Go to Nha Trang to swim in the sea.

I didn't think the sea in Nha Trang would be so calm and warm this season. Even experienced beachgoers say the same thing. Or maybe it's because this year has two extra lunar months? Well, why bother wondering? Let's just enjoy the sea for now.

In July, I went to Nha Trang for two weeks. For me , that time of year marked the beginning of the most beautiful season at the beach. Having just passed the scorching heat of April, May, and June, the weather turned pleasantly cool, and the waves were calm enough to make visitors reluctant to leave, even if they had just moments before been swimming and diving in the crystal-clear water, seeing the sandy bottom and watching tiny fish swimming around. It was even more alluring because the sun was always gentle, not as harsh as in the summer months, but enough to make the sea water a soft, inviting blue, tempting visitors to drift along in its waters.

Early in the morning, at the beach, faintly visible behind the coconut trees, the mountain range still had a strip of white clouds hanging halfway up. The sun peeked out, smiling shyly at the world, then retreated behind a thick curtain of clouds… To me, the sea at that time was as beautiful as a watercolor painting. I relaxed my body, confidently surrendering my life to the waves, knowing for sure they couldn't possibly crash any harder. The sky was just the right shade of blue, the white clouds gentle and not dazzling, and beneath me were soft, gentle waves, a feeling of floating like a beautiful dream. No matter how heavy the rain had been the previous afternoon and night, the seawater was still very warm and the waves quite calm, especially very clear. Some people swam near the shore with snorkels to admire the marine life frolicking in that clear blue water. I haven't tried this, but through my goggles, I know it's a wonderful feeling.

However, the sea this season is even calmer and warmer than when I visited in July, when there were a few days of rough seas due to the influence of a storm.

"Let's go to Nha Trang to swim in the sea" is what I often say to my children whenever they encounter difficulties at work.

In Nha Trang, almost every family has a water tap in front of their house to rinse their feet and bikes after a day at the beach. Many fathers, feeling sorry for their children who live far away and only have a few days to go to the beach, wait for them with the tap ready. "Rinse your feet and go inside, I'll wash the bike for you." Whether their children succeed or fail, they are treated equally, each with the tap rinsing their feet. How can a child understand their father's feelings? They can only accept this small act of care, feeling like they are still the little ones they once were. They are happy that their father is still healthy, and that their mother is still nimble enough to go to the market to buy fresh squid and fish to meticulously prepare delicious dishes that she thinks her child hasn't had a chance to eat all year in the city.

"Going to Nha Trang to swim in the sea," having parents waiting is a happiness not everyone gets to experience. A breakup, business failure, failing an exam, a close friend suddenly falling out… These worries are always present in everyone's life. But having a place to return to, having parents is already a blessing, and having the sea to entrust your feelings to, to let go of your worries… that makes the happiness even greater.

For me, the sea is the most forgiving and sincere friend, someone I can confidently confide my worries and anxieties to. Jumping into the sea, enjoying the gentle waves, and savoring the salty taste of my homeland makes everything in life feel lighter. I lie stretched out on the beach and gaze at the blue sky. At that moment, I hardly think about anything, only noticing whether the sky is cloudier or darker, whether the blue is more or lighter than yesterday…

"Go to Nha Trang to swim in the sea," just one phrase, but it contains a whole world of love!

Whenever you're feeling down, head to Nha Trang for a swim and let your worries wash away!

KIM DUY

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