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The document contains various audio recordings covering announcements, conversations, and lectures. Key topics include flight delays, library notifications, train schedule changes, a department store sale, and discussions on social issues like doomscrolling and the importance of authenticity in conversations. Additionally, it features educational content on comets, fasted workouts, and the cultural significance of the Songkran festival in Thailand.

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Minh Nguyen
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
6 views14 pages

Source

The document contains various audio recordings covering announcements, conversations, and lectures. Key topics include flight delays, library notifications, train schedule changes, a department store sale, and discussions on social issues like doomscrolling and the importance of authenticity in conversations. Additionally, it features educational content on comets, fasted workouts, and the cultural significance of the Songkran festival in Thailand.

Uploaded by

Minh Nguyen
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Listening:

Part 1:
Recording 1: Airport Announcement
"Attention all passengers for flight VN402 to London. Due to heavy rain and poor visibility, your
flight has been delayed by approximately forty-five minutes. Please do not head to Gate 12 yet.
Instead, we invite you to wait in the main lounge area. We will provide further updates as soon as
the weather improves. We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience while
we prioritize your safety."
Recording 2: Library Notification
"Hello, this is a message from the City Library for Sarah Miller. We are calling to inform you
that the book you reserved, The History of Art, is now available for collection. Please bring your
library card with you when you come. We can hold the book at the front desk for five working
days. If you cannot make it by Friday, please give us a call to extend the hold. Thank you!"
Recording 3: Train Station Change
"May I have your attention, please? The 10:15 service to Manchester will now depart from
Platform 3 instead of Platform 9. This change is due to maintenance work on the tracks.
Passengers should use the overhead bridge to reach Platform 3 safely. Please double-check your
tickets and ensure you have all your luggage before boarding. The train is expected to arrive on
time despite the platform change."
Recording 4: Department Store Sale
"Good morning, shoppers! To celebrate the start of summer, we are having a flash sale in our
home department for the next hour only. You can get a thirty percent discount on all kitchenware
and bedding. Just look for the items with the red stickers. Please head to the third floor to find
these amazing deals. Don't miss out, as this offer ends strictly at noon. Happy shopping at
Miller’s Department Store!"
Recording 5: Voicemail – Dental Appointment
"Hi there, this is Riverside Dental Practice calling to remind Mr. Thompson of his check-up
tomorrow, Tuesday, at 2:30 PM. Please remember to arrive ten minutes early to fill out a quick
health update form. If you are unable to attend or need to reschedule, please let us know at least
twenty-four hours in advance to avoid a cancellation fee. We look forward to seeing you
tomorrow. Goodbye!"
Recording 6: Radio Weather Report
"And now for the local weather forecast. After a very chilly start this morning, the clouds will
clear up by lunchtime, giving way to bright sunshine throughout the afternoon. Temperatures will
reach a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. However, don't leave your umbrella at home just yet; we
expect some light showers to move in late this evening. It will be a perfect day for a walk in the
park, but stay prepared for rain later!"
Recording 7: Museum Tour Guide
"Welcome to the National Museum! Before we begin our tour of the Ancient Egypt exhibit, I
have a few quick rules to share. First, please ensure your mobile phones are on silent mode.
Second, flash photography is strictly prohibited as it can damage the artifacts. You are welcome
to take photos without a flash, though. Finally, please stay with the group at all times. Follow me
this way to see the Pharaoh’s golden mask."
Recording 8: Office Meeting Reminder
"Hi everyone, this is a quick reminder for the marketing team. Our weekly strategy meeting has
been moved from the boardroom to the small conference room on the second floor. We will still
start at the same time, 11:00 AM. Please bring a printed copy of last month’s sales report, as we
need to discuss the new budget. Coffee and snacks will be provided. See you all there in twenty
minutes!"
Part 2
Recording 1
Sarah: Hey Mark! Did you read the news about the Coachella music festival next year? It is
going to celebrate its legendary 25th anniversary in 2026!
Mark: Really? That sounds amazing, Sarah. I have always wanted to go to that festival. Where
exactly is it going to be held?
Sarah: It is at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. The organizer, Goldenvoice, says it will
be a truly stunning event. They are going to build giant art installations and really high-tech
interactive digital stages.
Mark: Wow, that sounds incredible. I obviously love the music, but I know Coachella is very
famous for other things too. Is it a big fashion event?
Sarah: Exactly. It is a global trendsetter for influencer fashion and contemporary art. It is an
annual cultural event, definitely not just a typical music feast in the desert.
Mark: I have seen so many pictures online. The outfits are always very creative. But to be
