That place is home.

He has a granddaughter in Nha Trang who, not yet forty, has traveled almost halfway around the world. She works in international business, and her job frequently takes her abroad, sometimes to England, sometimes to the US, France, Singapore, China, South Korea... Countries that people only know about through television or books, she has set foot in and experienced with her own eyes and heart.

Photo: LE CONG HUNG

My niece once told me that South Korea in spring is as beautiful as a painting. Cherry blossoms bloom profusely along the Han River, and the entire city of Seoul is bathed in a gentle, soft pink hue. In the mornings, people get up early to stroll, chatting softly with each other, smiling at strangers. In the ancient capital of Gyeongju, she was captivated by the ancient temples nestled peacefully amidst pine forests, listening to the temple bells ringing as if calling back to a bygone era. Koreans live meticulously, valuing culture and family, which made her even more fond of this country. And China is vast and diverse, overwhelming. From bustling Beijing to dreamy Suzhou, from Zhangjiajie with its towering cliffs like something out of a historical drama to the tranquil ancient town of Lijiang with its clear waters. Once, she got lost in a night market in Xi'an, and an old woman selling goods saw her as a foreigner and invited her to sit down, poured her a cup of hot tea, and offered a friendly smile without needing to speak. "There are good people everywhere, as long as you approach with sincerity," she said. Each country I visited left a unique impression on me. The British are polite, the French are romantic, the Americans are dynamic, the Singaporeans are neat, the Koreans are gentle, and the Chinese are sincere. Each place has its own beauty and spirit, from famous landmarks to the quiet kindness between people.

Once, during a family gathering, he asked his granddaughter, "You've traveled so much, where would you like to live the most?" She smiled gently, her eyes softening after countless journeys: "I cherish all the places I've been. But if I had to choose one place to live, I'd choose the place where my parents, husband, and children are waiting for me. Because that's home." Her answer left him speechless. Amidst the vast world , the glamorous cities, and the breathtaking scenery, she still chose the simplest thing. Because ultimately, happiness doesn't lie in the number of countries visited, but in the place where loved ones are, the warm meals, and the innocent laughter of those we cherish.

No matter how far you go, you always need a place to return to. And for his granddaughter, that place is the home where her parents wait at the door, where her husband waits lovingly, and where her children run out to hug her legs – a place that may not be as beautiful as a painting, but is always deeply warm and full of love...

NGUYEN THANH TAM

Source: https://baokhanhhoa.vn/van-hoa/202601/noi-do-la-nha-fef61b4/