B: Paul said that like people in many countries, Indians observe World Bicycle Day on June 3^rd, World Environment Day on June 5^th and World Ocean Day on June 8^th.  Paul told us about what he does to help protect the environment and improve his health: “Bicycles are pollution free. If we travel short distances by bicycle, we can save money, fuel, and our environment from air pollution. At the same time we practice some Yoga. I always ride my bicycle to the bus station and catch a bus to office. It’s almost 2km. In India, bicycles are popular in the countryside and small cities.

People collect waste on the beach to respond to World Ocean Day.

A: The bicycle used to be a popular means of transport in Vietnam more than a decade ago. Now it’s not as popular but when speaking of local transport, no discussion goes on for too long without mention of the bicycle and its role in Vietnamese daily life. For generations, people used bicycles to travel and transport goods to earn a living to support their families. A lot of people’s lives are closely connected to this rudimentary conveyance because they can run a mobile shop from their two wheeled steed. Social changes are clearly seen on roads in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City since there are now more motorcycles and cars than bicycles.

B: A few years ago, you might spot women wearing the iconic palm-leaf conical hats and carrying bamboo baskets on their bicycles to sell sticky rice, corn, bread, vegetables, steamed cakes, noodles and other Vietnamese specialties. The baskets were fastened to the saddles of their bicycles with rope. Nowadays, bicycle vendors are rarely seen in big cities because they have upgraded to electric bikes or motorized cyclos.

Flowers sellers ride bicycles around Hanoi.

A: Bicycles are still used as practical and affordable transport for a lot of people, especially students. Boys often give girls bike rides to school. Day in and day out, young hearts are stirred by a first date on a bicycle, which may sweep them away into their first romance. For many people love and bicycles go together in a way that is beautiful, innocent, and simple and speed and wealth are less important.

B: Much like in Western countries, many Vietnamese enjoy cycling as a sport or as a healthy way to commute. In the early morning, a large number of people ride bicycles around the lakes in Hanoi to enjoy the fresh air and deserted streets before peak traffic hours when people go to work. West Lake, the largest of Hanoi's lakes, with a shoreline 17 kilometres long, is the most popular trail for riders.

Cyclists around the West Lake

A: A lot of tourists choose bicycles as a means to explore Vietnam. The country is well-known for its diverse nature, ranging from vast rice paddies to long coastlines of mesmerizing beaches and vast expanses of mountainous terrain. On travel guide websites, tourists share their experiences of what makes biking adventures in Vietnam both viable and interesting. It is the dense network of roads that can get them anywhere they wish, be it remote or central.

B: In the capital city of Hanoi, a guided cycle trip is a great way to explore the city and watch locals go about their daily lives. The flat and gentle cycling along this route will take you off the beaten track to parts of the city you might otherwise miss.

Riding bicycle campaign in response to World Earth Day.

A: Many cycling tournaments are held annually in Vietnam, attracting a large number of Vietnamese and foreign cyclists: the Ho Chi Minh City Television Cycling Tournament, Return to the Countryside Cycling Tournament, VTV International Cycling Tournament, Truong Son Mount’s cycling tournament, and many more.

B: I’m reading an email from Dilipkumar Sarkar of India, who listened to our program on June 9^th on the frequency of 7220khz and rated SINPO at 55454. We’ve listened to the audio record you sent us and we’ll verify your report soon.

A: Another Indian listener, P.S Sekar, listened to VOV’s English program on June 7^th on 7220khz. The transmission was good and he rated SINPO at all 4s. We’re glad to know that the frequency of 7220khz is being received in India loud and clear. Sekar listened to news about the Global wind Energy Council’s support for Vietnam to develop the wind power industry. The on-going National Assembly meeting has discussed many law revisions. The Letter Box program, which briefed about the Metro Rail Project, was informative, Sekar said.

B:Jayanta Chakrabarty of India commented on Vietnamese songs he listened to on June 6^th. “Vietnamese music is not only melodious but also carries important messages relevant to mankind. I’m referring to a song translated as Mother has never told by Min and Eric, which encourages and empowers women to pursue their dreams. The other enchanting song was “Milky blossoms in spring” by Dinh Manh Ninh.

A: Chris Malboeuf of Canada listened to VOV’s Japanese program on 9840 khz. We have forwarded your email to the Japanese section to process. Risto Happonen of Finland sent us a letter to report listening to VOV’s English program on 7280khz on May 20^th. The signal was very strong and the transmission was at good quality. Happonen said he loves to learn about Vietnam’s economy, lifestyle, science and technology, culture, and tourism. We’re very glad to hear that the Mailbag program is his favorite segment.

B: Many of our listeners are interested in Vietnamese sports. Football is without question the most popular sport here with a huge number of players and fans of all ages. Other popular sports are table tennis, badminton, cycling, tennis, gymnastics, and yoga. Yoga has been spreading fast, especially among women, office staff, and students. Yoga classes are easy to find at office buildings and in residential areas.

A: Some 1,200 people will join a yoga performance in Hanoi on Saturday to begin a series of events celebrating Yoga Dayin 11 provinces and cities throughout Vietnam. It’s estimated that around 8,000 people across Vietnam will join the Yoga Day celebration on June 21. Indian ambassador to Vietnam, Parvathaneni Harish, said the celebration in Hanoi is expected to gather 1,200 people, including a Yoga Protocol Performance led by an Indian yoga instructor as well as a music concert by the Rattle & Hum band from Nagaland, India.

B: Celebrations will be organised in 11 provinces and cities.The program in Ho Chi Minh City will feature a Yoga Protocol Performance led by Indian yoga instructors and HCM City Sub-Yoga Association. Indian nationals living in Ho Chi Minh City will perform an Indian classical dance.

A:You’re listening to the Letter Box on VOV, where we acknowledge listeners’ emails and letters. We welcome your feedback at English Section, VOVWorld, Voice of Vietnam, 45 Ba Trieu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Our email address is englishsection@vov.org.vn. Thank you for listening. Please join us again next Wednesday for another edition of the Letter Box. Goodbye.