March in Ha Giang

One cool March morning, wearing only my thin company uniform shirt, I wasn't quite warm enough, but the slight chill felt pleasant against my skin. The morning sun slanted through the gentle breeze. Dew still clung to the spiderwebs woven across the green grass along the paved road leading to the factory. From a distance, they looked like tiny, sparkling white snowdrifts in the morning sun, a delightful sight.

On a March morning, people flocked to the factory from all directions. Some strolled leisurely, others hurried to be on time for their morning meeting. The factory, with its towering columns and chimneys, emitted plumes of smoke. One might think that amidst the beautiful March scenery, the presence of an industrial factory seemed to diminish the vibrant green. But if one prepares a beautiful soul, the early morning sunlight at the factory also possesses its own poetic charm. It's poetic in the perception of the contrast between nature and the advanced technology of humankind. Like two opposing elements sharing the same space, they form a striking picture with contrasting colors.

For me, the most beautiful time of year in my country in March is when I can wander along the winding roads of the Ha Giang plateau amidst the blooming kapok trees. In March, the kapok trees are ablaze with red blossoms. Their bare trunks extend powerful, sharp branches. They often choose to grow at the foot of steep hillsides or on the other side of high rocky mountains. The small road, shrouded in a thin mist, meanders between the deep slopes and towering mountains, then suddenly punctuated by the vibrant red of the kapok flowers. Add to that the emerald green of the river flowing along the road, creating a breathtaking natural landscape.

What could be more delightful than finding a motorbike and cruising through that scenery in March, feeling small and overwhelmed by the vastness of the land and sky? All worries seem to vanish. Travelers immerse themselves in nature, experiencing the beauty of the land and sky with all their senses. Then, they find each breath strangely sweet and invigorating. In March, the Dong Van Stone Plateau also boasts yellow mustard flowers, white pear blossoms with black stamens, vibrant peach blossoms, pink and white bauhinia flowers, and buckwheat flowers on the hillsides. A plateau with countless colors of flowers that captivate the heart.

Visiting Ha Giang for the first time in March, one easily falls deeply in love with this land at the northernmost point of the country. Then one will fall in love with the emerald green Nho Que River, then in love with the majestic Tu San Gorge nestled between towering mountains, then in love with the Happiness Road, carrying hope as its name suggests, proudly winding through one of the four great mountain passes, Ma Pi Leng Pass, then in love with the cold, sharp rocks that show the boundless strength of humankind, and then in love with the slopes and passes.

Then you'll fall even more in love with your travel companion. Because March in Ha Giang is still very cold, you need a warm embrace amidst the misty air. And, my friend, if you have the chance to go this March, remember to stop by the roadside and buy some grilled sticky corn to snack on. The corn is so fragrant and will help you stave off hunger during your long journey.

On a night in Dong Van town, remember to eat a bowl of bitter yet rich and savory au tau porridge. Remember to go to the market early the next morning and eat pork pho with pickled mustard greens. I have to admit, it was the best bowl of pho I've ever eaten in my life.

And I also felt sorry for the people here who still face so many hardships. The little children don't have enough warm clothes, yet they carry baskets that are far too big for them. The nature is beautiful, but everywhere you look there are jagged, sharp rocks. Making flowers bloom on rocks is no easy feat. The people here have to painstakingly dig up every bit of soil in the small crevices of the rocks to plant a few corn plants.

March is no longer the biting cold of winter, yet the sweltering heat of summer has not yet arrived. Everywhere you look in March, you see the vibrant green of spring foliage with its budding leaves. March is so beautiful that not taking a trip would be a disservice to nature. What are you waiting for? Plan your long journey to this place where nature beckons!

Source: https://daidoanket.vn/thang-ba-ha-giang-10300385.html