 Christmas decorative items sold at Hang Ma street in Hanoi's Old Quarter (photo: Cam Thi) |
A: Amir Jameel of Pakistan emailed us to say: “We’d like to extend our heartfelt greetings to the dedicated staff and managers of VOV English Service, its loyal listeners, and people around the world. Christmas is a time of joy, unity, and reflection, and we are truly grateful for the efforts of VOV in connecting individuals across the globe, sharing knowledge, culture, and warmth. May this festive season bring peace and happiness to all, and may the coming year be filled with new opportunities, blessings, and continued successes. Merry Christmas!”
B: Thank you, Mr. Jameel, for your warm wishes and – not one, but two – special e-cards. We love them and will post them on our website.
A: Another Pakistani listener, Muhammad Aqeel Bashir, said: “On the joyous occasion of Christmas, I would like to extend my heartfelt greetings to all the Christian brothers and sisters around the world. This season of celebration brings with it a spirit of love, peace, and unity, which transcends boundaries and connects us all. I send my good wishes to your esteemed radio team as well, for your relentless efforts in bringing joy and information to your audience across the globe. Your dedication is truly commendable and worthy of appreciation.”
B: We’re glad to receive greetings from our loyal British listener Gerry Neumann, who wrote: “I wish all the staff of the English section of VOV a very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year.”
A: Long time no hear, Gerry. It’s great to be in contact with you again. Merry Christmas! We would also like to thank Johny A. Ramirez Lopez for sending us a big hug from Peru, Fachri of Indonesia, Kalab Abbas of Pakistan, Rabisankar Bosu of India, and many others for sending Christmas and New Year greetings to VOV’s staff.
B: Thank you all for sending smiles across the miles and making this Christmas truly wonderful. AlthoughChristians account for about 7-8% of Vietnam’s population, Christmas has become a festive occasion enjoyed by many non-Christian people.
A: Hotels, restaurants, and other public places in the larger towns are beautifully decorated for Christmas, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
B: The holiday spirit will continue through Christmas and the Solar New Year all the way to Tet, Vietnam’s traditional Lunar New Year festival, which begins on January 29 this year.
 Thank you Amir Jameel Sahiwal for sending us Christmas greetings |
A: You’re listening to the Letter Box on VOV, acknowledging listeners’ reception reports and feedback on VOV’s programs. We also answer listeners’ questions on any topic you want to know about.
B: Ana Maria Bruce told us that her family in Da Nang owns a farm/resort/camping facility in the Ba Na hills. They’re interested in zero waste programs. She asks: “Does VOV have resources we can use to teach our workers to practice zero waste?”
A: We recommend that you contact the Zero Waste Community Da Nang, a community that collaborates to reduce unsorted landfill waste in Da Nang. You can find them on Facebook or email them at zerowastecommunitydanang@gmail.com.
B: The Community was started by Vu Hong Thanh, founder of the Center for Community Initiative and Environment, and has been coordinating with other agencies since 2022. It now has 1,500 members, who practice a green lifestyle and spread information about reducing trash to others.
A: It operates a “Community Garden” on Morrison Street in An Hai Bac ward, Son Tra district. I think you’d find a visit to their zero waste model garden very interesting.
 “Community Garden” on Morrison Street in An Hai Bac ward, Son Tra district, Da Nang city (photo: baodanang.vn) |
A: Ms. Thanh is describing the 330-square-meter garden where they show local residents how to separate waste and recycle organic materials like food scraps, leaves, and yard waste into compost for plants.
B: In its first year of operation, about 10 tons of organic waste was composted in the Community Garden. An unused piece of land has become a lush garden of flowers, herbs, medicinal plants, and vegetables. Many adults and children come there to learn composting and gardening techniques.
A: The Zero Waste Community Da Nang encourages young people to practice and spread a green lifestyle and help change the community’s awareness of waste.
B: It cooperates with universities to organize workshops and talk shows on the zero waste lifestyle and zero waste tourism activities. Its members work with student clubs and residential groups to clean trash from Da Nang’s beaches. The project is expanding, engaging more families to separate waste at the source and cultivate a zero waste habit.
A: Ana Maria Bruce, we hope you find a good zero-waste model for your Ba Na Hills resort.
A: Now comes an interesting question from French listener Philippe Marsan: “Are bicycles a common means of transport in Vietnam? Are there any routes reserved for bicycles?”
B: Bicycles are no longer a major means of transportation in Vietnam’s big cities. They have been largely replaced by a rapidly growing number of motorbikes and cars. The percentage of bicycles on the road is dwindling and dedicated bike lanes are rare.
A: Since the beginning of this year, however, the Hanoi Department of Transport has piloted a dedicated bicycle lane along the To Lich river to encourage cycling as Vietnam moves toward a green economy.
B: The bike path is 3m wide for two-way traffic. There’s an adjacent 1-meter wide walking path. Electric bicycles are prohibited. The bicycle path connects several metro stations. There are six public bicycle stations where people can rent a bike to ride to another railway or bus station.
A: And that brings us to the end of today’s show. Thank you so much for tuning in and being part of our program. We welcome your feedback at English Service, VOVWorld, 45 Ba Trieu street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Our email address is englishsection@vov.vn.
A: This is NQ and PK, signing off. Once again, we wish you all a Merry Christmas!