honest, I am mostly interested in the food. I heard the meals there are fantastic.
Sarah: You are right about that! The food there actually attracts many visitors who come just to
try it. It promises to be a top-tier travel experience for everyone.
Mark: How many people are expected to attend this anniversary event? It must be extremely
crowded in that desert area.
Sarah: They expect to welcome over 200 thousand attendees! It will make Coachella one of the
most culturally influential and commercially valuable music festivals in the whole world.
Mark: Over 200 thousand people? That is a massive crowd. We really need to book our tickets
early if we want to join the fun.
Sarah: I completely agree with you. Let's check the official website tonight. I want to experience
this amazing milestone with you!
Mark: Sounds like a perfect plan. I will start preparing my best clothes for the fashion, and
definitely save an empty stomach for all that food!
Source: [Link]
music-and-arts-festival-2026
Recording 2
Anna: Hey Mark. Are you still looking at your phone? You said you were only going to check
the news for five minutes, but suddenly almost an hour has gone by!
Mark: Really? Wow, the time just flew by. I started reading an article about the economy, and
then I kept swiping and clicking. There is so much negative news today.
Anna: I think you are experiencing something called doomscrolling. Have you ever heard that
strange word before?
Mark: Doomscrolling? No, I have never heard of it. What exactly does it mean?
Anna: It is a combination of two words: "doom," which means terrible or distressing news, and
"scrolling," which is the endless swipe down on your screen to see more. Basically, it means you
are compulsively reading negative information without stopping.
Mark: That sounds exactly like what I am doing right now. But I really just want to stay
informed. I have this fear of missing out on important stuff.
Anna: Staying informed is important, but doing it too much can become emotionally draining. It
can cause serious stress and anxiety. It can even lead to physical problems, like terrible
headaches or sleep disruption at night.
Mark: That makes complete sense. I actually feel a bit anxious, sad, and overwhelmed right
now. Why is it so addictive, though? I try to put it down, but I keep clicking.
Anna: Part of it is human nature. Our brains have an instinct to focus on threats to keep us safe.
Also, in uncertain times, looking for answers makes us feel like we have control.
Mark: I also remember that social media companies use clever algorithms. They design their
platforms to keep us on our screens for hours.
Anna: Exactly! These algorithms make screen time very tempting, especially if we have low
self-control. It often starts with simple curiosity but quickly ends in emotional burnout.
Mark: You are totally right, Anna. I am putting my phone away right now. I don't want to ruin
my mental health.
Anna: That is a great idea. Let's go for a long walk outside instead. We can get fresh air.
Mark: Perfect. I definitely need a healthy break from my screen today!
Source: [Link]
to-stop-your-phone-addiction
Recording 3
Leo: Hey Mia, have you ever been in the middle of a conversation with friends and suddenly
wished you could rewind time? I just said something to the guys, and now I am completely
panicking. I keep overthinking it.
Mia: Oh, absolutely, Leo! I have definitely walked away from a group thinking, did that actually
come out right? You are definitely not alone. The constant pressure of always saying the perfect
thing is something almost everyone experiences nowadays, especially with social media making
us feel exposed.
Leo: Exactly! It feels like one wrong comment can define you forever. I think it all comes down
to the basic need of fitting in. When you fit in, you feel safely included. But sometimes, I catch
myself acting differently just to gain social approval.
Mia: I completely understand what you mean. Every group of friends has these unwritten rules.
You carefully observe what they joke about, what trends they follow, or how they talk. Before
you know it, you are subtly shifting your personality depending on who you hang around.
Leo: That is the scary part for me. I have used the wrong humor with the wrong group before,
and it was embarrassing. But my biggest fear is getting so caught up in pleasing others that I
completely forget my real personality and who I truly am.
Mia: That is a valid fear. It is easy to lose yourself. But honestly, Leo, it is not that deep. People
really do not pay attention to or analyze what you say as much as you do. You are always your
own biggest critic.
Leo: You really think so? I have replayed that exact moment in my head a thousand times today,
constantly worrying about what everyone else thought of me. It is emotionally exhausting.
Mia: I promise you, the conversation has probably moved way past it, and nobody even
remembers. Think about it: do you remember every single thing your friends said today?
Probably not. We just stress ourselves out for absolutely no reason.
Leo: You are right. I definitely do not remember everything they said. I just need to remember
that true friends will let me be my authentic, vulnerable self. I should not have to worry
constantly about what they will think of me, or fear being judged by them anymore.
Mia: Exactly! You should never feel bad about being yourself. If they judge you, they are not the
right crowd. Choosing authenticity is always better. The coolest people always proudly stand out!
Source: [Link]
judged-forever
Part 3
Recording 1
