From Calgary to Can Tho: RedLine Technical in Vietnam

A family lunch in the country side.

Our Vietnam visit for The New Year finally arrived and we made it back to Vietnam for a 5- week trip filled with a bit of everything — work, family, food, and, of course, a whole lot of rain! The main reason for the visit was to spend time at our offshore office and connect with the team face-to-face. But it quickly turned into something so much more.

Mornings Made Perfect: Coffee, Bánh Mì, and Daily Life

Every morning began with a peaceful ritual: sitting outside our home, sipping on my favorite drink — Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese iced coffee) — paired with Bánh Mì Hoa Quả (a sweet fruit-style twist on the classic banh mi). The sounds of scooters, street vendors, and early-morning chatter made for the perfect backdrop to ease into each day.

One of my favorite daily routines was hopping on a motorcycle to drop off my nephew, Bobby, at school. Weaving through the morning traffic with Bobby riding shotgun reminded me how much I’d missed the everyday rhythms of Vietnamese life.

Weekend Vibes and Rainy Getaways

Weekends were for relaxation. We spent time lounging at the pool, soaking in the tropical warmth (when the rain took a break), and just enjoying the slower pace. Speaking of rain — let’s talk about Nha Trang! We spent four rainy days there, but honestly, the grey skies couldn’t dampen the beauty of that coastal city. Rain or shine, it was worth every minute.

Office Family Day: More Than Just Coworkers

One of the most heartwarming highlights of the trip was our Office Family Day. We brought together our offshore team and all their families for a day full of food, laughter, and celebration. Watching the kids play while coworkers connected outside the office reminded me why we call ourselves the Redline family.

Celebrating Tết: A Season of Family and Flowers

We were also lucky enough to be in Vietnam during Tết, the Lunar New Year festivities. This meant even more time spent with family, sharing meals, laughter, and tradition. One of the most magical parts of the season was heading out to view the beautiful flowers displayed throughout the city — vibrant colors lining the streets, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere that’s hard to describe.

Looking Ahead

The trip was the perfect balance of work and life — reconnecting with colleagues, building memories with family, and soaking up everything I love about Vietnam.Now back in Canada, I’m already dreaming of my next Cafe Sua Da and a morning ride with Bobby.

Darcy Johnson
Managing Partner | RedLine Technical Inc.