Stone wall,

Hello, salutations, and welcome. We have come to another end to the working week. It has been such a marvellous week, marvellous because I am still here writing to you all. We better spare some prayers for our neighbours in Japan and the middle east where they are all suffering. You may have wonder why I have taken so long to write a blog. The simple answer is there has been a mental block. This mental block is like a stone jammed in between a brook and ranging torrent. You can see that even a small stone can block a mighty river, but for only a small amount of time. Well here comes the tide of thoughts that i wish to express.

If you have been following my life at the present time, you are aware that I will be married soon more precisely in May. I must add now it is a wedding with all the bells and whistles. This includes a solemn high mass in the Tridentine rite, can you believe it Truong. An immigrant from Vietnam, coming to Australia marrying the, most! beautiful girl in Australia, in Tridentine rite. The Tridentine rite is the mass for kings, queens, fl etchers, coopers and seam tress all are welcomed, when one decides to be joined in Holy matrimony. In summary it is just breathtaking and transcending. You are lifted by the angels to new internal heights and bought right down again with a thump and clump clump as you stubble your way with the Homily. I must say sometimes a Homily can even break ones leg in two places.

Well moving along, it is crunch time now and I have discovered a reoccurring trait that men all suffer from. It is the effect of building a wall, ever since God created man, men have always like to build. I was pretty sure Adam in the garden of eden was making a stone table and chair to sit on while he spoke to the animals. He would have even made a bridge so that he could cross the river dividing the garden, because no body wants soggy wet feet, especially if he had to carry even across all the time. In the modern sence all men like to build, a cave for our spouse, or that shed to gather our thoughts and sometimes a cubby house.
Generally our buildings shelter and nourish relationships but sometimes our buildings can be made to deter, and entrap feelings. These include building a wooden fence, a colorbond fence, a stone wall, or even a re-enforced concrete wall like that of the Berlin wall.


Let me spill out a situation here, David here likes to avoid conflict since the day of his wedding is coming up, and he knows to keep Sarah happy he will do everything he can to make her happy. For instance it is a beautiful Sunday afternoon, they have gone out for a lovely pub meal followed by conversation by the bay. Like always David, being a man always has little blemishes and tends to stuff up even a flawless Sunday. Sarah goes all out on him. I mean like a NATO air-strike, followed by long range toma hawk missiles. So what does poor David do? He puts up a temporary boundary, only a temporary one, a couple of mounds of dirt with a row of petunias to set up a small fence.


Over the week, communication has stopped so he decides to spend his time putting in wooden stakes into the ground. He pulls out the old Wattyl Solar guard and slowly paints the fence Federation green, with brown tips. It is a wonderful fence and he is happy with himself.
Sarah allows this to happen because she knows that if she waits long enough David will start to apologise and it will be all love and kisses. However she doesn't see the fence because she lives on the other side of town. On the other hand David is still admiring his handy work, he doesn't understand what had upset Sarah and to maintain the peace he ignores the situation.


As time moves on, David has made a few trips to Bunnings and the local flower power. He is ready to move onto the next stage of fence making, a brick wall. This is going to take time and poor Sarah hasn't heard from him in weeks. This is not a good situation, because once things are set in mortar then that spells the end of any relationship. So when you are at flower power don't buy the bricks David, buy a beautiful bouquet.

Gosh Truong is full of nonsense you probably are scratching your head. If you are then you must have dandruff, a great way to get rid of dandruff is to use Brylcreem with anti-dandruff protection. On a serious note here I want to address the issue of building up a boundary to avoid conflict, resulting in poor communication. In general, it might sound like a great idea at first to smooth things over but it has no fruits and your relationship is worst off. Men need to be explorers not to hide behind fences, we need to see what is the problem and hit it head on with carbon steel spear.

In this situation concerning David and Sarah, where David had already started building a fence there is still hope because a pickled fence always has slits. Beams of radiating love will always shine through and if David can see this, communication will resume and the exploration of the new territory will begin again. So let us not build fence or boundaries at all, because it is much better to live a life without regrets then to leave things to chance.

I know in my heart as I enter into marriage a part of me is very scared. It is like I am a sailor on The Santa Maria voyaging to the ends of the earth. I am so afraid, that looking beyond the horizon I can only see the edge of the water. Who knows where this journey goes, and building up fences, or a temporary dam can only stop my journey for a short time. It is only a matter of minutes, hours, days or if I am smart I can anchor for while, but in the end the boat will surge to the edge.

I thank everyone for their support of this blog without your patronage I would not have the motivation to really peel back the layers of my brain to express in blog form. Now everyone is wondering what on Earth there is to do in Sydney on the weekend? Gosh the list is endless but I have a few ideas that will be appealing most people in Sydney.

We are now officially at the end of summer day light savings time , Autumn is well and truly with us, the temperature is dropping and the south easterly winds is blowing at our sides. This is the perfect weather to head out to the Blue Mountains. One of the most beatutiful roads I have ever seen would be Falls Rd in Wentworth Falls, located 1 hour from Parramatta. The colour, smell, and feel of this area reaches into the soul. It drives a rusty nail into our broken human nature, we are only but children reaching out to hold onto the last part of summer, and when we grab it in our hands it slips away. We sometimes cry when this happens because happy memories are only just that, growing up and understanding change is another. So why not head up to the mountains for the last piece of warmth before the summer is gone. If you haven't been lucky in love lately maybe it's a chance you do not want to miss.

On the other hand the NRL season has just begun and pledge my support to the Parrmatta Eels. if you are a happy camper why not go out to a Friday/Saturday/Sunday or Monday game to support our national sport. Hear the cries, shouts, tears, and bones cracking as your local gladiators take to battle.

So enjoy the break, because I know everyone deserves a mini- holiday every 5 days.

Act 1 Scene 2?

Good morning, one and all, greetings and hello. If you have been waking up early lately you have realise that it is very dark, this is due to the sun being tired from it's hard work through out the summer. Providing sunlight to brown our skin and grow our barley. To make our bones healthy and our Abbey rich fragrant. So it's time for the sun to have a bit of a snooze.
That's right, Autumn is upon us once again and as we prepare ourselves for the winter and for the most holy season in the Church's calender, Lent and Easter. Goodness me, it was only Christmas last time I looked at my Vietnamese Ao Dai calender. Gosh, you have probably realise i can write a lot of rubbish, and there is much hot air that comes out of my mouth. But I can assure you this blog entry is worth it's weight in Vietnamese spring rolls. The information is jam packed and everyone will read it and go, yup good on ya Truong! , you do have some interesting insights on relationships and how to resolve conflict.Well you are probably wondering what this blog is going to be about, don't worry it's very simple. Act 1 Scene 2.

Act 1 scene 2, have you ever participated in a play, musical or choir? Well if you are a guy and haven't been in one, it's best to understand the concept, of "lets react that scene or re sing that verse!" because quite recently I have discovered a perfect way to resolve conflict. It's so simple and I wonder why I didn't think of it before. I am going to promise results here.

So here a typical situation, you are walking in a park with your beloved,you are both eating healthy carrots and apples. Since you are trying to look super fit for the big day. (Yup finally, the wedding invites are out!). The guy in this situation is Mack and his a very clumsy fellow, with arms like the stump of Huon Pine. Well Mack here has finished eating his apple and wants to dispose of it thoughtfully in the bin. So on the way to the bin he brushes past Felicity. Felicity is the total opposite of Mack, she is smaller in stature but loud in volume, she is generally correct and never loses an argument. Be that over directions, the temperature of the kettle, or where to put stamps on the envelope.
Here poor Mack is trying to keep his country neat and tidy, but a tidal wave (cause by underground seismic activity due to weeks of annoyance) of mistrust, and insecurity Felicity is out ranged because Mack acted as though she wasn't there. Felicity was just part of the trees and bushes along this park as he slightly brushed against her to maintain the current walking speed while trying to put an apple core in a bin.

You can see from the picture above, Mack is totally oblivious to how Felicity is feeling. Felicity is totally annoyed and it shows. However, he has a cool jacket.

Noooooooo the afternoon stroll has turned into a battle about, insecurity, love, selflessness, noticing me, ignoring me. There are two sides to this lovers tryst, on Mack's side of the fence, the straight and narrow with the classical "sorry darling i was just trying to do the right thing", and "I'm sorry", and on Felicity's side, you never notice me, I am just part of the scenery, don't you understand my feelings, the list goes on and it deepens..
I am sure each and everyone of us have gone through this situation before, where the man, in this case Mack, is doing the right thing for his country, but accidentally knocks his beloved out in the process. Sure his clumsy that's his nature. But to avoid crossing over the line with Felicty he sympathetically apologises. In Felicity's eyes this isn't good enough.

Well that's when Truong comes in to help poor Mack out, it's very easy, Act 1 scene 2,
Go back to the bin, reach in, take the apple out, go back to the point where you are about to put the apple in the bin, walk hand in hand with your beloved, then say " Sorry Floss, can we just pause a minute so i can put this apple in the bin" or if your short for words, sorry doll face, I am just going to put this apple in the bin, excuse me"

Simple, done, no arguments guarantee, this shows that Mack really loves Floss and he will do anything to not take the plunge into Mt Doom, to go battle with the Balrog, lets face it Gangdalf ain't here so you are in between a rock and a hard place, most likely inbetween a diamond mine and a volcano. These places are best to avoid unless you want to end up with burnt pancakes on Shrove tuesday. I for one, would like my pancakes with a dob of butter and Lyle's golden syrup.
So lets follow the simple rules of Act 1 Scene 2, mistake, unhappy beloved, rewind, replay, and resolved. Smiles all around.



Arrrrhhhh what to do in Sydney this weekend? It's going to be a big weekend, it's the last weekend before the no alcohol, no meat and no pleasure season of Lent, where we as Catholic try to give up something we like. So I am going to give you permission, for a four day assault on the senses to knock you silly and prepare yourselves for 40 days of fasting. with a 4 day feast a thon beginning on Saturday and ending of Shrove Tuesday.

Saturday, the big breakfast, Traditional English style. If you are a fan of the big breakfast, or the big fry up, or anything that is high in flavour and taste just head down to Ivan's deli, in Chester Hill for your supplies of Black Pudding, pork Sausages, bacon, eggs, beef sausages, baked beans, and polish bread. Then drive to a bottle store, get yourself some strong milk based alcohol then go onto a local park, put it all on a BBQ and eat away.
A great place to do this is Homebush park, because you can go for a stroll afterwards.



Sunday lunch. Have you ever walked home from the city via Petersham? Have you noticed wafting on the airwaves, the burning hickory smoke mixed with paprika, then your mouth begins to water. It is due to Petersham Portuguese chicken, this Sunday head down to any of the Petersham Portuguese chicken and feast till your Portuguese pot belly is puffed.

http://www.streetfood.com.au/2010/09/frango-petersham-charcoal-chicken.html



Monday, in the Truong Tradition for the love of Korean BBQ, catch a train to Strathfield head to Korean BBQ place near the Commonwealth bank, and get ready for a feast. Remember to buy lots of Soju, and bring lots of friends.



Tuesday, pancakes, crepes, and cognac. This is going to be a knock out combination so be prepared to be repented on Ash Wednesday. I like my crepes savoury and my pancakes sweet so Banh Xeo, would be an awesome addition to this.



Now friends, I hope you have a beautiful weekend and I look forward to hearing about your four days of feasting, for forty days of fasting.
Goodbye, fair well and until we meet again.

Vere dignum et justum est

Good morning, greetings and welcome ! I would like to start with thanking everyone for their gracious comments about the last blog " The summer adventures of travelling", unfortunately since I am back at work I need to save up again for another holiday so I can write about new adventures. Unless Lonely planet, or I can start my TV series called Panda Gryills.

Phew what a busy fortnight with St Valentines day, wedding invitations, early mornings and late nights. Don't know if you can keep up, but of course you can! live life to fullest.
Alright lets begin, after reading Anh Do's book "The Happiest Refugee" I am super excited about reviewing it! Lets begin with what the title of this blog means. "Vere dignum et justum est", this literally means "It is truly right to give Him (God) thanks and praise!" I believe that Anh Do's book really incorporates this well and how we are so lucky and grateful to be in this country Australia. If it weren't for Australia I wouldn't be here writing this blog, and marrying the greatest beauty in Terra Australis. (Yes Lucy)


So Anh do, story starts in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, his parents have just fallen in love on a train heavily controlled by the new regime, his uncles are in prison known as reeducation camps. One of these uncles actually has his intestines taken out for malaria treatment. My dad tells me he is living in Sydney now. The first chapter is full of love and drama, finishing with their narrow escape from the Vietnamese border patrol, and two, yes two pirate attacks complete with bearded Thai pirates.

However throughout this ordeal only one young man commits suicide, but the rest of the group of 40 survive and get processed offshore and await a country of asylum. Lucky for them Australia being such an awesome country accepts them. Like Anh, our family was in a processing camp in Thailand for 2 years and my parents were able to see Pope John Paul II how wonderful. As you are aware, Anh Do family is extremely Catholic, like many other Vietnamese refugee. For some reasons through out history the funniest boat people have come from Catholic backgrounds, like Ireland. I've always believe in my heart that if you had a Vietnamese and Irish family coming together it would be like comedy central.



As Anh grows up he talks about his many experience, his first love, his first fight and how it was a struggle financially to keep up with the Jones at Joey's. But financially they were never poor because, his mum a would be nun, would always shelter even poorer people in their home to show how well off they were. Wow, at this point I was almost in tears, yes a big guy like mean almost crying because like Anh we were never poor and created our own adventures which generally ended up with me being hit with a cane because growing up with 3 sisters they would copy me and end up with many cuts and bruises, thus my dad would take down the ring leader.

Now Anh is in uni and meets the love of his life, however she doesn't go out with him for 5 years but get engaged only after 3 weeks of dating. That's right Anh is the man!, no point in wasting time, because he quotes after his dad "If you meet a girl you like, marry her, don't wait. Because there is now and there is too late!". I just love this attitude to life, you've got to hand it to Anh with his never give up attitude.
It must be something with the combination of Vietnamese man marrying a White girl. The white girl really makes it hard for us, poor refugee blokes, gee whiz. Unlike myself, Suzy's parents take to Anh like white people to spring rolls. I guess I'll be bringing more spring rolls to the will be in laws in the near future.(hehehehehehe)




Anh and Suzy marry and live happily ever after how nice. I won't review any more of the book because I want you to read it because it's such a wonderful book. For me Anh Do's book made me understand why my dad always says " I am in heaven now, in Australia".

So at this point you're thinking where is Truong going with this blog, well please pardon me at the moment, my mind is totally distracted with getting married so I am so nervous and jittery like a jitterbug. But please bear with me, the main point of this blog is what to do as Australians with our superpowers.


Well as you all know the "Fair Dinkum" or "Give everyone a go" attitude is derived from the Latin dignum et justum est, so what is" just and right"? Simple, next time you go to the supermarkets just take your items to the check out chick instead of the machine. Because you are using your powers for good, keeping someone employed and using human interaction as opposed to a machine. We want to keep Australia from becoming a machine state where greed prevails, we want more Anh do's who gives up a high power coop orate job at Macquarie bank, to serve the community with his laughter. But if you haven't got a funny bone in your body keep the latter.


Things to do in Sydney

Gee whiz, i should stick to my day job and not explore human philosophy because my analogies don't sound like Plato at all, however I am good at Friday night dates. Lets me tell you what to do in Sydney.
The place to be is, Darlinghurst on a super post St Valentines date. OK so you did wake up enough after 4 early morning alarms on Valentines day, and couldn't make it to the flower markets to buy cheap roses, so you had to buy one from the man at the traffic lights.
You didn't get a booking at her favourite Japanese restaurant, and ended up at the Yerros shop in Marrickville and your card was a tad cheesy from the servo, because it was a Tuesday and being a Tuesday you had to get petrol, so to get a further discount on the fuel you needed to spend 5 dollars in store.
What to do now? Don't fret just make a booking at the Victoria Rooms in Darlinghurst, because if you really stuffed up big time this is the place to take your girlfriend/fiance/wife to, because generally men stuff up and you really need a trump card to make it up. This will surely get you out of the, does this guy even love me book, into the fancy diary with love heart lock book.



At first, the front entrance of the Victoria Rooms was very hard to find, and it was next to a restaurant that was closed down due to health regulations. In my head I was thinking, this place is really Victorian with sub standard neighbours, but as you walk up the stairwell, you are invited by a friendly guy called Jeremy who takes you to a booth. The lightning, the mood, the ambiance is all here for a "Oo, ahh, you are the best darling!" response because this time nothing is going to go wrong. The main reason are; the ambience, there are guy called Jeremy, they have fondue, and remember to wear a dark shirt just incase you spill chocolate on your shirt embarrassing your date.
As you approach your seating area, you are presented with wide variety of drinks and a shared menu. This is a great way to spend the evening looking into each others eyes over sweet or savoury fondue. Another friendly tip here for men who are not fondue specialist, remember to dip, dabble, drain, then slowly place the fork in your mouth, drawing it out slowly. Splendid don't you think, if you're in trouble for not doing anything for Valentines day, don't go sour puss on me, get out there to the Victoria Rooms.



Deo gratias.

Summer travelling within and with out.

Good morning, welcome and greetings to all. Happy new year, to all and everyone and it is so wonderful to be writing again. I hope that the summer holidays are still rolling on and we are slowly getting back to work and into another great year.

Well you might have missed reading According to Truong over the last summer, and I have sorely missed writing. However, our frail human nature does call us to rest and relax, so that we can travel within ourselves. So in this blog I would like to write about what really inspired me over the break and what really made me tick and tock.

Over the summer I was very lucky, well fortunate to travel to 3 different states of Australia and had both a wonderful and awful time at each location. In summary don't overdo a summer holiday it might sound like a great idea to do as much as possible, but realistically the internal travel which your soul needs only requires little physical travelling but much internal travelling. This sounds deep but all it means, go somewhere nice, pick a random spot and spend a few good days there soaking it up. Just like a red wine that needs to mature in a French Oak barrel.

Lets begin on how it went and what to avoid to all those budding travellers out there.

Sydney to Adelaide
Most memorable moment: Spending time with a little white dog called Tory.
Most beautiful town: Mt Pleasant
Worst cafe ever: Art house cafe/Roaring 40's cafe Angaston South Australia
Best bakery: Mt Pleasant Bakery
Best winery: Chateau Tanunda

How to be romantic in SA? If I were a married man and I were to plan another trip to Adelaide I would book a hotel in the CBD and explore the history of Adelaide for 2 days, then start the romantic wine tour of the Barossa valley. Starting early, the first stop would be Hanhdorf stocking up on German sausages for an afternoon picnic, then heading to morning tea in Mt Pleasant. Then I would head straight to Chateau Tanunda and spend 3 nights in this area. Buy 2 cases of Chateau Tanuda wine and spend the afternoon with sausages, cheese and wine. Simple as that.



Adelaide to Melbourne
Most memorable moment: Breathtaking view of Blue Lake
Most beautiful town: Mt Gambier
Best camp site: Mt Shank
Worst road ever: The Great Ocean Rd
Worst tourist destination: The 12 Apostle tourist centre
Over rated natural wonder: The 12 Apostles
Best food experience: Met wurst
Best customer service: Mary Mackillop Shop, shop attendant Penola " There is a 24 Mac Donald's in Mt Gambier!"

How to be romantic on the Adelaide to Melbourne road trip? The only way to be romantic on a long haul road trip is to give yourself a time frame and then extend it by 2 days. I would firstly spend at least 2 nights in Mt Gambier to camp around the Blue lake area. There has always been something about the colour blue, blue skies, blue seas, blue eyes, blue Groper, blue lake. It's such a beautiful colour and to see a huge lake in this amazing bright blue color is truly a blessing in blue. Did I forget to mention blue is beautiful.


Moving on towards Melbourne, I would stop in Portland. If I were a married man with 2 kids between the ages of 5-12, Portland would be a great destination to try for a third child. It is reminiscence of 18th century England where Piers, summer carnivals, and trams kept smiles on people's faces and ice cream on shirts. An era where people like myself could whistle tunes composed by Sir Hubert Parry. An era where pipe smoking and port drinking were the norm and for ladies ice lemon tea with a hint of Bombay gin. Nice.


Moving on towards the Great Ocean Road and the 12 Apostles. I would have to say is something that I would never do again even if the Victorian government gave me a research grant to explore the possibility of extra-terrestrial activities at the Thunder bird launch site. Furthermore, if the Federal government, appointment me minister of hanging out I would avoid set my leather sandals on the Great Ocean Rd. I don't know why it is one of Australia's must go places. It is over crowded, the road is poorly maintained, you can barely see over the edge and to add salt to my leg wound, the 12 Apostles centre located at the 12 Apostles tourist site did not sell any Australian made Fridge Magnets or any other souvenir for that matter.
If you were going to see the 12 Apostles, to follow Jesus and be a disciple, to become a fisher of men, if you had a vocation and you're looking for that Alleluia moment be wise and don't go here because all you'll get is crowds, heat, helicopters, no fridge magnets and only 10 or maybe 9 Apostles left.

Melbourne to Davenport
Best moment: Screaming out greetings to local people in Davenport as the Spirit of Tasmania cruised into port.
Best dining experience: On board the Spirit of Tasmania Restaurant
Worst part: Disembarking and going through quarantine

New to sailing or cruise ship? I am, a great way to experience this at a relative low price is go on the Spirit of Tasmania. So you're married and your 10 year anniversary is coming up? You're mortgage is half way through and you have 4 children under the age of 10, but how to work within a budget? The spirit of Tasmania is the way to go here. It gives you good bang for buck value.
Basically, I would pack as much food as possible into the family Tarago or Landcruiser, take the food out as we board the trip, bring the food into the private cabin. Eat as much as we can then set everyone loose on the ship for 8 hours. Since it is a ship, minimum supervision is required, however there is the fact of rough seas and falling overboard. But that risk is low because the guide ropes are strong.
On board, there is face painting, arts and craft, movies, alcohol food, shops and levels to explore. The trick to smooth sailing is preparation, book a private cabin, bring your own food or buy hot food it's very cheap, and sit back and relax.


Tasmania
Tasmania, ah Tasmania I would love to write about it again, but sadly like the hops, barely, and malt.The main ingredients of a good ale, the mixture was right, but the fermentation process turned out sour. The yeast was to blame. Turning a potential great refreshing ale into soy sauce.



I hope everyone enjoyed the first blog of the year, reflecting back on the blog I have come to the conclusion that we humans are just like parts of a good wine or ale. We were made in the image of God, perfect, plum and pristine, Shiraz Grape, or tall, bronze with a bountiful blooming head like a stalk of barley.
However as we get mixed up, combined, crushed, blended in this journey of life, all the good parts are there. But as we ferment into something beautiful, such as champagne or ale. We have to be careful and on guard that we don't get mixed up with the wrong yeast. We know that yeast is a catalyst and it can turn good things into great things, or good things into awful sour things that we want to spit out followed by thorough rinsing with water.
So lets become Don Perignon Champagne, or Don Rosendo Salvado Abbey Ale. Just stay away from whatever yeast that might ruin a good vintage, and if you're like me a good strong, dark Ale.

Things to do in Sydney, it's going to be hot hot hot hot hot, and I did forget to say Hot. If you are unaware many Asian communities will be hosting Lunar New Year festivals throughout the city. But the place to experience Vietnamese food and culture, is to head to Fairfield Showground to the annual Vietnamese community Tet Festival. If you have been devoutly following Luke Nguyen's cooking adventure and been dying to experience the rich flavours of Indo China this is the place to be from Friday to Sunday.

http://grabyourfork.blogspot.com/2009/02/tet-festival-fairfield-showground.html

http://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/vietnamese/article/1767/T%E1%BA%BFt-2011/

Deo Gratias

Dear All, it's been a whole year and what a wonderful year it has been, if you have been following the according to Truong series, I would like to applaud your patience because Truong is a very complex human being and following the situations in the blog would have been a difficult one. But thank you once again dear readers.

Lets get stuck into it, and talk about the most controversial item of the blog. GIRLS and BAKING.
This topic for me has been the talking point of most conversations and I have not only been the centre of scrutiny but also gained a few kilograms in the process. I must admit women do love to prove a point and the point has been made that they surely can bake. From Mars bars slice to awesome RACE TRACK chocolate cakes with tiny teddy race car drivers on a liquorice tarmac.
However I am yet to taste Lucy Gressers famous cheese cake assortment. I am sure it will be coming in the near future.

But my Akubra straw hat goes off to Tiny Teddy race car drivers in Marsbar cars with, smarties alloy wheels. Awesome. If a girl can produce such a cool cake, and they accidentally burn it. It doesn't matter because If it has some sort of car/racing/engine theme it is a WINNER. Chequered flag and all.

Now, lets us not stick to just cakes, there are also party pies, pizzas, roast meats, jacket potatoes.
And lets not forget famous roast chickens with stuffing and gravy. What about using other mediums of cooking not only can you use an oven, you can even use a camp fire. One important thing I have learnt from this series is that baking is at the heart of every women, and not only can they bake beautiful things to eat out of love. But the most beautiful form of baking is bringing lovely children into this world as they idiom goes "I've got one in the oven". So my formal felt Akubra really goes off with a bow and formal proclamation saying thank you.
So even if it's overdone, there will always be a miraculous ding at the end with a smile.




Well I hope that everyone has enjoyed the series this year and this will be the last broadcast before I go on holidays for the year, I would like to start writing these blogs again after I have come back from Tasmania with the famous Frassati group.

Now what can we do in Sydney this weekend? It's going to be a big weekend if you're don't have any plans then thats a good thing. Because I would stay home because of all the crazy shopping that will be going on this weekend so be careful not to trip or fall. So have a Merry Christmas that is fill with peace and Joy of celebrating the birth of Lord Jesus Christ with the people you love most in this world. Deo gratias.

How to rescue a damsel in distress series

Good morning WORLD, what a marvellous Friday, the sun is gleaming through the dark rain clouds that have loitered around our summer skies this week. Don't you just hate loitering! But not to worry it's gives men more time to prepare themselves for the upcoming summer. I would like to start this next edition with, how to save a damsel in distress, once you have fixed her car and driven to the beach. However she or one of her friends is caught in a rip current and needs your assistance. The second part of this blog I would like to help you men with how to choose that perfect Christmas present your beloved.

Part 2, What do I need to help a struggling damsel in distress in a rip current.
This is huge, you've just fixed up the car and now you and the damsels are swimming. Oh no, one of them has been caught in a 25m rip current! There is not much time here to loiter. You're a man of ACTION and decisiveness. However, do not panic because Truong will help out here.
Thanks to our Australian climate in Summer it is best to load up your trunk with a minimum 50-60 litre Esky. I have noticed that they have wheels now so its a great way to relax on the beach with an Esky. Now why on Earth do you think an Esky is important here? Well the lid is basically a personal floatation device which can save lives.

So item number 1 on the list for saving a drowning damsel in distress is always load up a large Esky (if there are Americans and English reading, i guess its called an Ice Box).
So now you have to run to where your Esky lid is, run back into the rip current, use the Esky lid as a floatation device and slowly help her back to the shore line. Remember to pay attention to the waves and always wait till a large set of 7 breaking ways to crash before making your way back to shore NEWS BREAK, SWIM sideways. Using the Esky lid will help with controlling the situation.


Above diagram displaying a typical Australian rip current with DYE

Now your safely back on the shoreline, ask her if she has swallow much water? if she has it is imperative you call an ambulance. Most beaches will have a beach marker number on the sign so remember to quote this so the services can rush to the scene. If the she didn't swallow any water, then pop out an ice coconut tea and soak up the sun, You've just saved a life.

In conclusion, buy an Esky, save lives, keep drinks cool.



Christmas present gift guide for gentlemen
Now, as everyone is aware it is really hard to buy a present these days that will satisfied the woman you love. So what to do in this situation, if you are like me, you really detest getting stuff that is made in China, and will not stand up to the test of time then how about making a present from scratch.
Making a present you say? What should I make? That's entirely up to you, I believe that every man deep down has a DIY gene and using this caveman instinct you can make something. I have seen over the past Christmases for example beautifully carve wooden boxes, or a nice water colour picture, or even my specialty a diorama of a scene that has happen during the year.
You have 3 weeks left so get your act together and make something, you can even put a Made in Australia sticker on it.

So I won't keep you any longer, lets make an effort here and make something for Christmas.


SYDNEY activities this week? This weekend is jammed packed if I hear any complaining about err "there is nothing to do in Sydney", I am going to get off my computer chair and get my mother's extra Strong Thai fish sauce, and If you have been watching Luke's Nguyen Vietnam cooking adventure, I am going to saturate you with FISH SAUCE. So that you'll be extra so tasting the sharks in Sydney harbour will find you a delicacy.

So here is the list

1. V8 Supercars final series, wow a whole weekend of adrenaline pumping action with the V8 super car finals, Tony Hawk and an awesome hard rocking guns and roses concert. I think if I go to this my year would be complete.
2. http://www.navy.gov.au/Carols_On_The_Bay, thanks to the awesome people at the ROYAL Australian Navy.
3. Get working on your Christmas present.

So that's it from according to Truong this week, DEO Gratias.

How to rescue a damsel in distress series

Salutations dear readers, summer is finally upon us and as the temperature rises and the humidity goes pass 80%. There will more and more damsels in distress because they are outside and in the open air. So what can a man do this summer to prepare himself to rescue a damsel in distress. So welcome to the Summer survial guide series of According to Truong. In this series I would like to write about what are essentials a man needs this summer, to be that man who can save the day. Over the next few weeks be prepared and get ready to understand why McGyver was such a ladies man. Stephen ZENG who sits at this location-33.877080, 151.210823 this is going to be super man-ly after reading this I can guarantee you'll have a thick and glossy beard.

Topic 1. Summer road trip to Far north Queensland.

Lets place ourselves in the situation, two young guys looking for adventure. Driving in a used commodore or camry towards Cairns or Townsville. The temperature is shooting pass 35 degrees and the humidity is unbearable. Over the past 15 hours from Sydney you have probably been wondering why did you go on this trip, where you could be at home playing Assasin's creed.
Well the temperature is unbearable now and your travelling at 110km/h and it's late afternoon and you really want to go for a swim. But as you are roaring off the highway into a remote beach, whilst driving through the lush vegetation, the sweet sea breeze filing your lungs with exciting, you put your board shorts on in the car in anticipation of the cool water. You notice a damsel in distress through the lens of your polarised sunglasses. She and her female companions have parked their car on an uphill section and they are just looking at the billowing white smoke coming out of her car.
Well what are you going to do in this situation? Keep driving? or stop and try to help

Well this is going to be interesting if you stop you will need tools and this next section I will help you prepare yourself and be like McGyver to be that hero who can save that damsel in distress. Or in this situation a school of Damsels.

Rightio, lets start here you have now pulled over with your friend, so the damsels are already confident there is nothing fishy here. Your wearing board shorts and a smell faintly of Oasis coconut flavour ice tea, you're wearing a XXXX or bundy rum t-shirt becauseyou don't want to get busted up by the locals when travelling in far north Queensland. With all this apparel they can relax and accept your help because they now know you're not like that Wolf Creek serial killer guy.





Step 1. Be confident
Speak clearly and slowly. Damsels in distress are generally people of the sanguine nature and will probably be very emotional. Offer her an Oasis Ice tea and say. It looks like the car is just over heating, it's a small problem and happens all the time it shouldn't be hard to fix right here on the spot. I'll see what my mate and I can do.

Step 2. Examine the problem
Now that you have the situation under control have look around the engine bay, you will notice that the radiator hose, that runs from the radiator to the engine has a small crack in it. Big bummer. This is a common problem with sanguine women who don't have much knowledge of cars and servicing. Generally rubber hoses break in more frequently in summer due to the extremes of temperatures and general usage.
" Now stay calm, and ask how's that Ice tea, it's my favourite" When you have a question and reply in one sentence it really spins girls out because it will put them in a more relax mood some how.

Step 3. Produce the goods.
Firstly, you will need a the ever dependable Leatherman, probably the best and coolest multi tool all men should have. Secondly, on road trips carry extra water, roughly 5 litres and always try to keep it that way. Thirdly, always keep some sikaflex in the boot it's a multi-purpose sealer. Too easy hey if you can't find any sikaflex use chewing gum. Do you have electrical tape? well get some now. Sorry lads this is the painful bit, you will have to cut some of your rubber off your thongs to help her out, because no way on earth she is going to give you any of hers so don't bother asking. Guess you'll have to survive barefoot for a while. Ouch hot sand.



Step 4 Can you fix it, Ofcourse you can.
She is probably smiling and admiring you now so don't blow it. Firstly you will have to wait till the radiator cools down but if there is a huge leak and lots of green or pink fluid is pouring out work quick. Firstly, get your beach towel cover the radiator cap so you can open it to release pressure. If you don't have a towel your going to get heaps of vapourise coolant all over, not smooth. If you are lucky and the the crack is near the end of the hose undo the clamps and cut that section off with your leatherman, and then crimp it back on with the Leatherman pliers. If not take off the hose use the rubber seal it, tape it.
Once everything is in place, fill up the reserve radiator bottle with water, clean water is best then turn the car on, with the hot air setting on the temperature setting. Then turn on the interior fan on full blast to run the new water through. Slowly add more water into the main radiator and let it run. It should be sweet now all you have do is say "We'll have another look to see if there is anything else wrong!Have a quick look around the car and check tyre pressure, then take the car for a little drive to ensure everything is running. Remember team work with your mate because you can't be a grass cutter and not share the glory.




Step5 Be gallant.
This is brill ant opportunity to ask them all if they need any more help, and invite them for a swim, because the car will have to cool down. So sit back and enjoy Oasis ice tea, coconut flavour is the one to go for.

In summary. Buy a leatherman (thanks Lucy for my one) or ask for one this Christmas "I chose you Leatherman Wave", buy marine grade Sikaflex, buy electrical tape and be the man or men remember team work. Well I have really enjoyed writing this piece about summer trips and damsels in distress. I hope you can join me again soon for more summer adventure in the According to Truong, summer survival series.



Gosh, Sydney weather has become so unpredictable but since I am confident it is going to be sunny and bright I am advising killing 2 birds with one stone this weekend. If you're looking for Christmas presents or you're helping to choose presents, why not head down to Berry and head to the cool looking Coo Coo clock shop I don't really know the name but they sell very interesting stuff. They have various presents and everyone will happy. Not only get all your Christmas shopping done in one shop, but you can go for a swim and eat fresh seafood in Kiama on the way back. Followed by a drink at the Jamberoo inn i really like this inn for it's charm and personality, plus i have never tried to the food so please someone, report back. Oh and if you forgot a present and wanted something handmade, drive up to the Benedictine monastery up to the hill, to the left. Deo Gratias

Spring fashion Review 3

Well it's been a rain drenched week, and how wonderful is this rain! I just love the sound of rain either softly or lightly falling on the roof of the colorbond carport. It's gives you the sense of regularity and puts you to bed in less than 10mins. Its been a while since I could remember such rain, since the mid 1990's me thinks? when I was an annoying asian ankle bitter, I could remember putting paper boats down the kerb side and see it slowly drift to sea via our stormwater systems. I wonder where all those boats sailed to? Could it be Vietnam or even as far as Madagascar. Well I hope everyone out there has had a productive week and all smooth sailing with our fair trade winds, oh and this month of November we remember all our deceased, especially our loved ones, our soildiers who have fought in numerous wars for freedom and all those who have died with no one to remember them . Requiescat in pace

In this next installment of according to Truong spring fashion review I would like to incorporate wet weather fashion. I have been catching the train lately to work and it's a horror story for my post surgery ankle, each and every surface presents an adventure and being Truong, I love adventure.
Well lets start at why I really hate umbrellas and the mass usuage of uncessary, useless, umerous,under-rated,utterly irritating Umbrellas.


Firstly, in Sydney where we are trying so hard to be So called environmentally friendly, we are buying these cheap and nasty umbrellas which require massive resources to make to keep our head dry. Not only most of them are made in China, they only last a few weeks and people discard them all over the place. They are an eyesore and a waste of money, resources and makes our beloved city look cheap and plastic.

So how do you dress for wet weather? Ladies first of course, beauty before brain and brawn. I have always been a believer of the coat! Ladies should wear the spring weight cotton version by various brands out there, but I insist investing a high quality English made one if the price is too high try European or Australian made or even Korean, but never chinese because you want to make an investment not waste your money. They are light weight and the styling on these coats will suit any outfit, go for the double brested red or creams because they will enhance the waist line of any woman once the straps are done up. I prefer lapels as well.


If coats are not your thing, the a leather jacket, full grain lamb is the way to go. It is water proof and the look is to die for. Buying something that comes in black, red, dark brown will be suitiable. It is easy to choose the colour here, if your 30 or under red is the colour of choice, if your over 30 brown or black is the way to go here. Easy.
Next how do you keep your hair dry from all this weather if your a lady? Well thats really easy, there are soo many hat shops our there. Generally wool or felt hats will go nicely, please choose hats in red to white spectrum of the colour rainbow. You can choose from a variety of hats, but I have always been a fan of small hats on ladies with a small brim> please see attached.


Oh, I almost forgot I am always hearing "my feet are cold and my socks are wet", could you turn your car heater to the foot flow function. I really hate when this happens because not only does it fogs the windscreen, it also makes me feet really hot and it's super annoying, but like always beauty before safety. So there it a solution please please stop your complains because there is such an easy solution here. Go and buy new boots, yes Truong is giving all the ladies out there to go shoe shopping. Sorry lads but sometimes it is a necessary occasion of shopping here, you must go and help buy wool lined boots with a slight heal,tightly fitted toe and a sole that can be re-sole as time passes by. I have seem many beautiful boots out there, buy ones made in Europe because they are the best. Furthermore, leather gets better as time goes by and it gives your man out there a job of keeping them polished and watertight. I suggest using KIWI brand, but I know other people out there like using Dubbin, cough cough Chris.


Now moving onto the lads, we lads are easy, simply buy a gortex jacket, or leather jacket, or simply get wet. Cover your head with a cap, hat or get wet. Wear shoes made of leather and socks. Remember to always polish your leather boots or they won't be water proof for long. So easy. Lets move on to this week's review of Review.


Formal wear Gracie Lace dress for that super ultra 4000CmsT date.



So it's the end of the year almost, and you being a man-man like the old spice guy you want to do the right thing by your girlfriend, or someone you have been admiring for a while. You decide to spend up big and buy tickets to "Noel" peformed by the Sydney Philharmonia or it's the fancy Christmas dinner or even the Society Ball. Wow this is the big date, and if you have been reading my blog over the last few months you have been Crystal clear about asking that one girl out on a date.

