 General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong gave a speech at the 32nd Diplomatic Conference on December 2023. (Photo: VOV) |
B: Most of the correspondence we received over the past week featured our listeners’ condolences to the Vietnamese people over the passing of our General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.
A: Many of the listeners may have been listening to us for a long time but had never sent us correspondence until hearing of the passing of our Party leader. That’s why we received first-time correspondence from many listeners.
B: From Romania, Vicentiu Gheorghe wrote a letter expressing his regret at the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, stating, "General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's lifelong dedication to the Communist Party of Vietnam and his tireless efforts in leading the country to prosperity and unification have left an indelible mark in the history of Vietnam. His vision, wisdom, and steadfast principles are an inspiration not only to the Vietnamese people but also to many people around the world who value peace, progress, and integrity.”
A: Wu Lei Ke, in Guangdong province, China, wrote: "I was shocked to hear that comrade Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam, passed away. I’d like to send my sincere condolences to the Communist Party and all the people of Vietnam. As a key leader of the Communist Party and Vietnam, General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong's passing is not only a great loss for the Vietnamese people but also a sadness for all, including international friends who care about and support Vietnam's renewal process.”
B: Armando Francisco Higuera del Reyo in Mexico wrote: “The Mexican PAIS organization expresses its deepest condolences for the passing of the outstanding revolutionary intellectual and great leader General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong. We share the sadness and express our confidence in the solidarity of Vietnamese people.”
A: Cuban journalist José Llamos Camejo wrote: "I was extremely saddened to hear the news of the passing of Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, a loyal friend of Cuba and a steadfast defender of the ideals and common pursuits of our two countries. In this painful moment—also for the entire country of Cuba—I express my solidarity and support for the leaders, officers, and employees of VOV and the entire Vietnamese people. May the friendship between our two peoples endure forever.”
B: Chitmany in Cambodia sent a message expressing condolences for the Party, State, and people of Vietnam on the passing of Mr. Trong while Keo Rithy and Heng Vuthy, also of Cambodia, praised the General Secretary’s efforts to consolidate the strong brotherly friendship between Vietnam and Cambodia.
A: A representative of the Auvergne Radio Club wrote: “All members and friends of the Radio DX d'Auvergne Club would like to send our sincere condolences on the passing of the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, a man who devoted himself to the country. His bamboo diplomatic thinking, his concern for building friendly relations with many countries, and creating bridges between all partners, have enhanced Vietnam's position in the world.”
B: Rudy Hartono of Indonesia sent his condolences to the Government, people, and family of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong: “I am very saddened to hear that the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Nguyen Phu Trong, whose name I always heard on the Voice of Vietnam, has passed away. He deserves to be called a Vietnamese hero because he helped Vietnam achieve success in the international arena, including the strategic partnership with Indonesia.”
A: We’d like to thank you all and other listeners Ding Lu, Fan Hong Jie, Wang Yong Zhi, Wang Zi dong, Wu Xiang Bo of China, Karsten Schönsee of Germany, Algerian listener Naghmouchi Nouari, Awal and Amuk of Indonesia and many other listeners for sending us condolences over the passing of our Party leader and showing your support and solidarity with Vietnam.
B: There’s a saying “A friend in need is a friend indeed”. At this very sad moment, all the sharing of friends around the world over this irreparable loss warms our hearts and encourages us to move forward.
A: Next, Gabriel Gómez of Montevideo, Uruguay, wrote: “Thank you for your kindness and for giving us the opportunity to listen to the radio broadcasts of such a culturally fascinating country.”
B: Peruvian teacher Johnny Antonio Ramírez López mentioned the information posted on the website vovworld.vn about Pope Francis’s letter anticipating a growing relationship between Vietnam and the Vatican, recognizing Vietnam’s status and achievements. Johnny wrote: “It is wonderful to know that the Vatican recognizes Vietnam as a friendly socialist country that respects freedom of worship and belief.”
A: Juan Carlos Gil from Zaragoza, Spain shares his interest in programs about rural farmers and support for disadvantaged people in Vietnam.
B: Thank you all for your comments and feedback on our broadcasts. Among many questions that our listeners had for this week we picked one about flowers in Vietnam during the coming months. Ogawa Tatsuya of Japan told us that he was particularly interested in learning flowers bloom during autumn in Vietnam.
 (Photo: internet) |
A: August is the season of sunflowers. As the pink lotus flowers fade, August ushers in the bright yellow blooms of sunflowers, a beloved flower found throughout Vietnam. If you’re seeking sunflowers, head to the expansive fields in Nghe An, Da Lat, or Bac Ninh.
