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EN
There are certain flowers that symbolize the immutable "rituals" of Hanoi's summer: the sấu flower with its gentle, delicate fragrance, gradually replacing the pristine white of the April lilies; the lilac blossoms that hastily burst open, signaling the official arrival of summer; or the flamboyant tree flower with its vibrant red, symbolizing the "farewell" scene on the last day of school for students...
Then this summer, the order of those "rituals" changed considerably. The crape myrtle flowers had fallen, the lilac trees had covered the sky in purple, the flamboyant trees had bloomed, and the cicadas were chirping loudly..., but people were still bustling about in the whirlwind of work and study after a long period of stagnation due to the pandemic.
Some trees are still starting to shed their leaves.
Some trees have donned new colors to welcome summer.
The clusters of flame tree blossoms stand out against the clear blue sky.
It is this unexpected cycle called "Covid-19" that makes us realize that, no matter how much people and life are disrupted, nature remains serene and undisturbed. Perhaps the flamboyant tree blossoms no longer signal the end of school and the beginning of summer holidays, and the crape myrtle flowers no longer urge us on..., but they still symbolize something greater: life.
Scattered flame trees bloom by Truc Bach Lake.
Everyone was busy with their own tasks, and the flow of people continued at a leisurely pace.
After nearly a month of social distancing, and at the same timeIt has been exactly one month since Vietnam recorded no new community infections.People gradually returned to their familiar routines. Temporarily accepting the absence of a few beach trips or overseas excursions, the sight of rows of flowers casting shadows on the lake seemed to be a comforting balm for the spirits of the people of Hanoi.
Everywhere you look, you can see the blossoms of the crape myrtle tree.
Pedestrians took the opportunity to snap some commemorative photos.
...Or meditation
The stream is now free of trash, giving way to fallen flowers.
Surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake are not only shades of green, red, and purple, but also yellow and orange from clusters of nameless flowers.
When the flamboyant and crape myrtle flowers begin to bloom, the sấu flowers have already fallen. But walking along streets like Phan Đình Phùng, Hoàng Diệu, Nguyễn Tri Phương..., you'll still see tiny yellow specks scattered along both sides of the sidewalk, accompanied by a very light, sweet fragrance. This delicate scent will even find a way to reach your senses, regardless of the masks and sunscreen you're wearing.
At West Lake – an area usually bustling with shops and services catering to foreigners – it has become quieter and less crowded. But it turns out, this is also an opportunity for foreigners living here to experience Hanoi life like a local. In a secluded café by the lake, I met two young foreigners strolling hand in hand, admiring the newly bloomed flowers, their faces clearly showing excitement and exhilaration.
The flame tree blossoms in a small corner of West Lake.
Summer afternoons devoid of tourists.
Few flowers are more suited to Hanoi's summer than the vibrant red of the flamboyant tree blossoms.
A charming corner by West Lake with roses, a green gate, and gentle golden sunlight.
You don't necessarily have to go to the streets and lakeside in the heart of the capital to admire the vibrant scenery of Hanoi in summer; nor do you need to search for those colors on the streets... Wherever you are in this city – in a small, cramped house, within the rigid walls of an office – just open the window slightly, and you will see that summer – with its touches of green, yellow, red, and purple – is still around, peaceful and full of life.
Colorful life surrounds the windows.
