect to get things that are on their wish list and if they do not,
it’ll be a real letdown.

How do people in your country celebrate birthdays?

We will usually have a meal out on that day, probably at a pricey restaurant. On the other
hand, other people would prefer spending this special day with their family, probably with
a cozy meal

Well, most people like to throw a birthday party at a posh restaurant, and usually there’s
a lot of eating and drinking. At the same time, there are also those who prefer to celebrate
their birthday at home with their loved ones. I guess there’s a real sense of intimacy in
doing so

What did you do on your last birthday?

Last year some of my friends gathered at my place and we had dinner together. Then we
thought it would be fun to get drunk at a club. We danced through the night and I ended
up with a crazy hangover in the morning

Well, last year on my birthday I had a few friends over at my house and had a nice dinner.
Then we decided to hit the club and dance all night long. We drank a lot of booze and I
remember waking up to a splitting headache the next day. It was a blast, though

Do you think holidays are becoming more and more important?

Yes, holidays are great treats after busy working and studying time. It’s important to relax
and chill after you have been working so hard, I think holidays make our life more
enjoyable and worthwhile

Definitely. You know, nowadays life is very hectic, and I’m always up to my ears in work,
so it’s crucial to just take a break and get away from it all every once in a while

What kind of places do you want to travel to?

I would say the metropolises. In my opinion, big cities represent the best cuisine and
culture of that country. However, sometimes I’d rather go for somewhere quieter to
escape from the hustle and bustle of the cities

My travel destination of choices is metropolises. To my mind, big cities are the best place
to explore a country’s culture and feast on its delicious food. But from time to time, I might
go for somewhere quieter, like a nice and secluded beach resort, for example

What do you do on your holiday?

Whenever I have off days I will plan a getaway for myself. I love travelling so if I am not
occupied with work, I will go somewhere and chill. My favorite country is Bangkok, I love
the culture and the food there
Well, it kind of depends, really. If I only have a few days off, I’ll just stay at home and
lounge about, maybe put on a movie or something, you know? On the other hand, if it’s
an extended holiday, I will probably go travelling. My favorite destination is Bangkok,
because of the culture and the food.

Which do you prefer: getting an email or a text message?

Well, in my opinion, each one has its own perks, but I have preference for emails, given
that I work in front of the computer virtually all day, that’s why it is more convenient for
me. By contrast, I am not good at texting, because I am kind of old-fashioned

Compared to a few decades ago, do you think in your country do more or less
exercise?

Generally I would have to say nowadays Vietnamese folks have become more active than
in the past. I mean, if one takes a stroll along any park in the country, he could see people
of all ages doing push-ups, taking a jog or joining a pickup game. Evidently, they are
getting the hang of it. Those with better financial situations often find themselves hitting
the gym and pumping the iron after office hours

What is the benefit for people doing sport?

Pastimes like swimming and tennis do wonders for everyone in both physical and mental
terms. Sports in general tend to improve one’s endurance and flexibility. Those who
exercise on a regular basis thus exhibit a significantly lower risk of heart-related problems
such as strokes or cardiac arrests. Sportspeople’s mind are also much healthier because
sports provide spaces of relaxation, helping them unwind after long, exhausting days at
work or school.

Well to be honest, the best way to foster one’s passion for sports is to raise their
awareness of the way frequent workouts contribute to their health. Alternatively, the
government should allocate a certain portion of resources to public sporting facilities so
that the underprivileged are given adequate access to such healthy pastimes

When will you bring when you go out?

Well, you know, there are certainly some items that I’d consider essentials whenever I go
out. For example, a pair of headphones to listen to music when I’m on the move. It really
makes my daily commute less boring

Did you ever forget to bring things?

Well, I gotta admit I’m quite a forget person. There have certainly been times when I’ve
left the house without my keys, my phone or even worse, my wallet. It’s really a nuisance
finding out that you have no cash on hand when you want to pay for, like, a coffee or
something

Will you bring different things in the daytime or at night?

I guess I do bring different items at different times of day. Like, for example, in the morning
when it’s really sunny, a pair of shades might come in handy so I always bring that. By
contrast, at night when it can get a bit cold, it’s quite useful to have a light jacket to brace
yourself against the chill

What kinds of food do you particularly like?

I’d have to say Asian cuisine is my favorite. I am a huge fan of the bold flavors and spices
used in Vietnamese and Thai dishes. Something I often daydream about eating is Banh
Da Cua, which is a lip-smacking Vietnamese noodle soup dish served with a crab broth.
It’s every bit as delicious as it sounds

Is there any food you don’t like?