Professor James: Welcome to today's astronomy lecture. Please take a seat. Today, we are going
to discuss a fascinating new arrival in our night sky: Comet C/2025 R3, also known as
PANSTARRS. Currently, this comet is visible through binoculars and small telescopes.
Interestingly, it is already drawing exciting comparisons to the rare "great comets" that
occasionally put on unforgettable sky shows. But this raises an important question for us to
explore today: what exactly makes a comet great, and does this new discovery have the potential
to become one?
Let us start with the definition. The phrase "great comet" might sound very impressive, but you
should know it is actually an informal term. Much like the popular phrase "supermoon," a great
comet is not an official scientific classification. Instead, it is more of a societal label. It is based
entirely on how a comet appears to viewers here on Earth. In essence, great comets put on a
dazzling, unforgettable visual show. While the designation is quite subjective, astronomers and
skywatchers generally agree on one key criterion: it must be easily visible to the naked eye.
Astronomer David Schleicher has a perfect working definition. He says that if you go outside to
a dark location and look in the correct direction, a great comet will be obvious with just a glance.
You will not need to search for it, and you certainly will not need optical aids. Most comets never
reach that impressive level of brightness. Generally, a great comet only comes along every six to
twelve years. Because the term lacks a strict formal definition, there is no official list. However,
historical standouts include Comet Hale-Bopp, which was visible for eighteen months, and the
famous 1910 appearance of Halley’s Comet.
Now, you might wonder why predicting these spectacular events is so exceptionally difficult.
When astronomers spot a new comet, they quickly calculate its orbit by observing its changing
position relative to known stars. But comets are notoriously unstable objects. They are comprised
mostly of loosely bound bits of ice and rock. Because of this fragile structure, their brightness
changes frequently and without any predictability. A comet might experience a sudden outburst
of brightness, only to fade back to normal. Sometimes, a bit of warming from the sun releases
large amounts of dust and gas, but then it quickly runs out. Its brightness also depends heavily on
its distance from Earth and the size of its nucleus.
So, will PANSTARRS become our next great comet? We will simply have to wait, observe, and
see. Thank you for your attention today, and remember to keep looking up!
Source: [Link]
to-see
Recording 2
Welcome, everyone, to today's lecture on exercise physiology. Today, we are going to explore a
very popular trend in modern fitness culture: the fasted workout. If you scroll through social
media, you will undoubtedly see fitness influencers promoting the idea of exercising on an
empty stomach, usually first thing in the morning. They claim it is the ultimate way to burn more
fat, boost your metabolism, and accelerate your physical results. The basic idea is simple. If you
have not eaten since the night before, your body must rely on stored energy when you run, walk,
or lift weights.
Physiologically speaking, there is actually some truth to this popular claim. After an overnight
fast of eight to twelve hours, your body enters a different metabolic state. For one thing, your
levels of insulin, a hormone that helps store and use energy, are much lower. Additionally, your
liver glycogen, which is the stored carbohydrate that maintains your blood sugar, is partly used
up. Because these immediate fuel sources are significantly reduced, your body is pushed to use
its stored fat for energy instead.
Furthermore, hormones like adrenaline are released during your workout. A lower insulin
concentration increases your body's response to these specific hormones, making fatty acids
much more available to be used as fuel. Professor Nicholas Tiller beautifully compares this to
having two fuel tanks. One tank is readily available from recent food, and the other is your
backup reserve of stored fat. Exercising while fasted effectively drains the first tank, forcing your
body to rely entirely on its backup reserve.
However, there is a crucial catch that depends on the intensity of your exercise. During lower
intensity workouts, your body does indeed burn more fat for energy. But as your workout
intensity increases, your body desperately needs to rely more on stored carbohydrates to perform
well.
This brings us to the most important distinction we must make today: the difference between
what happens acutely during a single workout and what actually matters over a long period of
time. Yes, the strongest scientific evidence confirms that fat oxidation, or the breakdown of fat
for energy, increases during a fasted workout. However, burning more fat during a specific
exercise session does not necessarily mean you will lose more body fat overall.
Why does this happen? Your body is incredibly smart and may easily compensate later in the day
by burning much less fat while you are simply sitting at rest, or by significantly increasing your
natural hunger levels before dinner. Ultimately, total body fat loss still depends entirely on your
overall daily calorie balance. What truly matters for sustainable weight loss is the total amount of
energy you expend across your days and weeks, not just the specific fuel you burn during a
single morning session. So, while fasted workouts can definitely be a useful training tool, they
are certainly not a magical weight loss solution.

