Finding the scent of autumn
How to recognize Autumn in Hanoi - the short period of time when the capital becomes the most romantic and dreamy of the year?
The cold air rushed in at the beginning of October, the sultry heat of summer gave way to the cool breeze of early morning. When the trees began to shed their leaves, the cool breeze brought the scent of guava, new green rice, magnolia, fragrant apple, ripe apricot... from street vendors all over Hanoi. Autumn had definitely come to Hanoi. To enjoy those autumn scents, I didn't have to go out of my way to find them, I just needed a ride around the old quarter, or a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake or West Lake in the late afternoon.
Besides wandering on the streets, stopping by flower and snack stalls, I also got to enjoy the “specialty” of autumn sunshine. The bright yellow sunlight seemed to paint the treetops along the streets. The afternoon sunlight shimmered seductively on the surface of Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake. The autumn sunlight was no longer harsh but soft, and as sweet as honey.
When autumn comes, on Thanh Nien, Phan Dinh Phung, Hoang Dieu streets... there are many people carrying cameras to exchange and learn from each other how to "hunt for the sun". Whether going early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you can see the sunlight shining through the green leaves, captivating many photographers.
But the most obvious sign is the strong scent of milk flowers on Nguyen Du, Nguyen Chi Thanh, Trung Hoa, Thuy Khue, Duy Tan streets... Many people from far away who have never smelled this flower will have a headache, but people who have lived in Hanoi for a long time like me will gradually get used to it. From the end of September to October, from big trees to small trees, from young trees to ancient trees, milk flowers will bloom in clusters as white as snowflakes and give off a strong fragrance. Going to work every day under the canopy of milk flowers, but only at this time of the year can we recognize the scent of the season.
Heroic Capital Liberation Day
Autumn in Hanoi, besides the fragrant gifts, poetic atmosphere and romantic scenery, also reminds us of the Capital Liberation Day (October 10, 1954). For Hanoians, the Capital Liberation Day has a special meaning more than just a holiday. Not only because of the flags, banners, and events that take place, beautifying many streets, but also because of the excitement in the hearts of each person.
Over the past 70 years, Hanoi has not only been filled with flags and flowers to celebrate every October, but has also been bustling with cultural and artistic events that have attracted both domestic and foreign tourists. Throughout this October, there are countless activities for visitors to participate in and learn about an important historical milestone.
On this occasion, the exhibition “Memories of Hanoi - 70 years” will recreate the space of old Hanoi in the Old Quarter from October 2 to 13. Artists and researchers will create installations and decorate models of the old quarter and organize a photo exhibition with the theme “Hoan Kiem District - historical images”.
At the Heritage House 87 Ma May Street, a live tour of “Stories of Hang Street” will be organized for visitors from October 4. At the Hoan Kiem Lake Cultural Information Center, 2 Le Thai To, there will be a photo exhibition “Hanoi - The Day of Takeover in 1954” and a screening of the documentary film “Memories of Hanoi” (October 9-20). In addition, from October 10 to the end of the month, the Heritage Villa 49 Tran Hung Dao will host the exhibition “Hanoi - A Time to Remember”.
Different from the hurried rhythm of Summer, Autumn makes Hanoians somewhat calm down. In the mild weather of October, people walking on the street are willing to slow down a few steps, a few beats of their vehicles to enjoy a little more of the scent of the sunny season. October is coming and the year is almost over. Don't sleep too long, don't be afraid to step out into the street and feel the romantic and heroic atmosphere of Autumn.
