Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: Vietnamese Poet receives French Medal

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Vietnamese Poet receives French Medal

Vietnamese poet and translator Tran Duong Tuong Friday received the prestigious French “Officier des Arts et des Lettres” order (Order of Arts and Literature) for his contributions to French culture and literature.
France’s Ambassador to Vietnam Hervé Bolot held a grand ceremony in Hanoi to present Tuong with the prize.
Tuong has translated into Vietnamese many French books by such authors as Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre and Raymond Queneau.
The 77-year-old has also translated many Vietnamese books into French to introduce Vietnam to international friends.
Tuong is also a reporter and critic.
France’s Order of Arts and Literature is awarded to artists to recognize their contributions to arts and literature.
Reported by Huu Tho

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They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.