Source: [Link]
Recording 3
Good morning, everyone. Welcome to our cultural studies lecture. Today, we are going to
explore one of the most vibrant and exciting celebrations in the entire world: Songkran, the
traditional Thai New Year. If you visit Thailand in April, you will immediately notice that the
nation transforms into a massive, nationwide water festival. Millions of enthusiastic revelers grab
squirt guns, buckets, and plenty of water to playfully soak each other in the streets. However, this
incredible event is about much more than just having fun. It is a profound celebration of new
beginnings.
Similar watery festivals are celebrated in several other Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Laos,
and Nepal. But Songkran is definitely best known for its incredible scale in Thailand, where it is
a highly anticipated national holiday. The festival’s name actually means "astrological passage"
or "movement" in the Thai language. This term comes from an ancient Sanskrit word that refers
to the sun’s transit through the traditional zodiac. Originally calculated by royal astrologers, the
modern festival usually kicks off on April the thirteenth, which is the exact day the sun enters
Aries in Thai astrology. The celebrations then continue through April the fifteenth, marking the
official start of the new year.
But as I mentioned earlier, Songkran goes far beyond wild water fights. The holiday is deeply
rooted in ancient Buddhist folk traditions of renewal and cleansing. The act of pouring water
represents a unique chance to pursue spiritual purification. It is a symbolic way to wash off the
mistakes and misfortunes of the past year, and to generate good luck for the coming months.
These traditions run so incredibly deep that the festival is now officially recognized as a vital
part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO. Scholars actually believe that
Songkran was historically inspired by similar Hindu festivals, such as Holi. Over the years, it
gradually evolved into a joyful celebration of the crucial rice harvest, which typically peaks in
Thailand every April.
Understanding the fascinating history of the Thai calendar makes this festival even more
interesting. For centuries, this holiday marked the official start of the Thai calendar. However, in
eighteen eighty-eight, the nation, which was then known as Siam, adopted a solar calendar
similar to the internationally used Gregorian calendar. At that time, their new year officially
began on April the first. Later, in nineteen thirty-nine, as the nation switched from an absolute
monarchy to a constitutional one, Siam proudly renamed itself Thailand. The very next year, the
government fully adopted January the first as the first day of its calendar year, completely
aligning with the rest of the world.
You might think that these major calendar changes could have ruined the traditional Songkran
celebrations. Fortunately, the beloved festival easily endured. Today, it remains a massively
popular national holiday. It is now a mostly secular celebration that brilliantly preserves ancient
rituals. As religious historian Klemens Karlsson perfectly describes it, modern Songkran falls
somewhere between a staged play, vibrant community theater, a joyful street festival, and a
sacred religious ceremony. Thank you for attending this lecture. Have a wonderful rest of your
day.
Source: [Link]
Reading
Passage 1
My Struggle with Sugar and How to Stop
Sports have always been a big part of my life, especially basketball and tennis. However, despite
my active lifestyle, I have another daily habit that is not as healthy: constantly consuming sugar.
I am originally from New Orleans, where food is a huge part of our culture. My absolute favorite
local treat is the Beignet. A Beignet is a delicious, deep-fried pastry generously covered in
powdered sugar. I vividly remember eating my first one when I was only five years old. Since
that day, my love for sweets has grown to include cookies, brownies, and almost any sugary
snack I can find.
Today, almost everything humans eat or drink contains some form of sugar. A survey showed that
young people feel they need sweet treats every single day. Why do we love sugar so much? I
