Many foreign tourists and friends have said that they have enjoyed wonderful experiences when visiting Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, which will celebrate its 1,000^th founding anniversary in 2010. Whenever having a chance to return, they always spend time to discover new wonders of this city and its people.

John Balaban , an American professor of literature from the University of North Carolina (USA), came to Vietnam to do research and translate "The Tale of Kieu" by the great poet Nguyen Du in the 18^th century (1766-1820) into English, aimed at introducing this poetic work to American readers. He frequently visited the National Library in Hanoi to find documents, and in addition, to contemplate the beautiful scenery around Hoan Kiem Lake. Balaban said that he could study the materials and at the same time relax there. He learnt about the legend of Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) Lake which told about King Le Loi returned the magic sword to the Tortoise Genie after defeating the Ming invaders (in the 15^th century). He said he was very interested in the great significance of that legend.

Robetto Diviala came to Vietnam on an environment-related working trip. When he returned to Italy he took a conical hat that he purchased on an ancient street in Hanoi as a gift to his girlfriend. The girl liked it very much and showed it to her friends and together they made Vietnam their next vacation destination.

Re-visiting Vietnam this time as tourists, Robetto Diviala and his girlfriend spent much of their time visiting and learning about Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam ( Temple of Literature – The First University of Vietnam) in Hanoi . He confided: "I have learnt about Oriental Confucianism, but after listening to the lecture of the doctoral steles at Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam I became fully aware of the fact that the Vietnamese people highly respect studious and successful people. That's obvious when seeing the steles inscribed with the names of the top graduates at national examinations, with hope that they will be an inspiration for future generations.”

Before each of his trips to Vietnam, Robetto used to set up a new plan to learn more about Hanoi. Talking about his long-term plans, he said: "On my next visit to Vietnam I will learn about Hanoi's traditional crafts. I purchased some ceramic items on its ancient streets and was so surprised by the Vietnamese artisans' exquisite talent." He also recalled, during his previous visit to Hanoi he enjoyed Pho (rice noodles with beef or chicken) in a small restaurant on an ancient street. This time, he returned to the same restaurant, and surprisingly the hostess still remembered his dislike of spicy Pho, so she did not put chilly to his bowl. "She made me feel so pleased and comfortable and I'd love to come back," he said, smiling.

Sergio Rivadeneyra Martell has been working as a chargé d’affairs for the Mexican Embassy in Hanoi for three years. He said he felt most comfortable when walking along Hanoi Old Quarter where there are many temples and shrines built in remembrance of those having made great contributions to the establishment of traditional crafts and national development. On the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month or during festive days, these sites are filled with smoke of incense joss-sticks burnt by pilgrims. He said: "In my country of Mexico , the customary spiritual sites are often isolated from the busy urban life. Meanwhile in Hanoi , it seems that your ancestors and those who have rendered great service to the country are appearing visibly in each lane of the streets, explaining why Hanoians are so faithful and respect their traditional values."

Bin Woon came from Singapore . He has lived in Hanoi for almost 15 years. He works for Ancheer Spa, which is located at House No.68 on Hang Bong Street . Over the years of living in Hanoi , he feels the city is so familiar and close to him. Bin Woon knows many of Hanoi ’s lanes and streets. He particularly likes the lanterns hung along the small lanes in the Old Quarter, which are close to his place of work. His colleagues told him that the lanterns are among those imprints of Hanoi 's ancient houses in the old days. In his free time he walks along the old streets and often calls at House No. 8 on Hang Manh Street, where there is the lantern shop of painter Nguyen Khac Can. The lanterns seem to be an inseparable part of Nguyen Khac Can’s life. Talking with him, he got to know that the painter is a native of Hanoi and has engaged in making lanterns for almost 15 years. In his house, the lanterns are seen everywhere.

Back home in Singapore, he always misses Hanoi, the atmosphere of the Old Quarter and his friends and colleagues at Ancheer Spa. One of his friends from Hanoi sang a song as a gift for him before saying farewell, i.e. "Forever remembering Hanoi" from which he learnt by heart one phrase "Being away from Hanoi will forever remembering it".

Story: Thong Thien – Bich Van

Photos: Thong Thien – Vu Hieu – Hoang Giap – Nam Suong