VietNamNet Bridge – Through Viet Nam - Dat nuoc con Rong chau Tien (Viet Nam - The Land of Dragons and Fairies), author Daria Mishukova reveals her forthright views on the Vietnamese culture and way of life as well as her affection for the country and its people. Mai Chau caught up with the acclaimed writer.

Daria Mishukova is the author of over 50 research articles on the linguistics and culture of Viet Nam and Thailand. She has been published in many magazines in Vietnamese, Russian and English. She has finished three books about Viet Nam, including Viet Nam - The Land of Dragons and Fairies, which is a very valuable contribution to oriental studies and to the country she loves.

Published in 2007 in Russian and translated into Vietnamese in 2010, Viet Nam-The Land of Dragons and Fairies is considered to be one of the most interesting book in Russian about Viet Nam in recent years. What are the differences between the Vietnamese and Russian editions?

There are not many differences. As soon as the Russian version was published, it was warmly welcomed by Russian readers and considered as the bridge, or new symbol, for the friendship between Vladivostok City and Viet Nam. According to Nikolai Ubushiev, former Russian consulate general in Ho Chi Minh City, the book contains much useful information for tourists who visit Viet Nam, either for the first time or for many times. It has also been praised by many Russian experts who lived and worked in Viet Nam for many years.

I'm surprised a little bit on being asked about the difficulties of translating the book. Maybe is it a common question of any journalists. First and foremost, difficulties should be defined. In my opinion, two words: difficulties and problems are said to be headache-causing elements during the process of doing something. But when they are solved, what we call difficulties become challenges that we have overcome, and we gain life experiences and memories.

I don't have high expectations, but to think simply that books are the choice of curious people who want to turn information into their own knowledge in a simple, funny and understandable way. Viet Nam - The Land of Dragons and Fairies is pretty comprehensive introduction about the geography, climate, administration and economy, as well as the national character and natural beauty of the country. Together with the knowledge and understanding about Viet Nam, in my view as a long-term expat, the book will offer readers relaxing moments. Many authors and researchers have written about Viet Nam, but the cultural scale of the country is so vast, while it's limited within its natural border, so the problem here is not new issues to write about, but more importantly, how to write it.

However, according to my experience, the Vietnamese edition, to some extent, only reflects the beauty described in the original. Some interesting and distinctive features have somehow been lost. Therefore, I have advice for readers: it's better to read the book in Russian so that you can better experience the beauty that is written about.

What are the similarities between the regional culture and national culture that have encouraged you to spend your whole youth studying Vietnamese culture?

Any cultural phenomenon can help expand the world outlook. The more opportunities I have to study and understand Vietnamese culture thoroughly, the more interested I become. I'm happy that I haven't hesitated spending most of my youth on studying a culture of rich spiritual and historical elements like Viet Nam's.

Youth is the best period of human life to absorb knowledge. Information gained from studying has become my own knowledge, so I have finished three books about Viet Nam that have been published in 2007, 2010 and 2013 respectively.

At the moment, I view Viet Nam via the window of illustrations printed on paper money during the 20th century. This new angle offers new discoveries that helped me to study and finish another book entitled Vietnamese Money over Eras.

You have also been known as an enthusiastic participant in social activities, contributing a significant amount to tourism development by popularizing and introducing Vietnamese culture to international friends.

There has been an increase in the number of international visitors to Viet Nam, especially Russian tourists in the past three years, which is a positive sign. Some large Russian tourism corporations have considered Viet Nam as a potential destination for widespread and long-term investment and popularization. Another favourable condition for attracting visitors is the daily flights between Russia and Nha Trang.

It's certain that tourism in Viet Nam is still facing many challenges in its development because there still exist many small obstacles, but their effects aren't small at all. For example, the environment, pollution, heavy traffic, robbery or fraudulent sales, etc., which effects the impression of Viet Nam's tourism as being green, clean, beautiful and a friendly country. Russian tourist agencies discovered that their customers tend to return to Turkey or Thailand instead of Viet Nam.

The goal of attracting tourists has been achieved, now comes the goal of encouraging them to come back, which depends on the determination of the authorities and especially on the increase of the people's awareness.

And what about you, what motivates you to live and work in Phu Quoc, one of the most beautiful beaches in Viet Nam?

I currently work as a brand name and marketing manager for Long Beach Pearl Corporation and also the General Manager of the pearl centre in Phu Quoc. This work suits my personal interests in studying the pearl world very much. I'm really attracted by beautiful, romantic and meaningful pearls.

It's a bit strange that the Vietnamese pay less attention to pearls, an invaluable gift that the country has been endowed with from nature. Maybe I will spend more time writing another book on the values of pearls in Vietnamese culture, in order to stimulate the enthusiasm and pride of the Vietnamese on pearl products.

Source: VNS