Paris Peace Accords 23 Oct. 1991

Monday, April 3, 2017

[Vietnamization] French diplomat juggles work and family

 Related:

[Vietnamization: French Indochina] ទូតបារាំង ថ្មី ដើម​កំណើត ​វៀតណាម នឹង​មក​កាន់​ ការងារ​ នៅ​ស្រុក​ខ្មែរ | New French ambassador, born in Vietnam, to hold position in Cambodia [a bit insensitive, no?!]


French diplomat juggles work and family

VietNamNews | 3 July 2016
Since arriving in Việt Nam in 2013 to head the Technical and Culture Co-operation Department at the French Embassy in Hà Nội, Eva Nguyễn Bình has dedicated her efforts to boosting the cultural exchange between the two countries. Her efforts paid off and she was assigned to be Director of the French Institute in Việt Nam. The energetic French woman talks with Thúy Hằng about her passion for work, as well as her struggle to maintain a balance between work, family life and her duties as the wife of the French ambassador, Jean-Noël Poirier.
Inner Sanctum: As your father is Vietnamese, were you brought up on stories about Việt Nam?
Since I was a little girl, I was eager to learn everything about Việt Nam but because my father is a person of very few words, I couldn’t get much from him. I felt a part of me was missing so when I was 12, I started to write to my grandmother, who then lived in Sài Gòn [former name of HCM City], seeking to know more about Việt Nam and my family. We kept writing to each other until 1999, when I first travelled to Việt Nam. I wanted to visit my grandmother to ask her to tell me stories about the family. I also wanted to spend time with her before it was too late because she was then quite old and not in good health.
My grandmother could spent the whole day sitting in her armchair between the kitchen and dining room, where she could keep an eye on all the comings and goings. Whenever she was in her chair, I sat by, talking to her and asking a lot of questions. We also gossiped and talked about such things as street food and áo dài (the Vietnamese national dress).
Inner Sanctum: Are you close to your father?
Among the three of us - my brother and sister - I am the one most connected to Việt Nam and I think that made me closer to my father.
Like most Vietnamese men of his generation, my father didn’t spend much time with his three children although I know he loved us very much. It was a kind of unspoken love.
Although my father studied in France and married a French woman, he remains a very typical Vietnamese man. We used to eat rice at every meal and everyday and when I saw French fries at a lunch at my friend’s house, I was so surprised and I asked, "What? You don’t eat rice?”
He also explained to us about Confucianism, the history of Việt Nam, the wars with invaders from the North, and the importance of maintaining one’s honour and dignity.
He also gave us Vietnamese names. My real name is Nguyễn Bình Thanh Hương. My sister is Thanh Nga. But it is hard to pronounce so my mother gave us French names that stay with us.
Inner Sanctum: Can you speak Vietnamese?
I took a Vietnamese class 10 years ago in Paris but I didn’t practise regularly. At present, I’m trying to learn the language again. I can speak a little bit but it’s a big challenge for me to understand Vietnamese.
Inner Sanctum: Can you name some major projects you undertook here?
One project of which I am very proud is the renovation of L’Espace [French cultural centre]. I spent the whole of last summer in Hà Nội to be able to keep an eye on the project to turn L’Espace into a more attractive, modern, lively, welcoming venue. Along with finding the financial resources for the project, we also had to convince some people that we could handle the project.
At the re-opening ceremony, I was very happy to see more than 400 people, including many artists such as Tùng Dương, Lê Cát Trọng Lý, Giang Trang and Nguyễn Thế Sơn, who are also my friends. They came to witness the results of our labour and to share with us the joy of doing something to contribute to L’Espace.
Another project that I was very happy with is the Bienvenue en France, or Welcome to France – a new concept of an original education fair held annually in Việt Nam. Since it was launched in 2014, the fair is no longer simply about French education, it is also a big event of French gastronomy, fashion, tourism, and innovation.
We have witnessed growing attendance year after year. Last year, more than 2,400 people attended the one-day event in Hà Nội and HCM City, including 27 schools and universities. This year, so far, more than 30 universities have registered for the event in HCM City on October 8 and in Hà Nội on October 9.
Inner Sanctum: What is your most memorable experience of Việt Nam?
It is the current Paris Ballet. To be able to bring the show to audiences in Hà Nội, I had to work for one year to overcome uncountable difficulties. However, through those difficulties, I learned a lot. For me it was one of the most memorable experiences because the project is also a process of learning how to work together. People from Paris, people in Việt Nam, from the private sector, public sector, artists, technical people, financial people, all worked as a team to put together a wonderful night of ballet.
Inner Sanctum: You actually hold two posts. How about your other important roles -- wife and a mother?
Honestly, we don’t often have time for just the two of us. However, the important thing is that we share the same passion for our work so we do understand each other very well. I believe that the way we are living now is very special and we enjoy it so much. We are very happy with the way we are.
As a mother, although it is not easy, I try as much as I can. I try not to be out of the house more than two or three evenings per week. I try to come home everyday to do homework with my son. I want to be with him every weekend or on special occasions. I definitely say ’no’ to a dinner invitation to be able together with my son on his birthday.
As a woman, I have to fight everyday to maintain this balance. For some other women, their priority is perhaps their work or their children, but for me, my priority is to try to keep a balance between my work and my family.
Inner Sanctum: Can you describe yourself in three words?
Energetic, passionate and open. — VNS




