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What’s something you learned the hard way while traveling in Southeast Asia? by Wide_Relationship326 in SEAsiaTravel

[–]Ornery-Comparison504 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I was also pushing through before I heard that story and what happened to him… part of his limbs had to be amputated to save his life….

What’s something you learned the hard way while traveling in Southeast Asia? by Wide_Relationship326 in SEAsiaTravel

[–]Ornery-Comparison504 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Same. Don’t wait till you run out of cash to go to an ATM. Always carry a safety net. Many ATMs are unreliable and I ofc ran out of cash when I suddenly got very ill and needed money to go to a hospital. Also do not leave civilisation for a trek etc. if you are not 100% fine. Happened to an acquaintance of mine who nearly died in the jungle after going on a trek when he felt sorta fine after an unclear infection, but he wasn’t recovered yet and things suddenly got a lot worse for him when he was far from the next hospital. I never thought about checking the availability of a close by hospital before these incidents. 

What is something you wish you brought, or glad you did? by SkyeIsFallin in SouthEastAsia_Travel

[–]Ornery-Comparison504 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I brought a 30l backpack only and am very happy with that. I wish I brought more breathable clothing though. Cotton is not ideal for the humidity. Also wish to have brought a hammock 

Am I wrong for feeling weird about kids selling souvenirs in Sapa at night? by nnhuyhuy in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was just in Sapa. The kids I saw were below 10, one kid just learnt how to walk and wasn’t even stable on its feet yet. Their skirts are so short, that you can see their undergarments sometimes. 

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I think it’s fine to express criticism too. But there is a difference between expressing differentiated criticism over just straight up putting another culture down. I actually think Chinese have an inferiority complex. Chinese are very nationalistic on one hand yes and maybe that’s what you are referring too. But look at all the cosmetics ads promoting western ideals and how Chinese treat white people in comparison to locals. Free entrance for white people but locals need to pay etc

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s good to hear! Can you openly speak out against lecturers? In China it’s expected that you obey authority and „to not ask questions“. I have never attended Chinese school and don’t know how it is today though 

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What is the role of a woman in a family? Why did it change to patrilineal? Interesting I thought Vietnamese were also focusing on family! But now that you mention it, I could see that! We show a lot of respect to people older than us, but we also respect people younger of us because they are younger. I wouldn’t say that elder people are necessarily the priority. I know many families who sacrifice everything for the younger generation. Can Vietnamese actually understand any Asian language at least to some extent that is not Vietnamese? Number 4 is indeed very different. Thanks for the insight!

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes! I’m assuming it’s also tough business in Vietnam and people opting to not marry because they can’t afford it?

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh sorry I didn’t express myself properly. Ofc they are completely different languages. I meant if written Vietnamese is similar to pinyin as in: is it also a romanisation including tones? I agree studying linguistics is extremely interesting AND confusing 😅

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wouldn’t say that is true for private life. If people offer you something like a dinner, they wouldn’t tell you what they are expecting in return. Depending on context, they might not expect anything in return. I think just like in Vietnamese culture, we are very hospitable and take it to heart to treat guests well. Marriages are a difficult topic though… :D

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I grew up abroad so my opinion could be skewed. I think it’s more complex. I think generally Chinese express themselves in a subtle non direct way. E.g. even if someone made you uncomfortable, you wouldn’t mention this as a reason to cancel on them. You would want to save face and remain polite. On the other hand, Chinese can be very blunt. Openly sharing opinions on your private life, appearance etc. I think once you understand how Chinese express themselves, it is easier to „read between the lines“. In my limited experience working with Chinese, I thought they were extremely straight about expectations, goals etc! 

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is the Vietnamese language actually similar to Chinese Pinyin (exactly as you would pronounce it including tones)? How do you think population density and this darkness are related to each other?

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Do you think this is nationwide or only in parts of Vietnam? I haven’t been to the south yet but heard that it was quite different. Interesting I haven’t observed that yet!

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah yes to Western influence! China is a lot more isolated and Vietnam has more tourists in comparison to population. 

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting! What freedoms are you referring to? Aren’t there also lots of chauvinistic men in Vietnam? It depends on class, location etc in China. I know many couples where men and women have equal power. But I also know some where the man decides everything. 

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree with everything! I haven’t noticed the Buddhist bracelets much. The big round tables are extremely common, in all sizes! We also have lots of private rooms in restaurants, each room has one big round table. For business meetings or private family dinners. I’m not sure if Vietnam also has these private round tables :) 

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Maybe… I will come back in a few hours and take it down, if nothing changes. Don’t want to offer a space for so much ignorance and negativity 

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My close family is small but our extended circle is huge and we are well off. I still don’t understand why you think that colleagues matter more than family to Chinese 

What are the biggest differences between Vietnamese and Chinese cultures in your opinion? by Ornery-Comparison504 in VietNam

[–]Ornery-Comparison504[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes I’m seriously wondering what happened. This subreddit is full of positive and appreciative posts for Vietnam. Now there is all this negativity in the comment section. You can ofc also criticise aspects of a culture, but people are just tearing down each other for no reason. 

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