believe it is largely because of the daily stress we face from school and modern life. Sugar
provides a quick reward for our brains, making us feel happy for a short period.
Personally, I find it incredibly hard to stop eating these snacks. Just a few weeks ago, I walked to
the local store in the pouring rain simply to buy chocolate brownies. I ate all of them in a few
days. While it felt great in the moment, I was soon left asking myself why I did that.
It is completely normal to want to improve our lifestyle. If you struggle with eating too much
sugar like I do, there are practical ways to control your habits. First, try to find happiness in other
activities. Because sugar gives your brain a quick reward, you can replace it by going outside or
taking a relaxing walk with friends when you feel stressed.
Another helpful method is to reduce your sweets slowly rather than quitting completely. Start
small by choosing to eat only one or two sweet snacks a week. Making these small changes can
create a positive difference in your daily routine. Finally, listening to music can be an amazing
distraction. Energetic music can motivate you to exercise, while calm music helps you focus on
work instead of thinking about food.
In this life, we will always face bad habits and temptations. For me, that struggle is with sweets. I
am trying hard to fix this problem before it affects my health, and I suggest you do the same. We
only have one life, so we must make it count!
Source: [Link]
sugar-addiction
Passage 2
The Danger of AI Romance Scams
You have probably heard the common warning: do not send your money to strangers online.
However, the reality of modern dating is much more complicated. In 2025, the average victim of
an online romance scam lost around $9,500 to someone who does not even exist. This happens
because scammers use highly clever psychological tricks, not because the victims are foolish.
These criminals often pretend to be successful professionals working overseas. They build trust
over several months before finally asking for financial help.
Currently, society is facing a massive loneliness epidemic, and scammers use our vulnerable
feelings against us. Many victims admit they felt very lonely when the scammer first contacted
them. Today, modern Artificial Intelligence makes these online scams much easier and
significantly more dangerous. Scammers can now copy a real person's exact voice perfectly
using just a few seconds of audio taken from social media. They use this cloned voice to send
sweet voice messages. Fake videos, known as deepfakes, have also improved incredibly. The
strange eyes and blurry mouths of old fake videos are completely gone. Now, technology experts
say it is almost impossible for a normal person to tell the difference between a real video call and
an AI fake. The AI can even remember your past conversations and adapt its personality to match
exactly what you want.
Young people understand this growing danger. Even though they grew up using smartphones and
dating applications, many are now deleting them entirely. A recent survey showed that over half
of young singles in the UK prefer to meet people in real life instead of looking online. They are
joining local clubs to find a genuine connection. Furthermore, many young people are terrified
that their own faces and voices could be stolen. Because of this fear, they have decided the
internet is no longer a safe place to find love.
These sophisticated scams work well because everyone needs human connection, and AI is
designed to copy that feeling perfectly. Since we cannot easily spot fake videos or cloned voices
anymore, we must protect ourselves with smart actions. First, you must take your time. Real,
healthy relationships do not rush you or ask you to keep secrets from your family. Next, you
should insist on meeting in person in a safe, public place instead of relying only on texts or video
calls. You should also talk to someone you completely trust about your new romance to get a
helpful second opinion. Finally, never send money. If someone asks for cash or gift cards, end
the relationship immediately. Falling for a scam is not your fault; it is the result of advanced
technology, but staying alert can keep you safe.

