Ngo Quang Minh

I have experienced the seasons changing from the old year to the new one in various countries across the Northern and Southern hemispheres, surrounded by locals who were once strangers but became friends. In those places, peace prevailed, and the horizons were filled with the silhouettes of airplanes. All of these places left indelible impressions on me, marking the start of a new year filled with emotions, aspirations, and anticipation.

 
 

 

 

In January, the temperature in Moscow falls below freezing

Russia – great charm beneath white snow

In January, the temperature in Russia’s capital, Moscow, falls below 0 degrees. Home to the Kremlin and the Orthodox Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square stands out with its nine onion-shaped Byzantine-style domes set against a snowy backdrop, adding to this scene’s fairy-tale beauty. “The land of birch trees” sheds its shimmering golden autumn cloak to don a captivating white winter’s garment. Much like in Vietnam, during this season, Russians spend more time indoors with their families, avoiding the harsh cold outdoors.

Despite the severe weather, those who have experienced a long Russian winter and awaited the warmth of spring will find a deeper love and connection with this land. Spring’s arrival also signals the onset of better times, so from mid-December, Russians are busy preparing to lavishly decorate the capital for Christmas and the New Year. Their warm and inviting decorations include Christmas lights, Matryoshka dolls, and characteristic fir and juniper trees. 

Beyond the “heart” of Moscow, the city of Kazan – often referred to as “the third capital of Russia”, alongside Moscow and St. Petersburg, becomes even more captivating during the New Year due to its rich history and magnificent UNESCO Heritage sites. During this season, Kazan is enveloped in snow. Especially noteworthy is the Kazan Kremlin complex, located on the left bank of the Kazanka River. Set over some 15 hectares on a hill, this site features eight large towers. The most imposing of these is the Kul-Sharif Mosque, built of marble and distinguished by its turquoise domes. Opposite the Kazan Kremlin is the building that houses the Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Tatarstan. Built in an East-meets-West style of architecture, it symbolizes Kazan’s once-flouring agricultural industry and resembles an ancient movie set amidst this bustling city by the Volga River.

Staying in a “Casa Particular” is a memorable experience in Cuba

Cuba – spring colors in Central America

Unlike Northern countries that welcome the New Year in the cold, Central America enjoys a cool, clear climate. In the spring, Cuba is full of vibrant colors. A festive atmosphere permeates the streets. Thanks to its blend of open and friendly Latin American culture, a predominantly Christian population, and the fact that National Day falls on January 1st, Cuba is vacation paradise for the weeks between Christmas and the first week of the New Year. Locals and tourists not only fill the bars but also enliven every street corner.

With gentle sunshine and no storms, Cuba’s dry season is ideal for touring and exploring. The capital, Havana, preserves many colonial-era squares, churches, and massive fortresses, ranked among the oldest and most beautiful in the Americas. The gray stone-paved streets and colorful facades with wrought-iron balconies have become a UNESCO-recognized Cultural Heritage. Many of these houses are used by Cubans as hotels and homestays, locally called “Casas”, and popular with tourists. One cannot overlook the winding 8-km-long Malecon Avenue along the expansive Caribbean Sea, reflecting the open spirit of the locals!

If Havana, the heart of Cuba, symbolizes modern bustle amidst the Old Town, then Vinales represents wild natural beauty with the world’s most beautiful cigar-growing valleys. Few who visit Vinales would miss the chance to see the cigar plantations, watch skilled artisans dry and roll the leaves, and enjoy fabulous lunches washed down by fine rum. If you wish to travel back in time and enjoy the unique, vibrant vibe of a warm and colorful spring, there’s no better place than this island nation.

Cuban street musicians

Israel – the warmth of the Middle East

As the meeting point of three major religions—Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, Israel is an incredibly attractive destination in the Middle East and the world, especially during the New Year. Lying along the Mediterranean coast with a small land area and short winters, this country is home to many historical sites of cultural significance to humanity.

First and foremost is the ancient city of Bethlehem, where Christ was born. Rustic and simple, this place has preserved the ancient spirit of a religion that has existed for over 2,000 years. Inside the Church of the Nativity stands a famous altar, beneath which is the grotto where Jesus was reportedly born, marked by a 14-point silver star on a marble background. Millions of Christian pilgrims and tourists patiently queue to kneel and touch this star as a way of expressing their reverence.

Equally important is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, a sacred site where the tomb of Jesus was located, after he was removed from the cross. One cannot forget to mention the Dome of the Rock, a stunningly beautiful temple with a prominent golden dome located on Temple Mount. It contains a stone believed to bear a footprint left by the prophet Muhammad as he ascended to heaven. This site is revered by Muslims as the third-holiest place after Mecca and Medina. The New Year atmosphere in Jerusalem is always imbued with historical colors and mythical stories spanning 3,000 years, making this city an ancient wonder. On ancient stones, people pray for lasting and prosperous peace, so that this sacred land can welcome many more explorers.

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem’s Old Town

Traveling from East to West, Europe to Asia, and North to South, I realize that wherever you celebrate, the New Year is meaningful! In these places, through tourism, wishes for a peaceful New Year are shared, healing and mending what humanity has endured in the past year. In these places, for tourists and locals, the turn of the seasons is sacred and warm, as people come together to celebrate their unique cultural imprints and honor historical values that continue to grow over the years.