18 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:30 PM

    To All Khmer Yeurng (All Cambodian people):
    Please be prepared and be alert for accidents and worst situations that may happen in Khmer Near Year 2017 (April 13-17) just like the Khmer New Year back in April 1975. It is close to the election in June 2017 and it is clear that CNRP is going to win the election in 2017 and 2018 because the majority of Khmer people in the entire Cambodia country have been aware of the country of Cambodia which is at risk or jeorpady in the future, and because of the illegal Vietnamese immigrants under Ah Yong Yuon Hun Sen's legs and Hanoi's master-minded thieves and killers' new dirty and deadly plan. Don't let the second Killing Fields happen again in the modern day. Vietnamese/Yuon agents from Hanoi are already inside Hun Sen's CPP regime nowaday or today. They (Yuon/Vietnamese agents from Hanoi and Yuon/Vietnamese master-minded killers from Hanoi (Hun Sen's Yuon/Vietnamese bosses and advisors) are going to execute new plans to destroy Khmer people again because of strong and smart CNRP supporters and leaders along all Khmer people inside and outside Cambodia. So, all Khmer/Cambodian people should be fooled and believe everything Hun Sen and CPP officials say or have said. There is a danger coming from Yuon/Vietnamese agents and illegal Yuon/Vietnamese immigrants in Cambodia and those evil Yuon/Vietnameses have been secretly preparing when they (Yuon/Vietnamese immigrants) have been taught by their older parents, leaders (from Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi) to bad deed against Khmer people when it comes to "Khmer against Khmer" stragety. For example, Hun Sen and his dumb and corrupted CPP officials are told to fight against CNRP leaders (Mr. Sam Rainsy, Mr. Kem Sokha, Mr. Yim Sovan, Mr. Eng Chai Eang, Ms. Mu Sohua, Mr. Yem Ponharith, and so on). Please let the UN or International Community know as soon as possible about the secret attacks from hidden Yuon/Vietnamese agents among CPP officials and soldiers who pretend to be Khmer or Cambodia and they (secret Yuon/Vietnamese agents from Hanoi and hiding inside Hun Sen's CPP government) are trying their best and stragety to fool the UN and International Community (such as the U.S., Japan, European Unions, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, S. Korea, etc) that Khmer people and leaders always fight their own kinds again. Vietnamese/Yuon spies are every where and try so hard to do their secret and deadly work to kill Khmer people inside Cambodia just like the Killing Fields (1975-1979) that ended up 3 millions of innocent Khmer/Cambodian people and children. All these dirty and deadly are from evil Yuon/Vietnamese spies or secret agents (who pretend and pretended to be Cambodian/Khmer people).

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous2:31 PM

    Cont'd from Anonymous2:30 PM

    Let's remind all Khmer people and soldiers of Cambodia today that tt used to happen to the past New Year 1975 (April 13-17) when all Khmer people and soldiers had some days off from works and duties in order to enjoy the Khmer New Year Celebration in April 1975 and then they left themselves unprepared to prevent themselves from the enemy's attacks. Unfortunately, it was too late that Cambodia was under the control of the secret Yuon/Vietnamese agents and spies who hid among Khmer Rouges uniforms (black).
    During Khmer New Year back in April 1975, Khmer people and Lon Nol's soldiers forgot about the secret Yuon/Vietnamese agents hiding everywhere in Cambodia who took the opportunity to attack those Khmer people and Lon Nol's soldiers who were busy to have fun or good time in Khmer New Year in April 1975. Well, beside the Khmer New Year in 1975, those Khmer people and soldiers were so blind and always had fun and did not stay alert of many secret Yuon/Vietnamese agents and spies doing the dirty and deadly games to destroy the prosperity of Cambodia. Those evil Yuon/Vietnamese agents were from Ho Chi Minh trail after Sihanouk allowed Ho Chi Minh to use Khmer territory during American war against the Communist Vietcong.
    All Cambodian/Khmer people today should learn the lesson from what happend back in April 1975 and those (Khmer people and Lon Nol's soldiers) forgot that the secret Yuon/Vietnamese agents among Khmer Rouges who hid everywhere in Cambodia and among Cambodia population and Lon Nol's sodiers. That's why, all Khmer/Cambodian people today should not be fooled that Khmer is always killing their own kinds just because of the setup of deadly Vietnamese/Yuon agents inside CPP regime controlled and led by Ah Yong Yuon Hun Sen and don't be fooled with the good and sweet words from the corrupted CPP officials and commanders. All Cambodian/Khmer again must be prepared, stay alert, and proteck themselves from deadly attacks coming from the Yuon/Vietnamese secret agents hiding inside Hun Sen's CPP government and corrupted CPP officials.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous2:32 PM

