Chi Phan:
As a resident in London for thirteen years and a traveller for almost seven, I always enjoyed connecting across different spaces and people. In Hoi An, my life has been filled with encounters as I organise community events and regularly attend workshops of varied nature. Yet in all these years, moments of joyful connection that light up my heart have been rare, even fleeting ones. While I'm happy on my own most of the time, I do want to nourish myself with more meaningful conversations. Across cultures, humans connect and bond over meals, so I thought “Why not blend the depth of a facilitated gathering with the lightness of mealtime conversations in meeting my heart’s desire?”
I am very lucky to be accompanied by Lannah, who not only shares the wish to create spaces for deep connection, but is also a trained facilitator.
Lannah Nguyen:
A few years ago, while living in Hanoi, I found myself in a rare and deeply meaningful conversation with someone I had just met. He shared that if he had experienced conversations like this more often, he might not have chosen to leave the city after five years. That moment stayed with me. It revealed how profoundly being heard can shape our sense of belonging.
After moving to Hoi An, I noticed a similar pattern. Many people I met loved the place, yet felt something was missing. Then, during a simple day spent talking, eating, and resting together by the sea, a feeling of ease and connection emerged. Someone said, “If we had more days like this, I think I would stay.” It became clear to me that what we long for as we journey through life is not a different place, but a deeper connection.
Working with Chi feels like a natural meeting of hearts. We share a wish to create spaces where people can slow down, enjoy good food, and enter conversations that feel genuine and nourishing.
The right people around the table and the right questions to engage them.
As such:
How it makes you feel i.e. how every aspect and detail is taken care of.
As such:
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This gathering is an offering for ourselves, and for those who feel called to meet others in sincerity, warmth, and attentive conversation.
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We would like to meet those who resonate with our stories and are intrigued by what we offer. If you enjoy answering our questions in this form, you’ll likely have a great time with us and other participants. Come to the event without knowing whom you’ll meet, walk away from it with at least one person to whom you’d like to say: “So glad we met!”
