Journey of the mind

What a shortcoming it would be if I didn’t mention my trip to Busan during  Chuseok,  Korea’s longest holiday, in 2023. It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when most Korean people reunite,  express gratitude to the older generation,  and celebrate together. While nearly everyone was enjoying warm gatherings at home, I was setting off on one of the farthest and longest trips I’d ever taken in Korea. I've always dreamed of visiting as many regions in Korea as possible, and Busan was high on my list, a must-visit. My journey began in Seoul and stretched all the way down to Busan by train, with several stops along the way. I took a flight back to Seoul when the holiday ended. It was such a memorable experience. Stop 1. Seoul Station It all started with a long day of discovery and waiting at Seoul Station. I had planned to spend enough time there to explore, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere. Maybe I was too excited for the trip. My train was scheduled to leave in ...

I've always expected that when I read a book, I will  fully immerse myself in every word, never missing a line, reading from start to finish, like I did as a child flipping through comics and long novels. Back then, I was passionate about collecting them, treasuring each one with deep appreciation. But it hasn't been the same as I've grown older. Sometimes I finish a book to say I've done it, as if it's an achievement to check off a list. I've always expected to watch movies with full curiosity, to immerse myself in the characters' lives and see the world through their eyes, just like I did with the films that once captivated me and gave me new perspectives. But again, things change. Now, with so many choices, I sometimes don't even want to start. The excitement feels diluted. I've tried to explain this shift in a few ways: As I grow older and gain more experience, my worldview feels more complete. External sources don't shake or inspire me as ...

I got to know The Path of Islam ( Con Đường Hồi Giáo ) by Nguyễn Phương Mai through a Blog recommendation. The promise of a personal journey through the Middle East, told from the perspective of a Vietnamese author, immediately sparked my curiosity. The book's cover even reminded me of a photo I once took during my trip to Singapore, creating a small but meaningful visual connection. More than that, I wanted to see the region through her eyes, to follow her footsteps, and to understand her experiences traveling across a part of the world I've always dreamed of visiting. Without hesitation, I ordered the book online. When it arrived, I was so thrilled. The colorful, vibrant cover and the photographs scattered throughout the pages all hinted at a journey that would be rich and profound. The Path of Islam  is the travel-memoir and cultural exploration of her nine-month journey through 13 Islamic countries during the Arab Spring by Nguyễn Phương Mai, a Vietnamese professor at the...

I've also explored oil and acrylic painting because I want to gain more experience with colors. It was an interesting and enjoyable experience. Especially since it was an activity that allowed me to interact and share with others. But for now, I still want to focus on improving my pencil drawing skills first, because I think pencil drawing is the root of all drawing skills. If I become good at it and feel confident in it, I believe working with other mediums will become much easier. A small watermelon feels just right for warm summer days like these. PS. Street portrait drawings in Hanoi Hanoi July 23, 2025

Many FRIST dates July 23, 2025 I don’t want to share too many personal details about my relationships, as I prefer to keep those moments private, also since they involve others, too.  What I feel more comfortable sharing are my thoughts and reflections, shaped by growth, mindset, and the world around me. Recently, I've shared some general thoughts about relationships. It marks a time when I've started to focus more intentionally on love. Maybe someday, when I look back, I'll smile or laugh at how I used to think when I was younger --- new to love, new to relationships. I imagine saving the deeper parts of this journey for later, when I'm in a meaningful, successful relationship. Perhaps when I'm already a wife, a mom. That would be the right moment to share more, when I've found my answers, when insights come with results. For now, I'm collecting little pieces that might someday grow into something bigger. A long story. A novel I hope to write. Today, I just...

To me, everything used to be only black and white. But my favorite color is yellow. :))  Now, clarity doesn't define everything. And I've learned to live in the in-between. Positively,  in  a space that's colorful, even joyful, in its uncertainty  and full of possibility . Though somewhere in my soul, black and white still remain. Recently, I tried applying for writer jobs as a side or freelance gig - hoping to make some money from my hobbies, juggle multiple roles, and slowly gain insight into what it mean to write professionally.  I explored different types of writing, but writing about emotions, personal experiences and development is where I feel strongest. After receiving only rejections, I realized it's not easy to land these jobs without a professional writing background LOL. But I'm happy that I had the idea and the courage to take the first step. I know that only by moving forward does the road appear beneath me.  It's like playing chess. S om...

I took several pictures by myself to mark this journey, both of getting tattoos on my arm and clavicle, and of claiming a part of myself.  It was a moment where I documented something deeper than skin: my choice, my change, my story. I had planned to get these tattoos two years ago, but only recently did I finally have the chance. P.S. I didn't smile in the photos because I was going for something cool. But in real life, I laugh a lot.   Hanoi, July 05, 2025