    Cont'd from Anonymous2:31 PM

    All Khmer people from CNRP, CPP and other small parties don't focus yourself to grap the power to lead Cambodia and Cambodian people in the future. It is up to all Khmer people who think about their own futures and future of their children and Cambodia for many years to come. Stop fighting and attacking each others for your own power to lead Cambodia. Just learn a good example from CNRP leaders and supporters who did not let the wars, violences and hates among Khmer/Cambodian people and leaders. Mr. Rainsy and Mr. Sokha are very good to prepare and they both have learned that there are enemies other than Khmer/Cambodian citizens or people in CPP and other groups who try to destroy the unity of Cambodian/Khmer peopole. Khmer or Cambodian people should stay strong and united without breaking apart.
    Back in in 1960s and 1970s, the Khmer people and Lon Nol soldiers and other Sihanoukist soldiers were always having fun and good time, party, party and party until they forgot abotu what happened. They were unfortunate and unprepared to fight back against the secret Yuon/Vietnamese agents (who dressed up like Khmer Rouges soldiers and who could speak, write and read Khmer language so well) and they were fooled that those Khmer Rouges soldiers were not Khmer, but they are secrete Yuon/Vietnamese agetns. Oh, poor Khmer people and Lon Nol's poor soldiers who were stuck in the Killing Fields (1975-1979). Don't just blame Pol Pot (former name Sarlot Sar - his real name). Pol Pot and his Khmer Rouges soldiers were set up as the scapegoat as the killers. Pot Pot, Khiev Sophan, Ieng Sary, and Noun Chear were blind, fooled and stupid to lead the country of Cambodia without knowing the secret Yuon/Vietnaemse secret agents hiding among their Khmer Rouges's regime. As we know, that Khmer Rouges soldiers are so young (i.e. Khmer kids and some adults).
    Again, this is alert for Khmer people from CPP, CNRP and other small parties who are ready for the election in June 2017. We know that Yuon/Vietnamese agents and illegal Vietnamese/Yuon immigrants in Cambodia under Hun Sen's legs are/were taught by their Vietnamese/Yuon master-minded leaders/killers from Hanoi and secret Yuon/Vietnamse agents or spied in Hun Sen's CPP gervernment and among corrupted CPP officials that they will attack against Cambodian/Khmer people when it comes to "Khmer killing Khmer" stragety. For examples, Hun Sen's secret Yuon/Vietnamese agents (bodyguards) and corrupted CPP officials (who are blind and dumb) who want to stay in power under Yuon/Vietnaemse secret and deadly plans are trying so hard to destry CNRP's leaders and supporters. That means Khmer from CPP attack Khmer from CNRP. So, Khmer people should be award of the deadly and dirty Yuon/Vietnamese plans (usind Hun Sen and corrupted CPP officials and commanders) as the Vietnamese/Yuon tools. The Vietnamese/Yuon agents hiding inside CPP's goverment (Khmer police, Khmer soliders, Khmer buddhist monks, and Khmer people) are trying to post the war, violence and attack among Khmer people themselves.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anonymous2:33 PM

    Cont'd from Anonymous2:32 PM

    Aagain and again, after American left Vietnam, please just remember that those Khmer people and Lon Nol soldiers in 1975 lost the battles and accepted the defeat, and they (Khmer pople and Lon Nol's soldiers) got stuck in the hands of evil hidden Yuon/Vietnamese agents hiding in Khmer Rouges uniforms (black cloths) and young gangs are Khmer kids (who were stolen from Cambodian and put in the Vietnam's camp and they were brainwashed.
    Please people inside and outside Cambodia report to the UN or the International Community the Vietnamese/Yuon spies are everywhere at every corner that they try to hurt Cambodian pople when it comes to close election in June 2017 and in the year of 2018. We know that Khmer people in entire Cambodia country are so sick and tired of CPP leaders who are corrupted, committed crimes against humanity and cause all sorts of the problmes in today's Cambodian politics. Vietnamese/Yuon spies or secret agents from Hanoi who hide among Hun Sen's CPP government and corrupted officials try to meddle Cambodia's affaires. Hun Sen is not Cambodian Prime Minister, but Hun Sen is a Vietnamese puppet and an illegally Vietnamese-installed Prime Minister that served and benefited the Vietnamese/Yuon master-minded killers (leaders) in Hanoi and Vietnamese communist miltiary commanders.
    Again, Hun Sen is not a leader of Cambodia and Cambodian people to these days. Hun Sen has stayed in power for over 30 years plus because of his Vietnamese/Yuon's military protection, Vietnamese-installed pwoer and Cambodia's stolen wealth and natural resources. Cambodia's natural resources and forests have been destroyed by Hun Sen's Vietnamese master-minded leaders's deadly plans and they (Hun Sen and his Veitnaemese masters) continue to destroy Cambodia until Cambodia has nothing. Vietnamese/Yuon leaders and secret agents are the thieves today. They are wealthy because of stolen Cambodia's natural resources and forestry logging (shipping to Vietnam for over 30 years plus under the control of Hun Sen (the Vietnamese puppet).

