Homeland

It was four years ago when I left Vietnam for Canada, but I feel like it was just yesterday whenever I think about my homeland. My mind overflows with all memories of my friends, relatives, neighbours, even every single corner and narrow street in the most beautiful and bustling city where I was born and grew up.

Formerly, after many hard working hours, I and my friends used to go out for a coffee where we had much chit-chat and laughter. It was also a leisure time for us to increase our opportunities for understanding and bonding. Sometimes on the weekends, we gathered all the members of our big family to have a cosy dinner at a small restaurant where kids were thrilled with their games and tricks while the adult enjoyed talking and sharing their living experiences. In fact, it was a great moment that gave us a feeling of warmth and affection. In addition, one of my sweet memories for my town is my dear neighbours. They were friendly and kind-hearted, all smiles and eagerly help out in the neighbourhood. How very thoughful of an idiom- “Better a neighbour near than a brother far off”. In particular, the whole city seemed to heat up at night when all the lights were turned on and the town was filled with the excitement. The streets bustled with people, traffic and noise. The restaurants and coffee shops were completely filled with all kinds of people. The entertainment centers were full of teenagers and revellers. Such a charming and lively city at night. Sometimes I simply sat in a corner shop sipping coffee and listening to music while watching the fast-moving city through the window. Indeed, that was a smooth time freeing myself from worry and tension, and I strongly felt the beauty of my country.

So many things seem to be simple but unforgetable to me as they grew into the depths of my soul. Those sweet memories of my home country always bring me feelings of deep affection and hold me up whenever I am in a bad mood in my life.