Little things #22 Dormitory

 #89. Music Concert

I went to a live music concert last month. Interestingly, I got the ticket for free from a friend of mine. She had planned to go with her friend, but later on, she got pregnant and wasn't able to attend. So it turned out that I went with her friend instead.

It was fun, and I really enjoyed it. I love experiencing live music, dancing with the rhythm in the crowd and flowing with the music.

Some of the more intense songs weren't exactly my style, the kind I'd listen to on repeat. I usually prefer songs with meaningful messages and a gentler, deeper feel. But those high-energy tracks were perfect for a live performance. After all, it was a one-day opportunity to fully immerse myself in the concert atmosphere.

It was also a great chance to see what kind of music teenagers are into these days. At the concert, I discovered more singers and found some new songs that impressed me. It was fun to see so many young fans full of energy. They all wore cool outfits and completely enjoyed the music.

It reminded me of the many live concerts I used to attend in my university dormitory. They were all free and featured some really famous singers back then. In real life, some of those singers seemed much more friendly than I had imagined, when they started talking and laughing with the audience. It felt more interesting and personal to interact with them face-to-face. I guess I used to see them as "stars", distant and unapproachable. But in the end, they're human too.

Now, I'm not sure if concerts like that are still often held for university students. Maybe not. Many of the famous singers from my time are still popular, but I don't think they perform in dormitories anymore. Perhaps younger singers are starting to shape the music scene now.

 

#90. A Bite of Memory

I ate bánh xèo with a friend this week. It's a kind of spring roll, where everything is wrapped together in rice paper. This version is a specialty from Bình Định province, located in the central region of Vietnam. We both agreed that it was delicious.

It unexpectedly brought back a memory from ten years ago. I used to eat this kind of spring roll often when I was a freshman in university. My roommate in the dormitory at the time was from Bình Định, and she would always bring a lot back for us after visiting home. I had completely forgotten about it until today.

That memory had been resting in such a deep part of me that I didn't even know it was there. Perhaps it's true that some memories quietly fade with time, slipping away unless something brings them back.

A little more about that period, I only started living in the dormitory after my first semester. By then, most students had already settled into their rooms and formed their own friendships. Once again, I had to place myself into a space where others had already grown close. I found myself trying to adjust to a new environment, learning how to belong in the midst of something that already felt familiar to everyone else.

#91. The joy in Chess moves

- Sometimes I push a piece too far. Luckily, it finds its way back.

- It's fun to see a piece slip through a trap: gently and carefully

- Every move should have a purpose. A moment for you to prepare, and for your opponent too. It must be precise, or mistakes will follow.

- Make sure every move comes with a transaction and the trade should be equal.

- Even the strongest piece can't win alone. It needs the strength of others too.

- When an enemy stands close, even if it's not dangerous yet, it's best to clear it early before it becomes a threat.

                                                                                                                                Hanoi, June 29, 2025