FREE TIME
When talking about my leisure activity, the thing that pops up into my mind at instant would
be diving into a good book.
Reading has always been one of my favorite ways to unwind, as it allows me to escape from the
hustle and bustle of everyday life. I often find myself completely absorbed in captivating stories
that take me to different worlds and introduce me to fascinating characters.
Usually, I spend my free time reading alone, and I actually prefer it that way. It gives me a sense
of peace and helps me disconnect from the digital world for a while. Most of the time, I choose
a cozy corner in my living room, but sometimes I go to a quiet park nearby. Being surrounded by
nature while reading makes the experience even more enjoyable and helps me focus better.
What I love most about reading is that it’s not just entertaining but also educational. It broadens
my horizons, improves my vocabulary, and stimulates my imagination. After reading, I often feel
calmer and more inspired. Honestly, I think if more people took the time to read regularly, they
would discover how rewarding it can be.
HOLIDAYS
In Vietnam, many people believe that Tet is the most important holiday of the year. For me, it is
the time for family reunion and relaxation after a long year.
Every year, I come back home 2 days before New Year’s Eve. The streets are filled with a festive
and bustling atmosphere — colourful lights, red lanterns, and the scent of blooming flowers
everywhere. Many people hurry to supermarkets and local markets to prepare food and
decorations for Tet.
The thing that makes me most excited is making Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) with my
parents. This meaningful tradition has been passed down through generations in my family. We
usually stay up late chatting while waiting for the cakes to be cooked, which always brings us
closer together.
Before Tet, we spend a whole day cleaning and decorating the house with peach blossoms,
parallel sentences written in calligraphy. On the first day of the Lunar New Year, I put on my
favorite lucky-colored clothes like red or yellow. Then, I visit my relatives’ houses to wish them
good health, happiness, and success.
Tet always makes me feel a strong sense of belonging and warmth. It’s not only a time to
celebrate the new year but also to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. That’s why I
always look forward to Tet — to unwind, enjoy traditional customs, and cherish meaningful
moments with my family.
CITY
I’d like to talk about a city I’m quite familiar with — Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam. It’s a lively and
dynamic metropolis, and also the largest city in the country. The cityscape is a fascinating blend
of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings, giving it a unique character.
One of the things that stands out in Ho Chi Minh City is its diverse transportation options. The
city has a vast bus network linking different districts, and, of course, the countless motorbikes
that truly define its streets. But, you know, the traffic can be overwhelming at times.
One aspect of the city that I particularly like is its vibrant street food culture. You can find
mouthwatering local dishes being cooked right on the sidewalks, creating a bustle atmosphere.
However, with the rapid urbanization, some parts of the city have become overcrowded and
lack green spaces, which I find a bit disappointing.
Even so, Ho Chi Minh City’s energy never fails to inspire me. Its blend of rich history and modern
developments makes it a truly captivating place that always leaves a lasting impression.
A memorable photo
About two years ago, during a trip to Da Lat, I captured a photograph that remains one of my
favorites to this day. It was taken early in the morning, around 5:30 AM, when the entire city
was still wrapped in a thin layer of mist. I was standing on a small hill overlooking a quiet valley,
waiting for the sunrise. As the first light appeared, golden rays began to break through the fog,
creating a breathtaking view.
In the photo, you can see rolling hills covered with pine trees. The sunlight gave everything a
soft, golden glow that made the whole scene look almost like a painting. What made this
moment even more special was that it wasn’t planned at all — It just happened at exactly the
right time.
I’m especially proud of this picture not because it looks professional, but because it perfectly
reflects how I felt right then — calm, inspired, and deeply connected to nature. I eventually
printed and framed that photo in my bedroom as a daily reminder that some of life’s best
moments are unplanned.