The train in midspring

As the last fireworks lit up the night sky on New Year's Eve, and many families gathered around their New Year's feast, there were still those quietly fulfilling their duties. At noon on the first day of Tet, they boarded a train from Lao Cai heading south to Hanoi – carrying with them the complete joy of their shift and the anticipation of returning home.

Lao Cai train station at noon on the first day of the Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse.

It was midday on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Lao Cai train station was no longer as crowded as it had been in the days leading up to Tet. The atmosphere had calmed down after the moment of transition into the new year. Only a few passengers remained on the platform, mostly those who had just spent a sleepless night on duty and were now returning home to reunite with their families. These included security personnel, medical staff on duty at hospitals, transportation and electricity officials, and workers at metallurgical factories… Behind the peacefulness of the New Year's Eve moment lay the silent contributions of these people.

A few passengers were waiting for the train heading south to Hanoi .

Mr. Dinh Van Cong, from Hoa Binh province, was waiting for the train on the afternoon of the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Mr. Dinh Van Cong, originally from Hoa Binh province, quietly waited for the train with his wife and two children. Due to work, his family couldn't return home for Tet (Lunar New Year) like everyone else. He was still on duty on New Year's Eve. "My family will board the train to go home this afternoon. Tonight, the children will have a reunion dinner with their grandparents," Mr. Cong shared, his eyes shining with simple joy. For him, Tet might arrive a few hours later, but as long as he makes it in time for the dinner on the first day of the new year, that's enough happiness.

On the first train of the year, each passenger carried their own story. Some took advantage of the opportunity to catch some sleep after a night shift. Others called home on their phones to announce, "I'm on the train now," with the joyful anticipation of reunion.

Returning home for a family meal on the evening of the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Ms. Kieu Oanh was on a business trip to Lao Cai, but her family lives in Hanoi, so she chose to take the midday train on the first day of the Lunar New Year to return home. “I just hope to get home in time for dinner with my family on the first day of the Lunar New Year. My husband and children are waiting,” Ms. Oanh said. On New Year's Eve, while many people were raising their glasses to toast the new year, she was still working alongside her colleagues. For her, the moment she saw her child running to the door to greet her was truly her own personal New Year's Eve.

Lao Cai Railway is preparing the best conditions to serve the travel needs of the people during the Tet holiday.

To ensure the safe operation of trains in the spring, countless efforts from the railway industry staff are behind it all. Mr. Chu Ngoc Quyet, from the control team at the Lao Cai railway transport station, said: “Even during Tet (Lunar New Year), we still arrange work according to regulations and prepare the best conditions to serve the people. The last trains of the year bring people back to their hometowns to celebrate Tet. The first trains of the year will continue to bring everyone back to reunite with their families.”

The train departs from Lao Cai station and its final destination is Hanoi station.

Tet, the Lunar New Year, is a sacred time for family reunions. But for that reunion to happen, there are always people willing to stay behind after midnight. They quietly contribute to maintaining peace and security in every residential area, every hospital, every train station...

The train in midspring

The train journey from Lao Cai to Hanoi on the first day of the Lunar New Year not only connects two destinations on the map, but also links responsibility and love. Staying behind to fulfill one's duty, then returning home to family – a simple yet meaningful cycle.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/chuyen-tau-giua-mua-xuan-post893974.html