Far away far away

Viet Nam News by Nguyên Chương Sunset light slanted down on the Ô Môi Creek in a dark, rosy colour, together with the loud sounds of wild birds and the nursery rhymes of the kids at play under the ô môi foliage at the entrance to the little canal stung the heart deeply. They all sang in chorus: In March ô môi trees are in bloom, fresh and rosy, Whom is Miss Miên still waiting for so long That her shoulder-length hair turns hoary? Whenever she heard that ditty, she slowly walked toward their place, eyes in tears. The youth in the rhyme was Quyết, a young soldier dispatched to the southern battlefield. *         *          * She knew that right then he was, from the other side of the creek, watching her with a heavy heart. Day after day, reaching home after work he hoped against hope to see her standing under the old tree, where the … [Read more...] about Ô Môi blossoms bitterly opened

Viet Nam News Hải Hậu District is full of flowers. This is because people have been planting them to make their areas look nice. Along the flower-lined roads are interesting things, like pagodas, bridges and churches. Some of these are very old and historic. by Trần Mai Hưởng Our first glimpse of Hải Hậu District in the northern province of Nam Định was roadsides full of flowers. In recent years, the land along the inter-village roads in the coastal district has been planted with flowers—indicating that people have not only focused on surviving by building, fishing and raising rice, but also on beautifying their community. The total length of flower-filled roadsides in the district has reached more than 200km linking the communes of Hải Quang, Hải lộc, Hải Đông, Hải Bắc and Hải Vân. The idea was first launched by the Hải Hậu … [Read more...] about Flowers make a difference

Viet Nam News by Lê Hoài Nam To meet Diễm, his ex-wife, Đổng went to a refreshment stall on the side of a street. A few minutes later, she turned up in a black Camry. Getting out, at first glance she seemed greatly displeased with his casual clothes. “You’ve come by bus, haven’t you?” she asked him in a contemptuous voice. “Pawned your motorbike?” she went on. Blushing with shame he replied, “I needed the money to wire a building for lighting and high-tech gadgets. I’ll get it back soon.”   “Hmm, at the age of fifty, with a degree in electrical engineering, you should be ashamed of yourself for having pawned your terrible motorbike,” she mocked him. “It’s not a big deal, I’ll be sorted soon.” “Really? What did you want to see me for then? Not for money, eh?” “Certainly not! Have I ever borrowed anything from you?” … [Read more...] about One melody in memory of father

Super start: Aloo Tikki Chaat was first on the menu. VNS Photo Việt Thanh Viet Nam News by Paul Kennedy There’s something incredibly British about Indian food. It is, after all, the United Kingdom’s traditional dish. At the last count, there were more than 10,000 Indian restaurants stretching the length and breadth of Britain bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars to the country’s economy. An Indian meal is as much a rite of passage for a young Brit as owning their first car, or tasting their first alcoholic drink. A night out and curry go together like poppadoms and chutney. You start off slow, maybe trying a Korma, but before too long the mild meals are nothing but a distant memory as you become more accustomed to spice. It’s tikkas and jalfrezis from now on, and before you know it, vindaloo. As a result of its ubiquity in the UK, Brits fancy themselves Indian food experts. In reality, our barometers for authenticity were honed not in … [Read more...] about Authentic Indian far from home in Hà Nội

In northern Điện Biên Province, in 2014, people from Sam Lang Village in Nà Hỳ Commune adopted an unusual and dangerous way to cross a swollen stream. The 100-metre trip is made by hopping into a large plastic bag and having it pulled by a strong swimmer in his shorts. Tòng Thị Minh, a kindergarten teacher from the village, filmed a scene showing teachers waiting by the side of the swift-flowing stream. They then take it in turns to climb into a bag until it covers them from head to toe. Male swimmers then haul the "baggage" through the turbulent waters. The residents, of course, try to stay calm during the trip because if the bags are torn on rocks, they face being swept away. Parents also use the bags to take their children to school. Residents dream of a suspension bridge, but construction could be costly because of the difficult terrain and muddy roads. According for Directorate for Roads of Việt Nam under Transport Ministry, this … [Read more...] about Pulley system is deemed a bridge too far