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous8:28 PM

    3 July 2017?, លោក [ក្ដពីមុខ] Hengsoy Heng???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Eagle Eye! hsh

      Delete
    2. Anonymous1:56 PM

      hsh,you are still dealing with the month of April 2017 yet !
      July 2017 will come soon but you have to wait for at least 2 more months.
      So don't spend your thanks for nothing unless you are fond of or part of a Fake Eagle Eye.

      Delete
  6. Anonymous1:07 AM

    The former colonial France just
    put more salts on the Khmer people's wounds !!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. មិនម៉ែនត្រឹមតែជា ដំបៅ[មុខរបួស]ជាតិខ្មែរ នោះទេ វាជា ដែកគោល បន្តបន្តាប់គ្នា ជាចុងក្រោយ នៅលើក្ដារមឈូស ខ្មែរយើង។ តើមានជនជាតិណា ដែលស្រឡាញ់អាណិតអាសូរ ជនជាតិខ្មែរ ជាជាង ជនជាតិខ្មែរឯងនោះទេ?

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2:32 AM

      We, the Khmer people will make
      change after July 2018 !!! ✊️✊️✊️

      Delete
  7. Don't mention it hsh! re [a bit insensitive, no?!] as អ្នកស្រី ខ្មែរដិម wondered​ in her first posting in Khmer, I'd still say "YES". C'est plutôt insensible de la part des "Frenchies" vis-à-vis Khmer, MDR!!!
    អក

    ReplyDelete
  8. Anonymous7:26 AM

    I told you. French just simply hated Khmer. During the Indochina colonial time, French employed the Vietnamese to rule the Khmer for them. Normally France would use the minority to rule over the majority, that way the minority would stay loyal to France or else the local majority will destroy the minority.

    But in Indochina, the French just simply hated the Khmer as a race which was beyond redemption. So, the French asked the Vietnamese to rule over the Khmer.

    Why was that? The French were the savior to the Khmer race, resurrected Cambodia after it was already divided by Thais and Vietnamese. Yet, within a very short time, the Khmer showed ungratefulness and rudeness toward the French. So, the French just really hated the Khmer.

    And it's happening again. Khmer lambast France for illegally giving South Vietnam to Vietnam Republic instead of giving it back to Cambodia.

    France was smart. They took South Vietnam from Vietnam, so when they left, they gave it back to Vietnam. Any dispute between Cambodia and Vietnam was to be left to the local. Yet, the Khmer dragged the French into the dispute. Bad move. French will hate the Khmer.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:51 AM

      បារាំង ស្អប់ខ្ពើមខ្មែរ? អាស្រកីឯង យល់ខុសទាំងស្រុង!

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2:34 PM

      Anonymous7:51 AM,
      You are absolutely right that the poster @Anonymous7:26 AM is so ridiculous and has no shame. This poster @Anonymous7:26 AM always hides behind the computer to say whatever he wants. When talking in person, this poster @Anonymous7:26 AM is afraid and will run like the dog with a tail between legs!

      Delete
  9. Anonymous7:29 AM

    Clearly, the Vietnamese are just too superior. French folks were cool. They were defeated by the Vietnamese, but they were cool about it and did not hold grudge.

    Khmer are sore losers. That's why the French love to rub the salt into the Khmer sores.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7:57 AM

      អាស្រកីខ្លាំងពូកែ? អាស្រកីឯង យល់ខុសទាំងស្រុងទៀតហើយ។ ពពួកអាស្រកីឯង ខ្លាំងពូកែ បានត្រឹមតែលួចប្លន់ នឹង លក់ក្ដឹត តែប៉ុណ្ណោះ៕

      Delete
    2. Anonymous2:29 PM

      Anonymous7:57 AM,
      I agree with you. Vietnamese dog eater Drgunzet is good at being hypocrite!

      Delete
  10. Anonymous8:47 AM

    Shut up losers, you really need to improve or else, bad things will keep happening against you.

    ReplyDelete