Source: [Link]
on-it

Passage 3:
Hue: The Heart of Vietnam’s Vegetarian Culture
The Nguyen emperors, who proudly ruled Vietnam from the city of Hue between
1802 and 1945, were famous for their luxurious and highly unusual lifestyles.
Walking through the beautiful gated courtyards of the Imperial City, my tour guide,
Quoc Dung, explained that Emperor Minh Mang had 142 children. Meanwhile,
Emperor Khai Dinh refused to walk anywhere, insisting on always being carried in a
royal chair. Their daily meals were equally grand, often consisting of an average of 50
different courses. While this sounds incredibly excessive, Dung noted that it forced
the royal chefs to be extremely creative.
Despite this immense love for luxury, the emperors were devoted Buddhists. They
followed a strict meat-free diet on various holy days throughout the year. This unique
combination of royal high standards and religious tradition led the palace chefs to
develop one of the world’s most sophisticated vegetarian cuisines. They cleverly used
simple vegetables to imitate the appearance of fancy meat dishes. Today, Hue’s
culinary heritage is making it a popular destination for the growing number of tourists
who follow a plant-based diet. While people often debate which city is Vietnam’s
"food capital," Dung says Hue is definitely the "vegetarian capital."
As the sun sets, the historic city quickly comes alive. Near the ancient Citadel, the
bustling night market is filled with locals and tourists sitting together on small plastic
stools. The evening air is thick with the mouth-watering scent of lemongrass, roasted
peanuts, and fresh herbs. On the new moon, a special time when many observant
Buddhists avoid meat, restaurants across the city serve traditional vegan dishes. One
favorite is banh xeo—deliciously crispy rice pancakes stuffed with wild mushrooms
and fresh bean sprouts. They are often called "happy pancakes" because of their
smile-like shape and highly satisfying crunch.
The next morning, the busy Dong Ba Market perfectly shows how much locals still
value fresh produce. Even though most people have modern fridges at home, they still
visit the traditional market every single day to buy ingredients. It is a wonderfully
chaotic scene: hundreds of scooters weave through the crowds, and shoppers grab
bags of groceries without even getting off their bikes. The wooden stalls are piled
high with "spice bombs" like green peppercorns, fresh lotus seeds, and gnarled roots
of galangal.
To truly learn the secrets of this healthy food, many visitors now join local cooking
classes. At An Nhien Garden, located in a beautifully preserved 16th-century family
home, Chef Nhien teaches students how to prepare traditional royal salads using green
figs, carrots, and mushrooms. As we mix the colorful ingredients, she explains that the
modern "plant-based revolution" in Hue is about much more than just religious rules.
"It is about choosing healthy, local, and organic food every single day," she says.
"You only get one body, so you have to love it."
Source: [Link]
food-capital-of-vietnam
Passage 4
Here is the carefully adjusted version of the text. I have trimmed slightly to bring the word count
down from its original length to exactly 512 words, which fits perfectly into your 500-520 word
target while maintaining a strong B2 CEFR reading level and a smooth narrative flow without
any bullet points.

Mui Ne: From Sleepy Village to Watersports Capital


Standing on the beach in the southern Vietnamese village of Mui Ne, I notice a hive of
traditional activity. The sea glistens in the morning sun, gently washing the white sand. Under
simple wooden tents, fishermen are carefully mending their nets. Nearby, women wearing
conical hats sort the morning catch, which includes sea snails, giant shrimp, and blue crabs. The
strong smell of fermenting fish sauce, a famous local product, fills the air. Floating on the water
are round bamboo boats, alongside brightly painted wooden vessels. Interestingly, the front of
each boat is painted with a pair of staring eyes.
Once just a sleepy fishing community, Mui Ne has grown dramatically. Today, luxurious resorts
and lively clubs line the long stretch of golden beach. This transformation is due to the area’s
growing reputation as a premier watersports capital in Southeast Asia. Mui Ne benefits from
incredibly strong, reliable winds caused by seasonal monsoons. However, the town remained
relatively unknown until 1995, when tourists flocked to the beach to witness a total solar eclipse.
These visitors discovered the area’s beautiful sand dunes, and word quickly spread among
kitesurfers looking for a quiet alternative to busy Thailand.
To learn more about this unique blend of cultures, I meet with Nguyen Tan Hung, a local
kitesurfing instructor. Tan’s father was a traditional fisherman, and Tan spent his early years on
the ocean before the emerging watersports scene offered him a new career. I ask him about the
fascinating painted eyes on the fishing boats. He smiles and explains that they represent Nam
Hai, the respected whale god. The local fishermen practice an ancient folk religion that existed
long before Buddhism arrived in the region.
According to this local belief, whales are sacred deities that protect sailors caught in violent
storms. Fishermen believe these massive creatures will physically carry sinking boats to safety
on their backs. “I totally believe in it,” Tan tells me. “My father has actually seen it happen.”
Ironically, the exact same powerful winds that force fishermen to pray for their lives are the very
conditions that attract thrill-seeking surfers to Mui Ne each year.
After a brief surfing lesson, I take a taxi to Van Thuy Tu, a fascinating local temple. A guide
shows me around the building, which features traditional roofs decorated with dragon sculptures.
Behind the main altar, there is a massive glass case filled with thousands of whale bones that
have washed ashore over the centuries. In the next room, I am amazed to see a complete whale
skeleton stretching more than twenty meters long. The guide bows respectfully, explaining that
whales are their guardian angels.
As the afternoon melts into a peaceful evening, I walk back toward the dunes. The fierce winds
have dropped, leaving the sea completely calm. I bump into Tan again at the lively local sailing
club. He shrugs and smiles at the still water. “The whale god has calmed the wind today,” he
laughs. “He is looking out for the fishermen this week, not the kitesurfers.”
Source: [Link]
watersports-hotspot

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