This month felt noticeably calmer than the previous ones. No trips, no frantic agenda, just a welcome opportunity to slow down, regain perspective, and let things settle. That kind of quiet is precious when living abroad. It creates space to reflect, to observe progress, and to truly appreciate the rhythm of expat life in Vietnam rather than constantly chasing the next milestone.

Professional Reflections – Building on Strong Foundations

On the professional front, this quieter period was the perfect moment to look back at the past quarter at RMIT Vietnam. And what stood out most was not only what we delivered, but how we delivered it. I feel genuinely delighted and grateful to be part of such a strong, engaged, and committed team. There is a real sense of belonging, and that feeling matters more than any metric.

It was also the right time to thank the team for the 2025 delivery and the very tangible positive impact it has had on the university. Now that the baseline is firmly established, the focus naturally shifts toward improvement. Consolidating relationships, strengthening trust, and maturing our ways of working to the next level, this is where the real journey begins, and I am very much looking forward to what comes next.

New Year, New Engagements

A new year always brings fresh opportunities. One of them, for me, will be reconnecting locally through a Rotary Club in Vietnam. Supporting local initiatives and contributing, however modestly, to improving lives feels like a natural extension of my values. I hope this will open a new chapter while staying true to the Rotary paths already taken elsewhere.

Watch this space, there is more to come.

Health Check – Steady and Encouraging

From a health perspective, stability is the keyword this month. Weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, sugar levels, triglycerides, all indicators are within a good range, and the blood test results were reassuring. There is still room for improvement, of course, but being on the right path makes all the difference. It provides confidence, motivation, and the energy needed to keep pushing forward, both professionally and personally.

A Quiet Month… With Very Good Food

A calm month does not mean a month without memorable dining experiences.

KYUNG HEE GUNG Korean Restaurant – District 7

The first highlight was a casual yet very enjoyable dinner at Kyung Hee Gung Korean Restaurant in District 7, shared with colleagues and spouses. Known for its traditional Korean cuisine and generous portions, the restaurant delivered exactly what it promised: honest food, well-prepared dishes, and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.

That said, the real highlight of the evening was the fellowship. Conversations flowed easily, laughter came naturally, and the setting allowed everyone—partners included—to connect beyond professional roles. It was especially nice to see Isabelle engaging with other spouses, building her own network and finding her place within the community. Moments like these are subtle but powerful indicators that life here is becoming increasingly rooted.

I also want to take a moment to acknowledge Yael, who continues to manage everything back in Belgium with patience and dedication. Keeping things running smoothly from afar is no small task, and it makes a real difference. Thank you, Yael—you are doing a fantastic job.

Quán Bụi – A Reliable Vietnamese Classic

If there is one restaurant that defined this month, it would be Quán Bụi—visited no fewer than three times. It has become my go-to place when hosting visitors eager to discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and for good reason.

Quán Bụi consistently delivers traditional dishes prepared with care and respect for local flavors. According to my Vietnamese colleagues—and I trust their judgment—it represents authenticity done right. Ingredients are fresh, cooking is precise, sauces are balanced, and the menu offers a wide variety that allows everyone at the table to explore and share. So far, it has never disappointed, and that level of consistency is invaluable when introducing Vietnamese food to newcomers.

El Gaucho Phú Mỹ Hưng

This month also included several visits to El Gaucho Phú Mỹ Hưng, a well-known steakhouse nestled in the Crescent Compound near Crescent Mall in District 7. El Gaucho brings a premium Argentinian-style steakhouse experience to Ho Chi Minh City, with an elegant interior, terrace seating overlooking the lakeside promenade, and an extensive focus on quality cuts of meat that are imported and grilled to order. 

Our impressions have been positive overall—El Gaucho consistently serves rich, flavorful steaks and a comfortable dining experience that suits celebratory dinners or relaxed evenings out. At the same time, we’ve noticed that service quality can vary: while the staff are generally friendly, there have been occasions when understanding specific requests or implementing changes took longer than expected. This is something we hope they sharpen as they continue to refine guest experience. Additionally, while the steak quality is undeniably good, the pricing and particularly the cost of some beef cuts might feel slightly high compared with local expectations, especially if you’re ordering premium cuts without a promotional discount which is typical of their menu pricing here.

Year End Party – Celebrating the Year of the Horse at Landmark 81

It would be unfair not to end this month without highlighting the phenomenal Year End Party organised by RMIT Vietnam, celebrating the Year of the Horse. Hosted at the iconic Landmark 81, the event was impressive by every possible standard.

Bringing together close to one thousand people in a single venue—with transport logistics from campus, seamless crowd management, and flawless coordination—is already an achievement. But what truly stood out was the execution: smooth flows, minimal waiting times, and a buffet that was nothing short of exceptional. The diversity of dishes—both hot and cold—was remarkable, ensuring that everyone could find something they enjoyed. From the first bite to the last, the quality remained consistently high.

It was one of those moments where you step back, take it all in, and feel proud to be part of an organisation capable of delivering such a large-scale event with precision, care, and genuine attention to people.

A quiet month, yes—but one filled with consolidation, gratitude, good food, and meaningful connections. Sometimes, that is exactly what expat life needs to move forward with confidence.