We arrived at Dong Hoi airport to start our trip, and were met by a driver and one of the (very smart) guides who works with my brother in the caving ventures at Phong Na.

The conversation went as follows:

I introduced myself and added ‘I’m John’s sister’.

There was a silence. ‘Older sister?’

(Through gritted teeth) ‘Yes’.

Pause. ‘Much older sister?’

This time the teeth were gritted so tightly no words would come out…

Notes (for the avoidance of doubt):

Yes, I am older than John.

Cultural Notes:

I found out later that the Vietnamese language has different ways of addressing people depending on levels of respect, and that more respect is due to older people. I guess that should be a consolation.