While in the summer I often stroll along the white sand dunes, playing with the white-crested waves, letting the salty sea breeze soak into my skin, in the winter I prefer to choose a quiet corner in a small cafe, warming my hands with a steaming cup of coffee, silently gazing at the mist hanging over the Nhat Le River and letting my soul drift along with love songs.
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| A view of Dong Hoi - Photo: Nh.V |
2. It's unclear when exactly, but Dong Hoi has become a muse, an endless source of inspiration for artists and writers. It's difficult to count all the poems and songs written about the land and people here; all we know is that Dong Hoi in art is breathtakingly beautiful. People will forever remember the verses drawn from the heart of the late poet Xuan Hoang: "Our small hometown awakens many memories / The fragrant night-blooming jasmine fills the long nights / You go! My shadow blends with the sea's shadow / A gentle poem, I come to sleep beside your shoulder…" (Dong Hoi).
From those beautiful verses, composer Thái Quý created the song "Farewell at the Small Town Street." Over the years, this song has been performed by many generations of singers and has become one of the best love songs about Đồng Hới. Another masterpiece that stirs the listener's emotions, with its sweet, profound melody imbued with love for the land and its people, is "My Love for the Seaside Town," composed by Hoàng Sông Hương from the poem of the same name by poet Văn Lợi. Each line of the poem is like a loving self-reflection from a son of the seaside town: "I was born in a humble small town / Beside the waves of the river where it meets the sea / I understand the fleeting sails / That disappear in the vast ocean..." There are many more such wonderful poems and melodies. And every son of Đồng Hới, upon hearing them again, feels a surge of pride, making those who leave remember them fondly, those who remain cherish them, and visitors from all over yearn to return.
3. Although I've walked through these streets many times, only when I took the time to truly contemplate them did I fully understand the beauty of Dong Hoi. Standing out against the blue sky is the bell tower of Tam Toa Church – a silent, majestic testament. Having endured countless historical changes and the bombs of war, the ancient church is now just a moss-covered, ancient bell tower. At the top of the tower, where the bricks and mortar have been stained by time, branches of trees still reach upwards, lush and green, occasionally dotted with the fluttering of young birds. This is the clearest evidence of the truth that life springs from ruin, and beauty emerges from the ruins. This scene imbues the Tam Toa site with a mystical beauty, evoking a profound sense of nostalgia. It stands as a silent witness to history, reminding us of the value of peace and the vibrant life of this land.
4. As poet Vo Van Luyen observed: "Dong Hoi is different now." The land once desolate and ruined by war has now become a vibrant city with many high-rise buildings and wide, open roads. Against the backdrop of a harmonious landscape of sea, river, and peninsula, a new vitality shines everywhere. The majestic bridges adorning the poetic Nhat Le River create stunning architectural highlights, opening up opportunities for tourism development and transforming this coastal area into a dynamic and bustling city. Across the bridge, the Bao Ninh peninsula is also writing a new story. Instead of the desolate fishing villages behind the sand dunes of yesteryear, a series of new urban areas and high-class resorts have sprung up. The green of nature blends with modern constructions, creating a new face for Dong Hoi. Perhaps that is why, in the poet's eyes, this youthful vitality is beautifully likened to "a rosy blush on a girl's cheeks"? And it is this "uniqueness" of Dong Hoi that makes the poet "sway throughout the day / my obedient hand waving to greet the new day / dreams pouring into a drunken stupor."
The beauty of Dong Hoi is not only evident in every tree and street corner, but also deeply rooted in the simple, warm hospitality of its people. The accent of Central Vietnam, with its heavy, salty tone reminiscent of the sea, hides a genuine sincerity, hospitality, and warmth that is truly unique. Perhaps because they have endured the suffering of war and frequently faced harsh natural disasters, the people here cherish moments of peace and open their hearts to welcome and appreciate anyone who comes to and stays in the city. I love the way they laugh and chat boisterously in the early morning fish markets, I love the diligent hands tending to each flowerbed and tree on the streets, and I love the radiant happiness in their eyes as they proudly talk about their homeland.
It can be said that the beauty of Dong Hoi is a wonderful symphony between the past and the present, between poetic nature and kind-hearted people. It's the serene, moss-covered cultural relics that serve as a silent reminder of our origins. It's the youthful, vibrant energy of a coastal city transforming day by day. It's the clear, gentle Nhat Le River flowing endlessly alongside the simple, genuine warmth of the people of Dong Hoi…
All of this has created a unique Dong Hoi, both resilient and tragic, yet romantic and lyrical. This land has become a source of nostalgia and affection, and with each passing day, it is enriched with fresh melodies. It is a blend of the bustling modern life and the gentle murmur of the waves, together telling the story of aspirations for greater heights.
Nh.V
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/van-hoa/202512/tan-van-dong-hoi-mien-thuong-nho-7b61583/
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