For Milena Padula, the spouse of the Italian consul general in HCMC and President of the Consular Club HCMC, Vietnam is more than just a diplomatic posting—it is a place that has touched her heart profoundly. In a conversation with The Saigon Times, she shares her observations on how Vietnam’s traditions, cuisine, and sense of community have shaped her journey. The Saigon Times: What brought you to Vietnam, and how has your experience in the country been so far? Milena Padula: My husband’s assignment from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs brought us to HCMC three years ago. As the spouse of a diplomat, I’ve lived in several countries, but Vietnam holds a special place in my heart. One of the things I deeply admire here is the strong family culture, which reminds me of Italy. In Italy, we have family reunions during Christmas and Easter, and in Vietnam, families come together for Tet. That sense of togetherness feels very familiar to me. Another highlight for me is the food. As someone who loves exploring cuisines, I find Vietnamese food fascinating. The emphasis on rice, soups, and fresh vegetables is quite different from Italian food, which features a lot of […]
To read more, please click here.