It’s true that there are a few things that kind of put me off. For example, I cannot stand
Mam Tom, which is essentially a shrimp paste used in a lot of Vietnamese recipes. A lot
of people like it, though, but I think it smells awful. Definitely not my cup of tea.

What kind of food are most popular in Vietnam?

I think street food is a staple around here. You can find bustling food stalls all around
Hanoi, and they are my go-tos for a cheap and cheerful meal. I mean gourmet restaurants
are nice and all, but street food is what Vietnam is all about

Do you like cooking? Why/Why not?

Actually, I’d like to think that cooking is my forte. I developed a passion for culinary arts
when I first watched the cooking show Masterchef. Since then, I have learnt a lot of
recipes and I can easily whip up a good dinner

Did you often watch television when you were a child?

Oh definitely. When I was a kid, my parents often sat me down in front of the telly and
turned on some cartoons, trying to get me to finish my meal. We didn’t have cable TV,
though, so I watched a lot of reruns of the same shows.

Do you often watch TV recently?

Well, not really. I mean we have a TV set and cable subscription and all, but we don’t
really watch the box all that much. I guess something that we still watch from time to time
is The Voice, a signing competition. It’s all the rage in Vietnam right now, and supposedly
has really high viewership

What kind of TV programmes do you like most?

I’m a fan of competitions on TV like, as I was saying, The Voice. I also find quiz shows
quite interesting. I feel like I really broaden my horizons and learn a wealth of knowledge
about the world around me

What’s the weather like where you live?

Well, Vietnam is a tropical country, so it’s pretty much hot and humid year round.
However, in Northern cities like Hanoi, we actually enjoy four distinct seasons. So in
summery months, it can get really sweltering and by contrast, temperatures can really dip
in winter

What type of weather do you like best?

I’d consider myself a cold weather person. I love the crisp mornings at the end of fall and
the chill of winter. Maybe it’s because we have to bundle up as the weather turns cold,
and I love wearing sweaters and overcoats

Does the weather ever affect what you do?

You know, I gotta say yes, especially when it rains. I mean, I cannot go out and run my
errands if it’s pouring outside. The roads get really slippery, so it’s quite dangerous to
drive. Besides, you will definitely be soaked if you do decide to go out.

Do you like birds?

Well, I take a very keen interest in nature, so I love to learn about different species of
plants, animals, and yes, birds. They are truly fascinating creatures and they come in all
shapes and sizes. Bird watching is one of my favorite things to do

Have you seen many kinds of birds?

Well, living in the city, birds are a rare sight. Most of the stuff about birds that I’ve seen is
on documentaries of the great outdoors. I mean, I’ve seen some common breeds in real
life like pigeons and such, but nothing too exotic

How do Vietnamese people feel birds?

Well, for the most part, Vietnamese people are not that into birds. I mean, we like to eat
them, especially game birds like pheasants. People in remote areas often hunt for birds
in the wild and roast them over an open fire. They are considered a delicacy where I come
from

Are you interested in robots?

Yes, robotics engineering is something I take a keen interest in. I actually subscribe to a
journal dedicated entirely to robots called “The Robot Workshop”. The other day I read a
really interesting article about how robots can be used to perform surgeries

Do you like robots to work at your home?

I think that’s a brilliant idea. I’m quite lazy, so household chores like cleaning or cooking
are a real hassle. I would prefer to have those robots. Actually, we have a robotic vacuum
cleaner at our house. It’s truly a life-saver

Do you want to take a car which robot is the driver?

Well you know nowadays self-driving cars are certainly not a strange topic anymore. A.I.
has gotten more sophisticated, and it’s more than capable of navigating addresses and
controlling a vehicle. However, I gotta say I don’t really feel comfortable letting robots take
the wheel, I think they are not 100 percent reliable, and may not handle dangerous
situations like a slippery road as well as a human driver does. So for now I still prefer to
drive manually

Will robots replace human beings in the workplace completely?

Well, these days human labor is being marginalized by automation in the workplace,
especially in manufacturing. Labor-intensive tasks can be done by machines with ease
and precision. However, there are always things that require the delicate touch of a
human hand. For example, a hand-made shirt always has more soul than a machine-
made one.

What do you think “patience” is?

Well, I think patience is a virtue. Unfortunately, nowadays most people are quite impatient.
For example, many people want to get rich quickly but are willing to get their hands dirty,
so they always complain about how harsh life is

Do you think patience is important?

