Marking the 1,700km journey with your steps
Starting from the Golden Star (Ho Chi Minh City) in early June, the two boys Cao Le Tuan Tu (41 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) spent nearly 3 months traveling, traveling more than 1,700km, equivalent to more than 3 million steps to Hanoi on the occasion of the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2.
Accompanying Tuan Tu throughout the journey was Nguyen Xuan Duy (21 years old, Ninh Binh), a young man 20 years younger than him with a completely opposite personality. Both chose to mark the journey of thousands of kilometers from the South to the North with their feet.
Tuan Tu shared: I have set foot in many countries around the world, but even in Vietnam, there are still many places that I have not had time to explore. This year's National Day has a very special meaning. Therefore, we decided to walk, both to increase the challenge of the journey and have more time to fully admire the beauty of our homeland and country.
Having started out at 7am every day, the couple aims to travel about 20km per day. In the early stages, both of them encountered many difficulties when their bodies were not used to wearing 10kg backpacks and walking continuously. Not only do their hands hurt, their backs are tired, but their legs are swollen due to not being used to long walks. However, Tuan Tu and Xuan Duy have never thought about giving up.
"If I had decided, I would have to finish everything. This special journey is a milestone in my life, to explore the whole homeland, Tuan Tu shared.
As for Duy, it was an opportunity to experience, gain many valuable lessons and life experiences. On each journey, Duy and his companions not only received help and encouragement from the people but also collected countless memorable memories of humanity across the S-shaped strip of land.
The trip helped the two guys understand and love people and the S-shaped strip of land. With the red flag with a yellow star on their shoulders, they both passed through many famous landmarks and famous landscapes along the way. Tuan Tu and Xuan Duy also together overcame the severe heat of Ha Tinh summer, heavy rain in Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, along with many difficulties and challenges throughout the journey.
When they arrived in the capital, they chose Uncle Ho's Mausoleum as their first destination when they set foot in Hanoi. Because for both of them, it is the most meaningful destination to end the journey full of love, pride and national pride.
Xuyen Viet alone but not alone
On the occasion of National Day this year, Tran Hien Vinh - a 23-year-old man from An Giang, also set off across Vietnam towards the capital. Unlike Tuan Tu and Xuan Duy, Hien Vinh departed alone by bicycle.
Hien Vinh said: At first, my parents were shocked and worried when I called to ask for permission to start the journey across Vietnam. However, seeing my determination, my family also agreed and with friends and relatives supported and followed me on every journey.
Every day, the young man cycled about 100km, setting up a travel plan combined with moderate rest. During his time on the road, Hien Vinh took the opportunity to sightsee and explore the culture and cuisine of the locality he passed through. In particular, a solo trip is never alone when there is the care and help of strangers.
Hien Vinh recalled: "One day while cycling on a road in Ha Tinh, I heard a stranger call: "The tires are soft, my child, pump it out!". After going a short distance, a vegetable seller on the roadside reminded me similarly. The small act makes me feel extremely cared for and warm.
On the way, Hien Vinh often received friendly questions and encouragement from local people. Sometimes a glass of water is given as a "drink to quench thirst", or a temporary resting place after a long, tiring journey... All of this makes the young man deeply feel the friendliness and hospitality, like a noble tradition of the Vietnamese people.
Towards the sacred moment
On his journey across Vietnam towards the capital, Hien Vinh stopped at Nghe An Mental Health Ward Nursing Center - a place to care for veterans with disabilities and war memories.
He shared: Meeting veterans, seeing the losses that uncles and aunts have to bear, my emotions really surged. I just want to hug my aunt tightly and say thank you. Because thanks to that sacrifice, today, we can live in peace, freedom and see the beautiful country of Vietnam.
In their journey, Tuan Tu and Xuan Duy passed through many martyrs' cemeteries.They stopped to commemorate and express gratitude to those who fell for the independence of the nation.
arriving at the finish line nearly two weeks before National Day on September 2, Hien Vinh had more time to meet friends, visit the "red addresses" of the capital such as Uncle Ho's Mausoleum, Ba Dinh Square, Hoan Kiem Lake...He did not forget to contribute to small but meaningful activities: when he and his friends cleaned up trash on the street, visited and gave gifts to sanitation workers who were working hard day and night...
Tuan Tu and Xuan Duy also set foot in Hanoi in the last days of August.All three boys, like many other Vietnamese people, share the same mindset: No matter what means of transport they travel, from any direction, they all head towards the capital at the sacred moment of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2 - a great national festival, a day when the whole country joins the proud beat.
