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In the previous edition of “Cultural Rendezvous”, Ana Schiller, a young Argentine native, gave us an overview of her motherland’s culture. Today we’ll continue talking with Ana Schiller, who is in Hanoi as part of a cultural exchange program, to learn more about Argentina, especially its music. Argentinian music includes, not just tango, but a wide variety of other music genres, dance styles, and traditional instruments. An Argentine couple performing tango dance in Buenos Aires (Photo: vtv.vn) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/argentinian-music-a-hybrid-of-overlapping-styles-957238.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

- What is Argentina famous for besides legendary football stars Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi. It depends on who you ask. Some people will rave about wine and delicious cuisine. Others may praise Argentina’s natural beauty. In this week’s “Cultural Rendezvous”, I will ask Ana Schiller, a young Argentine native who has been living in Hanoi for a year and a half under a cultural exchange program, about her country. Argentine culture is a blend of European customs and Latin American and indigenous traditions. (Photo: visitargentina.net) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/what-is-argentina-famous-for-954761.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

China’s Suzhou is one of the oldest cities in the Yangtze Basin dating back more than 2,500 years. As the Chinese saying states, "In heaven there is paradise; on earth are Suzhou and Hangzhou," Suzhou has become popular among Chinese people and foreigners alike from this perspective. In ancient times, Suzhou was a center of economic prosperity and cultural abundance. Let’s join Jason Liu, a blogger from Suzhou, to explore the city’s unique offerings for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Canglang Pavilion, a famous garden in Suzhou. (Photo: Jason Liu) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/chinas-suzhou-venice-of-the-east-947687.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

It’s said that some foods are so amazing that after trying them once, you know you’re hooked for life. Iberian ham is one of those foods. Irene Reguilón, a native of Spain and a lecturer at Vietnam National University in Hanoi, will explain why we should be eating this heavenly treat! Iberian ham, one of the tastiest tapas in Spain! (Photo: blog.amigofoods.com) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/spanish-iberian-ham-the-worlds-most-expensive-cured-meat-943082.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Spain is famous for lots of things including the sexy, wild dancing called flamenco. If you want to learn more about this traditional folk dance of Spain, stick around as we talk to Paco Aibar Barraso, a Barcelona native. Flamenco dance is said to have an extensive historical background that parallels the cultural development of Spain itself. (Photo: suspanish.com) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/flamenco-a-traditional-folk-dance-of-spain-939034.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

“Eid al-Adha,” the "Sacrifice Feast," is the second Muslim holiday celebrated in Oman each year. The festival marks the end of the traditional pilgrimage season to Mecca. A large number of animals are slaughtered during the festival. No alcohol is served on the day of the festival or on the day before. In this week’s Cultural Rendezvous, Dr. Khalfan Hamed Alharrasi, an Assistant Professor at the University of Nizwa, will be with us to introduce “Eid al-Adha”, one of Oman’s most beautiful celebrations. A festive mood is often found with citizens, residents and visitors during the Eid al Adha. (Photo: omanobserver.om) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/eid-aladha-the-festival-of-sacrifice-in-oman-932930.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Pakistani weddings epitomise the richness of the culture. A single wedding contains many elements of local traditions. Pakistani weddings are explosions of colour, beautifully embroidered flowing fabrics in silks and chiffon, tantalizing food, traditionally decorated stages, and a lot of music and dancing. In this week’s “Cultural Rendezvous”, Najam Ul Hassan, a reporter with the Associated Press of Pakistan, will tell us all about Pakistani weddings. Mehndis are usually most anticipated, because they are supposed to be the most fun-filled events of the entire wedding.  (Photo: desiblitz.com) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/pakistans-traditional-wedding-celebration-and-ceremony-926934.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Many Vietnamese people know Oman only as the home of mythical characters whose stories continue to be told around the globe. But the Sultanate of Oman is a veritable kaleidoscope of history, culture, heritage, modernisation, and progress. In this week’s “Cultural Rendezvous”, Dr. Khalfan Hamed Alharrasi, an Assistant Professor at the University of Nizwa, will give us an overview of Oman and its culture. Oman is rich in forts and castles. Mutrah Fort is one of the must-visit forts.(Photo: seeyapa.com) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/things-you-should-know-about-oman-924205.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Bhutan is a country unlike any other, a land where monks still meditate for years in the sacred caves to the East. A country ruled by a monarch who freely gave up his absolute power to usher in democracy. A place where progress is officially measured by happiness, rather than Gross National Product, using the government’s pioneering Gross National Happiness system. The first carbon-negative country in the world, Bhutan has preserved its mountains, forests and people on its journey to modernise, a feat that is totally unique in the history of this world. Needrup Zangpo, Executive Director of the Bhutan Media Foundation shares more interesting Bhutan’s facts. Taktsang Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Photo: https://www.littlebhutan.com/ https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/interesting-bhutans-facts-921654.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Bhutan is not just a country, but a concept that has been fascinating to many. The Kingdom of Bhutan is caught between China and India, in the Eastern Himalayas. It has a population of roughly 750,000 people, and Thimphu, the capital, sits in the west. Never colonized, and isolated due to its geography, Bhutan developed a strong national identity and culture. In today’s program, we’ll have Needrup Zangpo, Executive Director of Bhutan Media Foundation, to share with us some interesting facts about the country. Bhutan's capital Thimphu. (Photo: Britannica.com) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/bhutans-unique-culture-gross-national-happiness-index-919585.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