B: The vast sunflower fields in Nghe An and Da Lat are popular destinations for both Vietnamese youth and foreign travelers. Visitors are often left in awe by the endless yellow fields of thousands of sunflowers, making it a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts. Many Vietnamese couples also choose these sunflower fields as the backdrop for their wedding photos.
A: No list of Vietnamese flowers is complete without mentioning the blackboard tree flower (milk flower), a symbol of Hanoi's autumn. When the autumn wind brings the chill of winter, blackboard tree flowers begin to bloom. These modest flowers have an enchanting scent that blends perfectly with the cool autumn breeze, creating a romantic setting for tourists to enjoy.
 (photo: VOV) |
B: Not as resplendent as peach blossom, flamboyant, or chrysanthemum, milk flower has a plain beauty and its attraction lies in its ardent sweet fragrance. Milk flowers blossom in the late autumn and early winter. The streets, where milk flower abound such as Quang Trung, Nguyen Du, Quan Thanh, Thuy Khue, and Thanh Nien, are carpeted with tiny white flowers.
A: Le Tung Duong lives in Thuy Khue says: “Milk flowers remind me of the cold autumn breeze. We have pleasant evenings walking around the lake and indulge in the sweet fragrance of milk flowers. Despite climate change and the construction of high-rise buildings, my feeling about milk flowers in autumn will never change. The perfume recalls memories in me.”
B: For people who are living far away from Hanoi, the scent of milk flowers can cause them to reminisce about Hanoi.
Nguyen Phan Hoang Anh is studying in South Korea: “The fragrance of milk flower is ardent, sometimes too strong. One blossoming tree can pervade its aroma throughout the street. I remember when I was a student. My friends and I rode bicycles at night to enjoy the quietness, the cold of autumn, and the perfume of milk flowers. I had a strange feeling of nervousness, elation, reminiscence, and sadness. I’ve been living far from Hanoi for 3 milk flower seasons. I remember the familiar perfume, the feeling, and Hanoi.”
A: Milk flower has been an endless inspiration for poets, song writers, and artists to compose ever-green works about Hanoi such as “Remember Hanoi’s autumn” by Trinh Cong Son, “My dear, Hanoi streets” by Phu Quang and Phan Vu, “Hanoi in the fall” by Huu Xuan, and “Quietness of Hanoi by night” by Phu Quang and Pham Thi Ngoc Lien. The most popular song is “Milk flower” by Hong Dang written in 1978.
Late composer Hong Dang said: “The song is about love for Hanoi and nature. It talks about my love, a person coming from the central region to Hanoi. I see Hanoi as my home and the milk flower is a symbol of love, elegance, and charm. Milk flower in my song is a symbol of love. The lyric goes “The milk flower’s sweetness fills the city every night. Maybe you’ve forgotten me ".
 Daisies are a hallmark of Hanoi and other northern areas in November |
A: Daisies are a hallmark of Hanoi and other northern areas in November, filling street corners with their delicate white petals. Symbolizing innocence and purity, daisies bloom in the flower gardens of Nhat Tan, a must-visit for those in Hanoi during this season.
B: Rapeseed flowers symbolize December in Vietnam. To the west of Hanoi lie vast fields of rapeseed, perfect for capturing quintessential photos. Initially cultivated for agriculture, these fields now attract many tourists thanks to the rapeseed flowers' irresistible beauty during their blooming season.
 Buckwheat flowers (Photo: nld.com.vn) |
B: Buckwheat flowers are the floral emblem of Northern Vietnam’s mountainous regions, particularly Ha Giang Province. This flower, along with rocky plateaus, winding roads, and terraced fields, makes Ha Giang a notable attraction. Buckwheat flowers bloom from October to November, adding vibrant colors to the picturesque northern mountains. The flowers transition from white to pink to a reddish hue as they mature. Ha Giang hosts a buckwheat flower festival every October, making it an ideal time to visit and experience the area's natural beauty.
A: Vietnam's floral diversity is truly rich, with each season showcasing different flowers that captivate travelers' hearts at first sight. To fully appreciate Vietnam's floral beauty, it’s essential to book accommodations in advance for a smooth trip.
A: Thank you all for your interest in VOV. We welcome your feedback at English Service, VOVWORLD, the Voice of Vietnam, 45 Ba Trieu Street, Hanoi, Vietnam. Or you can email us at englishsection@vov.vn. You’re invited to visit us online at vovworld.vn, where you can hear both live and recorded programs. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye!