Tim Doling is a tall, slender individual with a gentle and graceful gait, exuding a discreet and refined demeanor. Of British origin, married to a Vietnamese wife, and working for the American FORD Foundation, Tim Do-ling possesses a commendable command of the Vietnamese language and a substantial understanding of the cultures of all three countries. He plays a pivotal role as the primary guide for our group during this cultural survey trip in the United States.

From the moment we met at JFK Airport, where friends from the FORD Foundation came to welcome us, Tim Doling immediately proved indispensable in forging a bridge of friendship with our American counterparts, thanks to his proficiency in the Vietnamese language. He serves as a direct source of information about America, the FORD Foundation, and our new American acquaintances, eliminating the need for translation. In noisy settings when communication was essential, he would lean in with his soft ash-colored hair and delicate countenance to ensure clear communication, speaking in hushed tones that only we could hear, all while not disturbing others. Quietly and efficiently, his work primarily involved orchestrating our interactions with cultural organizations and activists in America, translating documents for us, and meticulously planning and organizing our work sessions. Thanks to his thoughtfulness, expertise, and methodical approach to questioning, our work proceeded smoothly, adhering to schedules and maintaining high standards of quality.

Wherever we ventured, we were graciously received by the leading figures in the organizations, who provided comprehensive presentations and furnished us with thorough documentation. Upon his arrival in the United States, Tim Do-ling mentioned a slight adjustment to our work schedule, with the Organizing Committee planning to issue a subsequent document. However, the following morning, each member of the group received an eight-page, Vietnamese document typewritten on a computer, detailing our daily itinerary. It was a thoughtful gesture that could only have been orchestrated by Mr. Tim. Upon reviewing the style of the Vietnamese translations in the documents provided by the Organizing Committee, it became apparent that they were meticulously "back-translated" by non-Vietnamese individuals, yielding precise but somewhat formal phrasing. Despite having traveled abroad on numerous occasions, I had never before encountered such meticulously prepared and thoughtful documentation. In addition to introducing us to the American context, culture, and organizations we would be engaging with, the documents included a list of contact numbers, addresses, and emergency information for New York, Washington, Tim himself, each member of the Organizing Committee, and our hotel. Thanks to the dedication and meticulousness of Mr. Tim and his colleagues on the Organizing Committee, I received an abundance of information to aid in my managerial responsibilities and to supplement the content of this book.

The significant responsibilities shouldered by Mr. Tim are often conducted behind the scenes, silently but decisively contributing to the success or potential challenges of our trip. He seldom takes center stage when addressing an audience. On several occasions, I witnessed instances where the interpreter failed to convey a complete translation, and Tim discreetly prompted her to provide additional details. Sometimes, when faced with a perplexing word or phrase that eluded proper translation, he quietly turned to a dictionary for reference and then gently supplied the translation to assist her. During our work sessions, Tim was consistently engrossed in taking notes, documenting our activities, and capturing photographs, fulfilling his duty of creating a comprehensive record of our cultural survey trip to the United States, sponsored by the FORD Foundation. Observing Tim Do-ling's diligence, a Vietnamese saying came to mind: "Fool Angle!" Although the literal translation might suggest that the British ignore everything, it is not accurate in this context. Rather, it signifies a quiet and astute approach to work, which aligns perfectly with Tim Doling's "English style."

Noticing that Europeans or Americans seldom travel by plane these days, and considering Tim's extensive travels between Vietnam, the UK, and the United States, I asked if he ever felt fatigued. In response, Tim Doling flashed a gentle smile with his thin, resolute lips and replied, "It's all part of the job!"

Following our journey together, Tim Doling will travel back to England to visit his mother. Afterward, he will return to Vietnam to continue his work with the FORD Foundation and provide care and support to his young wife, who is on the brink of giving birth. We extend our heartfelt wishes for the health and well-being of their first child, representing two nationalities, and hope that the child grows up to be a fine citizen of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.