14 Comments
User's avatar
Tom Herzog's avatar

Also, Mr. Dinh, paid-by-the-hour workers come and go. (And not necessarily talking of Michelangelo) so American cafes don't always provide a reliable interlocutor.

I've just recently returned to the bad, old U.S. after a month in the Philippines. Regrettably my aging self seems no longer able to adapt to new places. One can fervently hope one doesn't have to perish among the roaches here in the Forth World U.S Rust Belt, can't one? They don't eat human flesh? At least I don't think so.

On the flight out our enormous Boeing 777 (no loose bolts that I could see but then I wasn't really looking) flew over Laos. Despite my best efforts I couldn't spot the Mekong River. I did see the Himalayas some 120 miles to the north while crossing India but from that distance and 41,000 feet they are not that impressive.

Much more enjoyable (not to mention edifying) to peruse Mr. Dinh's essays for meaning. both overt and hidden. Like the Mekong, it is there. One only needs eyes to see.

Expand full comment
Jon Orton's avatar

"As long as they’re not sonic hells, bars are also oases that restore. Essential to English speakers, they’ve been communal living room where the buzzed or pissed can debate, blather and solve nearly everything."

That phrase and your photos immediately brought Steve Buscemi's film 'Tree Lounge' to my mind. When I watched the film in the mid 90's it struck me as being the sort of place that sucked the soul out of you rather than one which was restorative. Things change though and, in America at least, it seems that nowadays any form of personal contact is better than none.

Expand full comment
Eclectricity's avatar

It is good to read that you are well. Stay safe, sir!

Expand full comment
peggy bean's avatar

Even the buzz of conversations I don’t understand is the ultimate music. I love that line! Be well, P

Expand full comment
Al DuClur's avatar

Have people ever sat near each other and talked in American coffee shops without already knowing each other? I have never seen it. Sure there are some exceptions. A hot babe may find a man trying to make conversation but unless he is Joe Stud forget about it.

In Thailand I saw a lot of people talking in coffee shops but they usually already knew each other. English speakers almost never spoke with someone they didn't know. It was more likely though with other tribes of whites, such as Germans or Norwegians, and Japanese.

I have seen more conversations among strangers at low cost tea shops in Asia than at coffee shops.

Expand full comment
janoskar.hansen@gmail.com's avatar

walking is good it is cooler and less people about

Expand full comment
sjuttiosjuaring's avatar

Hi Linh;

I just bought a coupkle of your new books, but I noticed you don't seem to have the copy right ? Are you sure you are getting your appropriate compensation?

Expand full comment
Linh Dinh's avatar

Hi sjuttiosjuaring,

During the setup, copyright and royalty issues are sorted out, so everything should be fine.

Linh

Expand full comment
Al DuClur's avatar

I read two of your books with kindle unlimited. Do you make ok money with that?

Expand full comment
Linh Dinh's avatar

Hi Al,

Kindle Unlimited does pay. How much, I'll find out. Royalties from self publishing on Amazon is a lot higher than from regular publishers. The only drawback from Amazon is self published writers get no cachet or promotion. Their books only become more visible through positive reviews, so if you're inclined, please do so. Thanks!

Linh

Expand full comment
W.A. Stray's avatar

Also any thoughts to the conspiracy that the entire war is fake and no one dying?

Or the Tucker/Putin interview with Tucker wearing a jew band?

Expand full comment
W.A. Stray's avatar

What do you mean you felt among your own kind in Tirana? I feel this is a very clanic country that doesn't really accept outsiders. More just tolerates them and brings them in for the $$$

Expand full comment
janoskar.hansen@gmail.com's avatar

Ah The Madonna, she has disappeared from the screen, so quickly forgotten is it a shame?

there are many small cafes in Cascais ) Portugal) where on can sit for a long time without the pressure to buy something I used to smoke. it took a long time enjoying coffee without a cigarette

Expand full comment
Gina Schrank's avatar

It looks like Zelensky was the bartender in your Capetown picture, Linh. The guy sure gets around. I didn't realize he once wore a brown sweatshirt. I have to give him credit for diversity.

Expand full comment