(VOVWORLD) - Vietnamese weddings are known for their lively parties, often with plenty of drinks flowing, but in Egypt, weddings are a different kind of wild – with days of music and dancing that last all night long, yet strictly alcohol-free. Today on Cultural Rendezvous, we head to the land of the Nile to see how Egyptians mark one of life’s biggest milestones, and how traditions have changed over time.

(VOVWORLD) -Welcome to “Culture Rendezvous”, where we explore how people live, learn, and connect around the world. Today, we’re heading to South Africa to learn what school is like there—with the help of Ilani Ries, a linguist and teacher who grew up in the South African school system. Ilani will share her personal experience as a student at an all-girls school, and her professional perspective on what education is like in her country. From school structure to language learning, from cultural traditions to modern trends, she’ll give us a closer look at what makes schooling in South Africa unique. Let’s dive in!

(VOVWORLD) - Moving to a new country often brings excitement and adventure, but it also brings unexpected challenges, which are sometimes called culture shocks, creating a mixture of confusion, frustration, and wonder. Sofia Eek, a Swedish intern in Vietnam, shares her story about how culture shock shapes perceptions and challenges assumptions and creates unforgettable memories.

(VOVWORLD) - The Embassy of Mexico will hold an exhibit called “Tour through Ancient Mexico” next Thursday in Hanoi to celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Mexico.

(VOVWORLD) - Hanoi’s West Lake is beloved for its serene beauty and signature lotus tea, while thousands of kilometers away, Hangzhou in China's Zhejiang province also has a lake of the same name with serenity and is famed for Longjing or Dragon Well tea. In this week’s Cultural Rendezvous, Xinmeng Yang, a Chinese journalist and digital storyteller from CGTN, draws a connection between two nations, two lakes, and cultural ties steeped in tea.

(VOVWORLD) -“South Africa is more than just a beautiful country—it’s a feeling. It gets in your blood. Whether it’s the wild landscapes, the warmth of the people, or the depth of culture, it’s something that stays with you long after you leave.” Those were the words of Ilani Ries, a South African teacher who spoke about her homeland with such passion it immediately sparked something in me. That’s why I’m inviting you on a special journey to South Africa on today’s episode of Culture Rendezvous.

(VOVWORLD) - At the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2025 in Hanoi last month, one of the most unexpected crowd-pullers was the Bhutan booth, drawing in curious exhibition-goers, especially young people, intrigued by a land often seen as distant, yet surprisingly connected to Vietnam in spirit. In this week’s edition of Cultural Rendezvous, we’ll meet Bhutanese Kinzang Coth, who will share a personal glimpse into his country, regarded as the happiest in the world.

(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam and Mexico are celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations, and what better way to mark the occasion than through music? Today, we're heading to Mexico — a country where stories are passed down through songs, and melodies carry the spirit of its people.

(VOVWORLD) - More and more Vietnamese people are becoming familiar with Mexico and its culture, especially sombrero and tequila. As part of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Mexico, Mexican Ambassador to Vietnam Alejandro Negrín is talking with VOVWorld to share about the spirit of Mexico, its colors and rhythms, its tacos and mariachi music.

(VOVWORLD) - Eid al-Fitr, the joyous festival that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is a time for Muslims around the world to come together in unity, compassion, and celebration. In Vietnam, where the Muslim community is small but vibrant, Eid al-Fitr has a deep cultural and spiritual significance. This week’s Cultural Rendezvous explores how the Eid al-Fitr festival is celebrated in Vietnam, highlighting the traditions, heartfelt moments, and shared desire for a world built on understanding and harmony.