- Poya is the name given to the lunar monthly Buddhist holiday of Uposatha in Sri Lanka. Full moon day is normally considered as the poya day in every month. In this week’s Cultural Rendezvous, Vajira Perera, a reporter of  the ITN Sri Lanka, a Sri Lankan state governed television and radio broadcaster, will tell us about the special event. At the Temple of the Sacred Tooth on Navam Full Moon Poya Day, pilgrims present lotus flower offerings. (Photo: alamy.com) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/poya-day-a-full-moonbased-religious-holiday-in-sri-lanka-920450.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

- Germany’s long, rich history contains many strange cultural anomalies. One of them is Closed Sundays. In this week’s Cultural Rendezvous, Christian Oster, a former German journalist, will  tell us about this custom. Sundays are quiet days in Germany - by law (Photo: infomigrants.net) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/germanys-closed-sundays-911901.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Far too much rubbish is produced all over the world. Every German produces around 450 kilograms of garbage per year. Germans are known for being particularly careful in separating and recycling their waste. Is that really true? Today we’ll talk to Hoai Vu Bender, a freelance photographer, who has been living in Burgschwalbach, Germany, for the past decade, to find out more. Public glass bins (Photo: DW) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/how-do-german-people-separate-their-garbage-910846.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

While Thanksgiving Day is usually celebrated in November in the US, some Caribbean islands, and Liberia, it takes place on the second Monday of October in Canada. Why is there a difference and how is the holiday observed in Canada? Amanda Butler, a Canadian native from the province of Ontario, will tell us today what we should know about Canadian Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving pumpkin pie (Photo: Getty Image) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/canadian-thanksgiving-907520.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

The Mid-Autumn Festival, known as Chuseok, is one of the biggest and most important festivals in Korea. It celebrates the autumn harvest and honors elderly family members, and is considered by many the Korean Thanksgiving Day. Today we have a Korean-Irish couple YoungHwi Cho and Emilee Jennings who will share with us some facts about this meaningful festival. Photo: Emilee, Sofia and YoungHwi in Seoul for Chuseok 2019 https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/chuseok-the-korean-thanksgiving-905429.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains and surrounded by neighbours Georgia, Iran, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, Armenia is famous for wine production. Ani Mouradian, a wine expert from Armenia, shares with VOV some key facts about Armenian wine. Vineyards and the sleeping volcanic mountain Ararat behind. (Photo courtesy: Facebook Van Ardi wine) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/what-you-need-to-know-about-armenian-wine-902413.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Armenia is an underrated destination in the Caucasus. With a rich history that dates back to the ancient trade route, Armenia is a unique destination that needs to be on your bucket list. In today’s show, we’ll have Adrineh Der-Boghossian, an Armenian-Canadian freelance editor, share with us some quirky and fun facts about Armenia that you probably didn’t know. Photo: View of Armenia's capital city - Yerevan https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-armenia-897230.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

A bowler hat is a must-have accessory for vintage fashionistas. The image of comedian Charles Chaplin in a vintage suit, a baton in hand, and a bowler hat, has been considered a typical image for an English man for a long time. Today we will talk with Aaron Meija, an English gentleman, to learn more about bowler hats. Photo: Charlie Chaplin (Photo: Wikipedia) https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/english-bowler-hat-893674.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Though usually celebrated in conjunction with Indonesia’s Independence Day, the Bidar (canoe) Race deserves a special mention! It’s among the most popular festivals in the Palembang region of south Sumatra. Meidyana Rayana of Indonesia will tell us all about this festival. Bidar Boat Race of Indonesia. Photo: https://www.goindonesiatours.com/ https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/indonesias-bidar-boat-race-887835.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support

Welcome to another edition of VOV247’s Culture Rendezvous. We’re having Antoine Brochet, who is back to share with us more about French wine, including how to read a French wine label, order wine in a French restaurant, make a toast in French, as well as some French wine etiquette. Photo: bostonglobe.com https://vovworld.vn/en-US/cultural-rendezvous/french-wine-etiquette-870106.vov --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cultural-rendezvous/support