Fishermen and the Sea

I am a mountain girl proud of the vast, verdant forests, but only later did I understand how people from coastal areas are so closely connected to the boundless ocean. Where I live, the sound of gongs and drums echoes through the mountains, while where I go, the sea is filled with the sounds of crashing waves and sea breezes. As a girl born amidst rolling hills, my first time setting foot on the coast stirred my heart. I love and admire the people here – the simple, resilient fishermen.

In Phan Thiet fishing village, Binh Thuan province – an ancient fishing village steeped in tradition – I had the opportunity to immerse myself in the lives of the local fishermen. The village nestles among small, closely packed houses, their backs against the mountains and their faces turned towards the vast ocean. The lives of the people here are intimately connected to the sea, like an inseparable part of their being. The sea is not only a source of livelihood but also a source of pride, a place where generations have entrusted their dreams and hopes.

Following the fishermen out to sea, I felt the hardship but also the pride in every movement of pulling in the nets and casting the lines. The boat holds overflowing with fish, shrimp, and squid are not only the fruits of their labor but also proof of their love and resilience in the face of harsh nature. As night falls, the twinkling lights on the sea are like tiny stars, not to illuminate but to awaken the dreams of making a living. The sound of the waves blends with the lively laughter and chatter of the fishermen, creating a vibrant and energetic symphony.

I vividly remember the image of an elderly man, his hair awash in white, tirelessly working alongside his children and grandchildren at sea. He was small in stature, but his eyes shone brightly, full of energy and determination. When I asked him why he didn't rest, he simply smiled kindly, his voice warm and gentle: "The sea is my home, my love, my life. Though it's hard work, the joy from a full catch always keeps me healthy and my life happy." His words were a powerful affirmation of the inseparable bond between humanity and the sea.

Through my long journeys, I gradually came to understand more about the lives of fishermen. The small houses along the coast are often devoid of men, as they have all gone out to sea. Women remain to manage the household and care for the children. Despite the hardships, smiles always grace their faces, like bright sunshine amidst a storm.

The lives of fishermen in fishing villages depend entirely on nature – a relationship that is both close and challenging. In good years, the sea generously provides boats overflowing with fish, shrimp, and squid. Fishermen's families can breathe a sigh of relief, children receive new clothes, and family meals are more abundant. But when the sea is rough and storms arrive, life becomes difficult again. The biting cold northeast winds and violent waves not only sweep away their income but also threaten the lives of the men who depend on the sea for their livelihood.

They are not only hardworking laborers but also talented artisans. With their skillful hands, they create sophisticated fishing tools, from nets and basket boats to special fishing rods suited to different types of fish. Experience passed down from generation to generation helps them face the challenges of the sea, from predicting the weather to finding suitable fishing grounds.

Moreover, fishermen possess a unique creativity. From their fresh catches, they transform them into specialties imbued with the flavors of the sea. Fish sauce – an indispensable condiment in Vietnamese meals – is the culmination of their skill and dedication. These rich, fragrant drops of fish sauce are not only a product of their labor but also a symbol of the culture of the fishing village. Despite the hardships of life, the optimism and solidarity of the fishermen in the fishing village are a powerful source of inspiration. They live not only with the sea but also for the sea, as an inseparable part of their lives.

Leaving the sea behind and returning to the North, I carried in my heart indelible memories of my days living in the fishing village. Every time I held a bottle of fish sauce in my hand, I could almost hear the gentle lapping of the waves, the sound of the sea breeze blowing through the small houses along the shore. The image of the people there was vivid in my mind – simple, resilient fishermen, living with the sea as if it were their very breath.

At every family meal, when I open a bottle of fish sauce, I feel as if I can sense the taste of the sea, the sun, the wind, and the simple yet profound stories of everyday life. These are stories of stormy days, when tempests swept away everything, but could not sweep away the will and faith of the people here. They are stories of unity and sharing, of the whole village overcoming difficulties together, protecting the sea as if it were a part of their own soul.

The sea is not only a place for livelihood, but also a place that nourishes the soul, fostering the resilient and creative spirit of the fishermen. And for me, the sea is a beautiful part of my memories, an endless source of inspiration, a place I always want to return to, to listen to the waves, to feel the breath of life, and to remember the people who lived fully with the sea, for the sea.

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