Absolutely. I think it’s a quality that everybody should try to learn. Learning to wait until
the timing is right is the key to success, in my opinion. In fact, most successful
entrepreneurs are very patient people.

Do you think being patient is an important part of being polite?

Yes, I think patience is an indicator of politeness. I mean, a polite person would never
chew someone out for keeping them waiting. If there’s a good excuse for being late, a
polite person should be willing to overlook such minor mistakes

Have you ever last your patience?

Well, yeah, without a doubt, there have certainly been times when I lost my cool. For
example, there was this one time when I had to wait forever to be seated at a popular
restaurant. Then someone suddenly cut in line and that really ticked me off.

Do you usually write by hand?

Not really anymore. These days I find myself typing a lot on computers and texting on my
phone, so I rarely use paper and a pen anymore. That said, I still have to jot down notes
in class because laptops are not allowed. I think it’s a pain, really

Do you think handwriting will be replaced by computers?

Well, you know, in this day and age, modern technologies have largely marginalized
handwriting, and you don’t see people writing by hand as much as they did in the past.
However, I still think some things need to be handwritten. For example, you should always
handwrite a wedding invitation to show respect to the guests.

Is it still necessary to keep handwriting?

Definitely. I think it’s important to teach young kids to handwrite. I think handwriting
exercises really do wonders for their cognitive development. For example, my brother
who has really beautiful handwriting is a brilliant kid.

What impression does a person’s handwriting have on other people?

I think in Vietnam handwriting can speak volumes about somebody’s personality. For
example, if you have neat handwriting, people tend to think that you are a good-hearted
person. On the other hand, if you writing is unintelligible, they may think badly of you. It’s
quite an antiquated way of thinking, I guess.

What types of clothes do you like wearing?

Well, it sort of depends. When I go to work, I always try to look sharp because I work in a
formal environment, so that often means a suit and tie. But by contrast, if I’m just hanging
out with my friends or talking a leisurely stroll, you’ve more likely to find me in casual
outfits: a well-worn pair of jeans, a T-shirt and some sneakers

Where do you buy your clothes?

Hmm, again, it kind of depends. If I’m feeling flush, I might go to the and splurge on some
designer clothes. On the other hand, if I don’t have a lot of money, I might shop at flea
markets. You can score some great deals there and buy tons of clothes without breaking
the bank
What have been the most significant technological developments of recent years?

Undoubtedly, ones connected with the Internet. The Internet has created a global village
where everyone can easily and cheaply contact almost anyone in the world, just to chat
or to do business or to find love. It’s a revolution, the like of which I don’t think has been
seen before. For example, people in my country have the Internet at home through our
personal computers but also on the move through the use of smartphones and laptops,
so wherever we are we have access to almost limitless sources of knowledge

Why should we restrict the use of mobile phone in public places?

Undoubtedly, mobile phones have made communication easier and more convenient.
However, using them in public spaces can distract other people. Therefore, I would argue
that mobile phones should be inhibited in public areas. Indeed, this gadget can be
intrusive, which can disturb others when they are concentrating For instance, in some
public places like libraries, hospitals, music halls or galleries, phones can annoy and ruin
the experience for others through ringtones of incoming calls or people talking over the
phone so loudly. From my point of view, restricting phone usage in public areas can lead
to more responsible behavior.
Can you do without a mobile phone?

Definitely, I can’t live without a mobile phone. Obviously, thanks to the rapid
development of technology, I can get access to many useful websites, especially
social media ones like Facebook or Instagram, and it is much more easier now with
the prevalence of 3G connection. Moreover/Additionally, I mainly use my phone to
take photos and the wonderful thing is that, I can blow up a photo to any sizes I
want, just simply via an app on IOS or Android.

What do you mainly use the Internet for?

Well, I mainly use the Internet to read newspapers and especially, chat with my
friends. Indeed/Honestly, when I sit with my laptop and chat with friends, I feel I am
relaxing and escaping from my daily grind into the digital world. I also use it to do a
bit of research on things to do and things to see at weekends. I do a bit of internet
shopping, like booking flights and accommodation for my holidays.

Has the Internet made your job/studies easier?

Of course, Internet definitely contributes to my easier completion of my job as well

as my study. For example, at work, email is such a useful tool for my communication
with my colleagues and business partners in different offices, or even in different
countries. It offers immediate communication with my teachers, allows global
connection without the need to travel and it’s also much more convenient as I can
even communicate on-the-move