In Search of a Hidden Path to Hòa Vân Village This morning, I set off with a friend to revisit a rugged trail along the southern side of the Hải Vân Pass. The plan was to explore a little-known path that, according to my gut (and a bit of Mr. Old Man intuition), might lead down to the beach near …

— A Bicycle, a Field, and a Moment in Time — A Chance Encounter Exactly ten years ago, I pedaled into Truong Dinh Hamlet and stumbled upon a group of kids playing tag on a rice field, freshly cleared after harvest. Curious Eyes and a Light Bike When they saw a stranger stop his bicycle by the roadside, their curiosity …

With a population of around 17.4 million people and a staggering 25 million bicycles, along with a world-class cycling infrastructure, the Netherlands rightfully holds the title of the number one cycling nation in the world. Amsterdam, the capital city, truly is a cycling paradise where bikes seem to dominate the streets. In Amsterdam, you’ll see cyclists enjoying absolute freedom — …

  PARTIAL PAYMENT ON DISCREPANT DOCUMENTS Can an issuing bank pay only part of a discrepant presentation based on the applicant’s instructions? In documentary credit practice, situations sometimes arise where the applicant is willing to accept discrepant documents, but only on condition that the beneficiary agrees to a reduction in payment. This usually happens when market conditions have changed and …

By Mr. Old Man Getting lost, but finding a bond I still remember my first time, about ten years ago, when I biked to Ngầm Đôi. On the way back, sun-drunk and disoriented, I somehow ended up all the way in Đông Giang. That “accidental” detour turned into a quiet bond. Every now and then, the memory calls me back—back …

The gate of Vân Village. A place of memories beneath Hải Vân Pass I still call Hòa Vân leprosy village – or simply Vân Village – nestled at the foot of Hải Vân Pass, “the lost village.” Today, it’s little more than a ruin: crumbling houses, moss-covered walls, and weeds reclaiming the ground. Nearly a decade ago, with support from …

QUESTION Dear Mr. Old Man, The Letter of Credit includes the following details: Field 50 (Applicant): AAA Company … Hong Kong Field 46A (Documents Required): … Full set of clean on board original ocean bill of lading made out to the order of ABC Bank Ltd, notify applicant, marked “freight prepaid”. … Field 47A (Additional Conditions): All documents must state …

From dreamy fiction to countryside reality By Mr. Old Man Photo: Đinh Hồng Ân Last week, Dreamy Eyes (Mắt biếc)—the latest film by director Victor Vũ—sparked a wave of nostalgia and curiosity among young viewers. Adapted from Nguyễn Nhật Ánh’s beloved novel, the film takes place in the fictional village of Đo Đo, also the author’s real-life hometown, and the …

By Mr. Old Man When people hear about Tà Lang– Giàn Bí Stream, they often imagine a remote and hard-to-reach place. But in truth, Tà Lang isn’t far at all. It’s a small mountain village home to the Cơ Tu ethnic community, located just 35 km west of downtown Đà Nẵng. You can cycle to Tà Lang – Giàn Bí …

By Mr. Old Man After the Covid-19 pandemic, many people turned to cycling as a way to stay fit, and bike shops became busier than ever. In the rush to get a bike, some folks walk into a shop, ask a couple of quick questions, then pay and ride off with their new wheels—only to regret it later when the …