Late flowering season and memories of the flamboyant tree in Nha Trang.

The cherry blossoms in New York bloomed later than usual this year due to the prolonged cold weather. But because of this, many people lingered longer under the trees, admiring the flowers more closely and taking more photos before the season ended. On campus, students started taking more pictures. Under the white and pale pink blossoms, groups of friends stood, embracing each other, smiling, and capturing the final moments of the school year. Three boys stood together under the blooming blossoms. In a few months, they would go their separate ways, but today, they were still here, taking a picture together.

Looking at those images, I'm reminded of Nha Trang, where the flowering seasons never seem to be late.

Back when I was a student, around this time, the courtyard of the old Le Quy Don High School (now Tran Quoc Toan Secondary School, Nha Trang Ward) would burst into vibrant red with the color of the flamboyant tree. The old flamboyant tree in the middle of the courtyard always bloomed at the right time, signaling the approaching season of farewells. The flowers falling onto the ground, the white ao dai dresses passing by—all created familiar images of school days.

Streets like Pham Van Dong also glow red during the flowering season. Students gather in small groups, taking photos with friends and teachers. At that time, taking photos was simply to preserve memories; no one thought much about where each person would go in the future.

Then the school year ended, and everyone started going in different directions. Some continued their studies, some started working, some stayed, and some went further afield. At that time, the feeling of parting was just a slight sadness. Later, I realized that this was when life began to change significantly. We no longer saw each other every day, no longer shared little stories like before.

My friends, whom I've met again since then, can be counted on the fingers of one hand. Even arranging a reunion when I visit home isn't easy, because everyone has their own work, family, and responsibilities. Some have moved elsewhere, others have emigrated. Back in high school, when we parted ways, everyone promised to stay in touch and have regular class reunions. But as time passed, everyone's life took a different turn, and those promises weren't always kept.

Now that I'm a lecturer, I understand this feeling better. Seeing students taking photos under the blossoming flowers, I see a reflection of my younger self, and I gain a deeper understanding of the teachers who once saw their students graduate.

My mother is also a teacher. I used to hear her talk about the generations of students who had passed through her life, each going their own way. Some came back to visit, others didn't. Being a teacher means saying goodbye to students, but it's not always possible to see them again.

Whenever I have the chance to return to Nha Trang, I always try to visit my old school and my teachers. Some are still teaching, others have retired. These reunions aren't frequent, but they always leave a lasting impression.

The old streets, the trees, the sunshine in Nha Trang remain the same; only the people change with time. The flamboyant trees bloom every year in the same season, but the people who stood under their branches that year are no longer in the same place. Looking back, there are periods that seem ordinary but are incredibly memorable. For me, whether it's the cherry blossoms in New York or the flamboyant trees in Nha Trang, what remains is not just the image of the season, but the people who were with me during a certain period of my life.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Bich Ngoc (New York City)

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/202605/mua-hoa-muon-va-ky-uc-phuong-do-o-nha-trang-2cb4ea2/