(Continued from above…) We woke up grasshoppers sleeping in rolling corn leaves, caught them and brought them home. They became our nutritious food at lunch and dinner. From May to June, when the temperature was over 38 degree Celsius (100 F) and water on the rice field was heated up, little fresh-water crabs went out of the water to the ground. I hid under the bamboo tree shadow, waited for them and they became main ingredient in our sour crab soup (crab meat cooked with sour fruits, onions and veggies). On full moon nights, all the children went to the big main road in the middle of the village (no motorbike at that time yet!) and joined in traditional folk games of Dragon Snake, Mandarin Square Capturing, Tug of war… All were friends. And that was my childhood in a peaceful village!

​​Today, there have been many changes in our countryside, more modern houses and new roads are being built, many water buffalos were replaced by imported machines, and the living standard is higher. However, yellow carpets of rice during harvest season from May to June and October to November still remain the same. Corn, peanut and potato fields in winter time are still there. Villages with handicraft and traditional works are kept such as embroidery village, palm-leaf hat making village, wood carving village, rice noodle village, bamboo basket making village, sedge mat weaving village etc. And especially, people are still friendly with the same simple, rustic lifestyle.

I’m proud of my country’s over 4000 year history and the wars in which Vietnamese people, from different generations, fought for freedom, independence and reunification. If you love history, there are many places to visit–moss wall imperial citadel, king tombs, little ancient towns and war remnants–Vietnam should be your destination!

The big cities such as Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City are being enlarged. More high-rise buildings are rising up and more motorbike horns join in the rush hour chorus. But they’re still great for walking. All the main sites visitors come to see are within walking distance. Most of the famous local street food shops and markets are located in the heart of the cities. Don’t be afraid and keep going straight with eyes contact with motor riders, don’t suddenly stop in the middle of the road, and you will be safe!