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Hien Phung
Whoever visits the land of cherry blossoms, pausing by the lake to hear the evening rain fall,
Feeling the chill seep into their soul on a spring afternoon with softly drifting clouds.
Hearing the pines whisper beside the lonely stream, as poetically profound,
Feeling dreams and desires gently stir in their heart, like the tender strains of a violin…
(Whoever visits the land of cherry blossoms – Hoang Nguyen)
After a sunny but cold winter, Dalat is transformed by the spring, when the sunshine nurtures the golden hue of the grass. Tender young green leaves appear, and pink cherry blossoms bud on branches. Tet has arrived in this beloved mountain town’s streets. The New Year enters silently, yet my heart is bustling, as if touched by the warm spring sunshine.
Dalat, my hometown, is situated on the vast Lam Vien Plateau, surrounded by mountains and pine forests, hence the climate is always cool and gentle. Blessed by nature, Dalat has become a city of a thousand flowers, thanks to the skilled hands of many generations of farmers. Among the countless beautiful and precious flowers, the people of Dalat hold a special affection for cherry blossoms, as they herald the spring and bloom splendidly during Tet. When you see cherry blossoms dyeing the streets pink and glowing in the forests, you know that spring has arrived.
On the morning of the first day of the year, when the mist is still lingering, I quickly get ready to go out and capture the first moments of the New Year, to see my beloved Dalat in those purest moments, which happen only once a year. A pink hue is rising on the horizon. The grass and flowers by the roadside, still dewy, gently rustle in the dreamy early morning breeze.
In contrast to yesterday’s frenzied rush, this morning the streets are spacious, neat, and tidy. The sounds of engines have ceded to the chirping of early birds. The sound of spring is spreading through the air. Stirred by the breeze, each leaf and flowering branch is bustling to welcome the new day.
Xuan Huong Lake exudes a strangely poetic beauty. The greenish-blue water ripples with glistening waves, as if holding countless wishes. Along the lake, pink cherry blossoms blend with the brilliant sunlight. The sun tints the cheeks of young ladies, warming my own heart. True to the spirit of Tet, as a festival, as a collective joy, unfamiliar faces pass by yet seem so close and endearing. Young couples nestle under the flower canopy, the glow of spring vibrant in their gentle gazes.
As evening arrives, I prepare for a brief camping trip with a few friends. We, the people of Dalat, are deeply attached to the mountains and forests, turning to them in joy and in sorrow. On holidays and days off, we head into the forest. Living with nature has shaped the character and soul of mountainous people, who are simple and open-hearted. Just listening to the pines whisper in the wind, watching clouds drift over mountain peaks, inhaling the woods’ fragrant scent, or observing a wisp of cloud is enough to fill my heart with warmth and contentment.
The cherry blossoms bloom amidst the mountains and forests like flames. Sunlight weaves through the leaves, casting a twinkling tapestry on the ground. At this moment, the nature around me resembles a much loved painting.
Twilight drapes the sky in a surreal pink hue. We sit huddled around a flickering fire, savoring a simple yet delicious dinner. Raising our glasses and sipping, we embrace the breeze, listen to the sounds of the mountains and forests, and enjoy the company of friends. By the warm fire, I remember past Tet celebrations when I was a child, sitting watch over a pot of Chung cakes, grilling aromatic sweet potatoes, and listening to my grandmother’s stories.
At night, the forest has a serene and mystical aura, making this the perfect moment to watch a movie. After some discussion, we set up our projector. Everyone picks their favorite spot; I lie in the car with my legs comfortably stretched out. The movie transports us to a distant place, while the wild spring night envelops us, making us lose track of space and time.
I am intoxicated by the simple, yet complete bliss of this Tet day in my homeland, surrounded by family and friends. I imagine how those living far away yearn for Dalat, especially when Tet arrives, and spring is in the air. As for me, whenever I am away, I am restless with longing for the cool mist, the roads, the rows of pine trees, and the dawns and dusks of the first days of the New Year.
