(VOVWORLD) - Surrounding the imposing and world-famous Beijing architectural landmarks like the Forbidden City and the Old Summer Palace are hutong, narrow streets or alleys, closely linked to the life of commoners in old Beijing. The ordinary people of Beijing have lived there for generations. In this week’s “Cultural Rendezvous”, Qing Duo, a former correspondent for China Radio International and a Beijing native, will tell us about hutong and Beijing’s past.

(VOVWORLD) - Yerba maté is the most popular beverage in Argentina, well above coffee and tea, according to the National Institute of Yerba Maté. It is becoming increasingly popular and can be enjoyed at any time of day, on its own or as a blend. The tradition of drinking this beverage every day and even several times a day is widespread throughout Argentina, regardless of socioeconomic status. This week, Argentina’s Ambassador to Vietnam, Luis Pablo Maria Beltramino shares with VOV5 more about yerba maté.

(VOVWORLD) - Raising a happy, healthy child is one of the most challenging jobs a parent can have and also one of the most rewarding. Yet many of us don't approach parenting with the same focus we would use for a job. We may act on our instincts or just use the same parenting techniques our own parents used, whether or not these were effective. Is it the same all over the world? This week, I’ll talk with a mother from Israel to find out which methods or principles she and her husband are using to raise their children.

(VOVWORLD) - How much do you know about the Arab world? For example, how many Arab nations are there? What is their common language? How is their culture? Our guest on today’s Culture Rendezvous is Palestinian Salim Hammad, who has been in Vietnam for 9 years. He has appeared on TV shows, entertainment programs and catwalks as an actor, MC, model, interpreter, and tour guide in Vietnam. Salim will answer some questions about the Arab world as well as his country, Palestine.

(VOVWORLD) - For South Africa, Heritage Day on September 24 is an annual occasion that grips the country in a series of events, festivities, and social and family gatherings. It celebrates South Africa’s roots, and rich, vibrant, and diverse cultures. Its goal is to embrace all of South African culture, accepting all races and genders. Our South African guest will tell us more about Heritage Day.

(VOVWORLD) - Even though 80% of its population has been vaccinated, the UK is still looking at a plan B this winter to deal with an epidemic that remains persistent and dangerous. If plan B takes effect, people will be working from home again for "a limited time". Our guest this week, Hong Bui, is Associate Professor at the School of Management, University of Bath, and director of the education network AVSE global. She is going to share with us her experience working remotely.

(VOVWORLD) -What is Brazil famous for? If you think it’s only soccer, you may not know much about this country. Brazil is also very famous for its cuisine The culinary landscape is a colorful mix of Portuguese, African, and native foods, including some from the Amazon region. Our guest on today’s show is Daniella Weisman, from Recife in Brazil, she will definitely make you guys hungry while introducing her country’s signature dishes.

(VOVWORLD) -Have you ever wondered about the meaning of different colors in your culture? What color do you usually choose for your New Year’s Eve Party? Red, Black, Pink or any colors that make you look good. Is it important to wear a color with a specific meaning? On culture Rendezvous this week, we’ll visit a beautiful country in South America, Brazil, to find out about the meaning of white color in their culture and why we picked White for our story. Let’s talk with Daniella Weisman, a businesswoman from Recife, Brazil.

(VOVWORLD) - The Netherlands is one of the very few countries that actually encourage the use of bicycles as a means of transportation. People joke that Dutch people are born with a bicycle attached to them. Almost as soon as a Dutch child is able to walk, he or she learns to ride a bicycle. Let’s find out how cycling became the Netherlands’ national symbol.

(VOVWORLD) - Laos enchants tourists with its beauty and unique culture and customs. When you visit Laos you’ll have a chance to meet super-friendly locals and observe their unhurried lives. Laotians impress tourists with their hospitality and their special way of greeting people, called the “nop”. Boualaphan Phonesavanh, or Phan, talks about Lao greetings and etiquette.