Well ladies now please accept because Truong is feeling gracious today because he is allowing you to go shopping for that end of year dress. Being Truong he hates shopping but according this blog it is a necessary occasion of shopping. Well lets start.

Gracie lace dress by review, why do I like this dress? Well just look at the colour its just magnificent it's like a beautiful Don Perignon Champagne or that lovely 1960's Gullwing Merc. It just screams class and elegance. All I can if ladies are dress like this, they will sure be treated like a Spanish princess.



Now onto the fitting, it graciously fit the lines of the body and it gives the user the choice of wearing a long jacket or coat if it rains, or simply a light weight woollen jacket so you can burden the man to carry it on your long walk back to the Sydney Opera house car park, or you have been a tight you've parked in the rocks where there is limited free parking.

Finally, with such a beautiful piece all i can say don't wear belts or over do the accessory because this one unit is a stand alone and it meant to be that way.


I hoped that everyone has had a lovely time reading this blog and that your weekend if filled with super fun enjoyment. Now your wondering why Truong is so hyped up about rain, well there is so much fun to be had when it rains because you can do indoor activities, and since I have been advocating shopping maybe it's time to take your lady friend on a shopping date. Sorry lads but it a shopping weekend indoors with savoury pancakes, eggs Benedict, smoked trout, followed by cucumber sandwiches, earl grey tea, followed by more eating slow roasted lamb with a glass of port.
I'll place my order of bangers and mash with dark Ale! Deo gratias

Spring Fashion review part 2, evening wear

Salutations readers after a great week we all deserve a good seat down next to a pint of Honey Mead. If you haven't try Honey Mead you best try it, it is the drink of the gods, I say gods because I don't want to be a heathen. It's been two weeks since my last blog and like confession it's best to get them done in 2 week blocks. So without much further delay I would like to present to you According to Truong's spring fashion review part 2 evening wear.

Before we start I would like to write about the feed back I have been getting back from my friend Osman quoting " why are you writing about women's clothing?". This is an easy question, if you do your research on clothing you can save yourself time when your girlfriend asks you " do i look good in this?" all you have to say, yes you look good because I chose it. By showing an interest from the start it will help you along the way. Secondly, as a man growing up with 3 sisters I know that every woman is different and has moods that change like the Botany bay tide. In that fact, showing interest in clothing will determine how you treat women if they are on display then things will go downhill, if they dress accordingly things will start to develop internally.

Now spring is upon us, and thank God we have long day light hours and with long day light hours come long strolls along the harbour side. So what can one lady wear on such dates or outings in this dynamic weather condition. Well if you have clocked off from work and don't have time to get change then this review of Review fashion will surely help you along the way.

Date attire for evening outings


Diagram 1, Left model with black and white peony silk skirt.

When I look at this outfit, I just step back and say woah, double woah. And gentlemen if you ever feel this way, say to your date" you look absolutely ravishing!!!" and remember to look at the right places to avoid getting slapped. Anyhoos lets get on with the review.
Firstly, from the bottom the skirt has a classical peony black and white print. This sort of print does not go out of fashion and can be seem in many cultures . The versatility will help you if your boyfriend takes you to a Asian or European restaurant it will go well at any place. Secondly, the length of the skirt will help mobility especially if your date takes you out to a salsa bar, therefore you can really set the dance floor on fire. So mobility and modesty really go side by side and it aims at promoting mobility and freedom when your on these awesome dates.
The top half of this outfit is complemented with a silk blouse and light weight biker jacket. I really love this biker jacket because of it's cut and how it fits the arms and waist of the female figure very well. Not only does it look great but it will keep you warm in the dynamic spring weather. As you are aware I am a big fan of bikes.

Diagram 2. Right model Scarlett skirt Ingrid blouse.

One word here, this outfit is pretty! It's a complete unit that incorporates that first social outing meeting at a location in the city. Good places to meet are the Hyde Park Fountain, or the steps of the St Mary Cathedral. This unit allows you to go to work and go for that date you have been putting off for a while. So if you've been asked out a few times and haven't said yes, then this outfit can help you with that awkward date. Firstly, this outfit says I am pretty and confident, I am independent and I am not in a rush to fall into your arms unless that man is going to try extremely hard.
Lets start this review from the top to the bottom. The top is made from a silk/polyester blend with a nice cut and fit from the neck and shoulder lines expressing the feminine figure in a well blended format similar to that of a Honda S2000, the most notably is the fitted short cuffs that personally I really like on woman especially when she has her hand on her hips like the model, because I know I am in trouble. It's so much easy to read body language if the girl is dressing in a language we men can understand.



The skirt is just stunning for the price range, its blends model skirt cut style with a classical Romanesques motif on the lace finished with a small black leather belt. As my old computer programming professor would say, SIMPLE is beautiful and this skirt is the epitome of Simple and beautiful.
In short if she is wearing such an outfit she is shouting in your face, I deserve to go to a nice restaurant that requires a booking, with a table that has real cloth tablecloths not those paper ones followed by a desert that looks like this.



So if a lady is wearing this on your first date and you haven't booked a restaurant it's going to be a date FAIL. Sorry lads.

Lets get stuck into what we can do in Sydney this week. October is a great month, our nation's capital is celebrating the annual flower festival and what a great way to spend a day by visiting Canberra and strolling along the blossom filled boulevards. An amazing place that I have always wanted to explore is the little model village town of Cockington Green. So Sydneysiders set forth for our capital to enjoy these blooms before they wither. Deo Gratias.