My Neighborhood

This place feels a bit far from home, but it’s still within what I consider my neighborhood. It has its own charm, a different rhythm, and, above all, a sense of belonging. The traffic here isn’t too bad today, which is a rare treat. It’s a late Saturday afternoon, January 10, 2025—a cool, breezy day where the city seems to breathe a little easier.

It’s still in the 4th district of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s not exactly around the corner, but I decided to take a walk here to enjoy the evening air. There’s something about wandering into parts of the city you don’t visit often. It makes the familiar feel new again.

The Festive Spirit

Behind me is a cozy café with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s quite spacious, and people are already gathering. The tables are filling up with groups of friends and families, their laughter and chatter spilling onto the sidewalk. Everyone still seems caught up inof the New Year, with its promises of fresh starts and new beginnings.
The Lunar New Year is also just over two weeks away, and you can sense the quiet excitement in the air. People are starting their preparations; shopping for decorations, planning family gatherings, and imagining the celebrations to come.

This street, one of the main roads in the 4th district, is alive with movement. On one side, it stretches toward the 7th district, its buildings gradually becoming more modern. On the other, it heads toward the bustling 1st district, the heart of the city.

The street itself is like a lifeline, connecting different parts of the city and the people who live here. Across the road, I hear faint music playing, blending with the hum of motorcycles and the occasional honk of a car horn.

The City Has Changed

I can’t help but think about how much the city has changed. Fifty years ago, this place would have looked so different. There were far fewer cars back then, with motorcycles dominating the streets. The roads felt narrower, the pace of life slower. Today, the city has adapted to its modern tempo. Traffic lights are respected, at least most of the time.

I watch as cars obediently stop at a red light, allowing pedestrians to cross the street safely. It’s such a simple thing, but it fills me with a sense of pride and hope for the future.

As I walk, I take it all in—the energy of the street, the steady flow of people and vehicles, and the way the city seems to hum with life. Some are heading home with bags full of groceries, while others are out for a stroll, enjoying the fading light of the day. Each person adds to the story of this place, their presence making it more vibrant, more alive.

Even though this area isn’t where I spend most of my time, there’s something comforting about being here. It’s the kind of neighborhood where you can feel both the passage of time and the constancy of life. The café behind me, the music from across the street, and the sound of footsteps on the pavement—all of it reminds me of why I love this city. It’s not perfect, but it’s home.

By Ngoc Tran