My recharging time in Da Lat
Da Lat, a city that holds a special place in many people mind. I have visited this charming destination for several times, when it’s getting stifling in HCMC. This year, amidst the busyness of my working life, I decided to take a break and embark on a four-day trip to Da Lat, seeking to some mindful moments.
The journey began with a late-night bus ride from Thu Duc city. We arrived to the foggy city even before dawn. Fortunately, I had managed to get some good sleep during the journey. Da Lat welcomed us with its characteristic of fresh and coolness, even though the summer heat that engulfed Ho Chi Minh City. The 360-degree transformation in weather was a delightful surprise.
On the first morning, after settling into the hotel, we rented a bike and set off towards Tuyen Lam Lake. Amidst a forest of pine trees, we found a cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and such a magnificent view. The serenity of the surroundings coupled with the gentle breeze created a tranquil atmosphere. I took a stand-up paddle-board (SUP) and glided across the calm waters of the lake. It was on an early Friday morning, so the lake remained relatively quiet since not many surfers joined us. This peacefulness allowed me to immerse myself in the breathtaking beauty of nature. A thin layer of fog covered up the water’s surface, embraced by the lush pine forests, created a mesmerizing view. I wished I could dive in such moments more frequently. It was akin to meditation, enabling me to be fully present, reflecting on my purpose and contemplating what lay ahead.
In the afternoon, I embarked on a leisurely stroll through the city. While the streets were bustling, similar to any other Vietnamese city, there was an underlying sense of tranquility in the local way of life. Despite being a renowned tourist destination, the constant influx of people did not diminish the city’s inherent peacefulness. One of the joys of traveling, for me, lies in exploring without a fixed plan, allowing randomness to guide my experiences. Such unexpected discoveries made my journey more enjoyable. I have always embraced the philosophy of not rigidly planning my life events, and this exploration mirrored that mindset.
I stopped by Tung Cafe, an infamous coffee shop that encapsulated the essence of Da Lat. Google facts of this café. Founded in the 1960s by a civil servant in Hanoi, who wasn’t fond of his job but fell into the beauty of Da Lat, decided to open Tùng Cafe, naming it after himself. Tùng Cafe serves a cup of pure coffee with a distinct and highly appealing aroma that has gained great popularity not only in Da Lat but also in neighboring regions. The interior space of the cafe is decorated with old-fashioned tables and chairs, silver-colored paintings, and a row of closely arranged furniture. Though small, the space is cozy for visitors. Until now, despite going through many transformations over the course of time, Cafe Tùng is still a special corner of the city.
As night fell, I embarked on a walk around Xuan Huong Lake. The coolness of the night enveloped me as I strolled along the majestic surroundings. The blend of nature and people created such an amazing atmosphere. Diving in my thoughts, memories, and the beauty that unfolded before me, it’s like meditation for me. The perimeter of the lake turned out to be longer than I anticipated, taking me one and a half hours to complete a full circle. As a slow walker, I savored each step and savored the rewards of the journey.
On the second day, I embarked on the challenge of conquering Langbiang Mountain, setting my goal on reaching its highest peak at 2167 meters. This was not my first attempt to hike this mountain; almost a decade ago, I went hiking the mountain with my friends but I got lost and ended up at a checkpoint midway, which was a long way to the summit. This time, I was determined to make it to the very top. Admittedly, physical activities, especially ones that demand intensity and consume energy, were not my cup of tea.
The initial stage it was kind of hard, I was exhausted, and my mind was all about giving up. However, the captivating landscape gradually rejuvenated my spirit. I ventured through a pine forest, where the air was refreshingly cool and a pristine landscape. It was just me, the sounds of nature, the harmonious of bird singing, the rustling leaves, and the rhythmic melody of my footsteps. Together, they orchestrated a symphony of tranquility.
Recently, I’ve taken up the concept of mindfulness through a podcast series, this hiking experience deepened my understanding of the practice. Along the journey, I appreciated and enjoyed the details of nature from wildflowers look and smell, the subtle symphony of sounds that usually went unnoticed for me. The hiking became an opportunity to immerse myself fully in the present moment.
After passing the pine forest, I ventured into a dense jungle. Here, the sky was hidden from view, and the path covered by dampness and humidity. Paradoxically, the further I ventured, the stronger I became. All tiredness dissipated, leaving behind an empty mind, fully immersed in the beauty of nature and driven by the determination to leave my footprints upon the peak. At this stage, it transformed into a climb. The ascent grew steeper as I approached the summit, requiring me to crawl at times, evading the branches of the lush trees. The challenge thrilled me, I love it.
As a proverb rang true in this endeavor,
“Vẻ đẹp không chỉ ở đích đến, nó nằm ở mỗi bước đi” – The beauty lies not only in the destination but in each step taken.
Much like life itself, hiking is also included ups and downs, necessitating occasional you need to go down before going up again. It may not align with our ideals, but such diversions are necessary to overcome insurmountable obstacles, it’s an avoidable part of the journey. As long as we have a clear ultimate goal, the path forward can be modified, and progress can be made. I recalled my friend’s wise words—most hikers give up within the first hour. Overcoming that initial hurdle and enjoying the rewards from the nature. In my case, the more I hiked, the more my love for the journey, and the more energy I acquired.
I have to repeat myself that the beauty of life lies not solely in the achievements but in the manner in which we attain them. Breaking the journey into smaller sub-goals, try your best to conquer one by one and celebrating the accomplishments allows yourself to enjoy the glory of our progress. Don’t forget to wisely invest our youth and resources in acquiring precious moments that offer retrospection, enabling us to appreciate the magnificence of our journey.
Hope you enjoy!
Sincerely!
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