In the last days of August, Hanoi seems to don a new coat. The first gentle breezes of the season lightly rustle in the early morning, and the scent of freshly roasted rice wafts through the streets, carried by street vendors. The old tamarind trees on Phan Dinh Phung Street begin to turn yellow, signaling the changing of the seasons. Hanoi's autumn sky, already captivating, becomes even more vibrant as the red flag with a yellow star flutters throughout the streets, blending with the excitement and anticipation of people preparing for the great celebration – Independence Day.
Hanoi these days is both solemn and strangely endearing. Along the streets, on every rooftop, balcony, and alleyway, red flags with yellow stars flutter everywhere, forming a vast sea of flags that illuminates entire corners of the sky. Banners, posters, and vibrant flowers further enhance the dazzling and heroic atmosphere. But the beauty of Hanoi lies not only in these vibrant colors, but also in the smiles exchanged on the streets, in the joyful eyes of children watching the flag fly, and in the firm handshakes between soldiers and their fellow citizens. These small, simple things, seemingly invisible, create the affection, the sense of community, and the enduring vitality of this thousand-year-old city.
This morning, my father woke up earlier than usual. While waiting for the kettle to boil so he could make a pot of tea, he quietly picked up a broom and swept the sidewalk in front of our house. He said, "There are so many people coming here these days; we have a big gathering at our house, so it has to be clean and tidy." Normally, he rarely opens the door, partly because he dislikes the noise. But for the past week, whenever he sees the parade and march rehearsal schedule, he always wakes up early and prepares several pots of diluted tea to offer to passersby for free.
Like my father, many families in Hao Nam, Thuy Khue... also opened their doors to welcome veteran soldiers and relatives from afar who came to attend the ceremony, providing them with a place to stay. These "free" accommodations and simple meals, though modest, were filled with kindness and affection, a quiet but profound expression of gratitude that warmed people's hearts.
Walking through the streets, one easily encounters small, heartwarming stories like these. People set up plastic chairs, inviting people to sit and rest. Others prepare teapots, bottles of cool water, pastries, even paper fans and raincoats to give to those who have traveled from afar to Hanoi to attend the grand ceremony. Some families even cook noodle soup and open their clean restrooms to invite visitors in to rest. These small acts shine brightly amidst the crowd, like warm lights illuminating the grand celebration.
Hanoi's vibrant energy blends seamlessly with this rhythm of life. Young volunteers roam the streets, distributing essential supplies, guiding tourists, and diligently picking up trash to keep the capital clean. A group of young people in Thuy Khue even came up with the idea of providing free motorbike rides, transporting elderly people and children to the parade rehearsal site. In just one day, hundreds of rides extended the joy, regardless of the scorching sun or sudden downpours.
Hanoi this autumn is therefore not only beautiful to the eye, but also beautiful in its human warmth. From houses with open doors, simple yet heartfelt lunch boxes and bowls of noodles, free transportation services, to the rhythmic marching of soldiers in the square, everything connects to form a harmonious symphony brimming with pride.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/co-bay-noi-noi-muon-anh-sao-vang-post811046.html
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