Living in Vietnam As An American | The Saigon Sunday Sessions #1

“It’s a relief living in a place where I don’t have to worry about guns on a daily basis. In the U.S., there’s always that undercurrent of fear, but here in Vietnam, it’s not something I ever have to think about.”In this inaugural episode of Saigon Sunday Sessions, Niall Mackay sits down with his wife, Adrie Lopez Mackay, to explore what it’s like living in Vietnam as an American. The conversation delves into Adrie’s first impressions, the cultural perceptions surrounding Vietnam, and how they both adjusted to life in Saigon over the past eight years. The discussion covers everything from Vietnam’s growing craft beer scene to the impact of American foreign policy and even reflections on visiting the War Remnants Museum.Key Highlights: 1. American Perceptions of Vietnam: Adrie shares her initial apprehensions as an American moving to Vietnam, reflecting on the long-standing stereotypes related to the Vietnam War and how those were challenged once she arrived. 2. Cultural Reflections: The couple compares cultural experiences in Vietnam with Adrie’s upbringing in the U.S., highlighting the Vietnamese people’s warmth, acceptance, and resilience, especially given the historical context. 3. Living in Saigon as a Foreigner: The challenges of adjusting to life in Saigon are explored, from navigating the local food scene to understanding Vietnam’s mix of modern and traditional elements. Adrie and Niall also touch on practicalities like transportation, shopping, and maintaining a connection to American culture while living abroad. 4. The War Remnants Museum: A visit to the War Remnants Museum stands out as a pivotal moment in reshaping Adrie’s understanding of the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective, offering an emotional and sobering experience for both. 5. Comparing Vietnam and the U.S.: Adrie offers insights into how living in Vietnam provides a break from the gun culture and political turbulence of the U.S., emphasizing the sense of safety and community she feels in Saigon.Introduction to the Saigon Sunday Sessions – [00:01:00]Visiting the War Remnants Museum – [00:05:00]Vietnamese People’s Forgiveness – [00:09:00]Cultural Differences in Education about the Vietnam War – [00:11:00]Living in Saigon: A Mix of Tradition and Modernity – [00:14:00]Gun Culture in the U.S. vs. Vietnam – [00:40:00]"Send me a message!"Vote now for Discover Vietnam! The full list of winners is here. Support the show🎙️ Start Your Podcast Today! 👉 Book a FREE Discovery Call with me and let’s bring your idea to life! 🎥 Edit Videos Like a Pro with Descript! 👉 I use Descript to create my content—try it for FREE here: 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with NordVPN! 👉 Get 70% OFF their 2-year plan and enjoy a secure, ad-free internet! These are affiliate links, and I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up, at no extra cost to you. ✅ Subscribe for More! If you enjoy content about life in Vietnam, food adventures, and great conversations, hit that subscribe button. 📸 Follow Me on Instagram 🌐 Visit My Website 🎉 Join Our Community!

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