Good-Bye Vietnam!

Argentine Ambassador to Vietnam Marcos Antonio Bednarski at the Beef and Wine Day event during the ninth Argentina Week in Hanoi, which took place from November 10-16, 2025. (Photo: Argentine Embassy in Vietnam)

Having had the opportunity to visit Vietnam for the first time in the 1990s, my return in 2024 was accompanied by a profound surprise at the country's evolution and its firm commitment to integrating into the world without losing its essence and authenticity.

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I was fortunate to have had two previous diplomatic postings in the region: Thailand and Malaysia, so upon my arrival, I did not experience what some call "culture shock" for those coming from the Western world. On the contrary, from day one, I embraced Hanoi as "my" city, with its positive and vibrant energy.

I have had the privilege of participating in many official events, commemorations of historical events, and diverse artistic expressions. I will remember many of them with great fondness. But surely the most outstanding event was the commemoration of the 80th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in September 2025: an impressive military parade and the accompanying popular fervor, with people proudly and actively participating in the celebrations. Whenever possible, I wore my Ao Dai with an Argentine design, which received many positive comments. My modest contribution to the intertwining of two cultures.

It thrills me to see younger generations honouring their ancestors and their history and continuing to preserve traditions. Seeing them walk proudly and joyfully in their Ao Dai is synonymous with valuing national identity and a special place in the world. Never lose it!

Ambassador Marcos Antonio Bednarski in a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai, with an Argentine design. (Photo: Courtesy by character)

I will miss my weekly visits to the Tay Ho flower market to prepare my floral arrangements. Some vendors, already accustomed to my visits, greeted me with broad smiles, and I was always fascinated by the variety of flowers, sizes, colors, shapes, and fragrances from diverse origins, which will always be with me. A tip: go at night, the best time.

Needless to say, I'll miss my weekly Vietnamese classes. Although I failed at it, a young, intelligent, highly trained, and inquisitive teacher tried to convey the complexities of the language to me. While he taught me grammatical concepts, pronunciations unfamiliar to me, and aspects of Vietnamese culture and history, I shared my knowledge of Argentina with him. I invited him to join us at some Embassy events, which resulted in a new devotee of Argentine beef and wine. There are two other Argentine passions: football and tango, which the Vietnamese public appreciates more and more each day.

Twice a week, I attended Pilates classes with one of the best instructors I've had in my almost 20 years of practicing. He was very professional and perceptive of each student's individual needs. At my age, some joints don't work as well as they used to, but he worked small miracles with his professionalism, keeping me a bit healthier physically (and hopefully mentally). I'll share a secret with you: sometimes I juggled my official schedule so I wouldn't miss the classes.

The Argentine diplomat took a "selfie" in Hanoi's old town. (Photo: Courtesy by author)

My daily walks around Tay Ho have also contributed to a healthier lifestyle, a habit I maintained regardless of the weather. It was common to encounter people following similar routines or simply enjoying “tra” (tea) or “ca phe” (coffee) overlooking the lake, so my day usually began with a typical "Xin chao" (hello) or, more commonly, "Chao bac". Some neighbours have asked me how many kilometers I walk in the morning, and my answer was always the same: 100, which guaranteed a hearty laugh.

I'm a big fan of Asian cuisine, and I've been fortunate enough to explore a bit more the Vietnamese gastronomy. Having visited over 90 countries has allowed me to develop a palate that appreciates local dishes from around the world. It's no wonder that Vietnamese cuisine is receiving increasing international recognition. The delicacy of its flavors, combining diverse aromatic herbs, and the variety of exquisitely prepared dishes make it stand out worldwide. I'm lucky: several Vietnamese restaurants have already opened in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, so I'll continue to enjoy the delicacies.

At Ha Long Bay. (Photo: Courtesy by author)

Some nights I was awakened by the croaking of frogs, other times by the construction work nearby. Enormous buildings are surrounding the Residence. Nature versus progress. Who will win this battle? Of course, it's proven that progress encourages development, the evolution of societies. There's no doubt that innovation improves the quality of life for people, but the key is to achieve a fair balance so that both coexist, feed off each other, and continue to grow in harmony.

To conclude, I'll share an anecdote: In one of my diplomatic postings, my Ambassador mentioned that his father, who had also served as Ambassador there during a special time, said that in that country, one cries twice: Upon arrival and upon departure.

Rest assured that in my case, it will only be once: I will cry when I leave.

Thank you so much for allowing me to share a little part of your world.

I promise to return for a vacation, free from the pressures of work obligations.

Good-bye Vietnam (for now)!.

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