Bến Tre – A Familiar Return Full of Emotions

We had another chance to return to Bến Tre – the beloved hometown of a dear colleague. It wasn’t the first time, but every visit feels like a healing journey, where relationships are nurtured through simple yet sincere experiences.

Early in the morning, our group went to the local market together – an enjoyable experience where we handpicked vegetables, fish, spices… all the ingredients for an authentic Mekong Delta meal. Everyone was excited and chatty, walking and laughing together like a small family preparing for a cozy weekend.

This time, the trip turned into a true countryside feast, featuring fragrant vịt nấu chao (duck cooked in fermented bean curd), crispy bánh xèo, hot chicken porridge, and flavorful grilled meat. Everyone lent a hand – chopping, seasoning, cooking – no one stood still, and best of all, laughter filled the air throughout the entire process.

Sharing to Understand, Connecting to Grow

In the afternoon, we visited a nearby amusement area, filled with charming rustic games and a warm atmosphere. From playful screams during boat rides to bursting laughter from clumsy tumbles in tug-of-war games, the outing became a lighthearted, joy-filled memory.

As night fell, we gathered around each other. It wasn’t just about eating – it was a time for honest conversations and heartfelt sharing: about work pressures, dreams, and even personal stories that had never been told before. Some opened up for the first time, while others simply listened – but everyone felt closer than ever.

This return to Bến Tre became yet another thread weaving us closer together – to understand, to trust, and to walk further together on the journey ahead.