tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59880863703101751372024-03-08T07:50:51.081-08:001,000th anniversary of Thang Long-HanoiTruong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.comBlogger214125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-15734186177460800682011-03-14T07:05:00.000-07:002011-03-14T07:05:08.460-07:00Earthquake Japan 2011 video footage of tsunami in iwate japan x<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CFvy2Lb_wEw" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="450"></iframe></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/UdjbHT81z1M" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="450"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 500; line-height: 20px !important; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: 500; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lXUZECs1wl8" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="YouTube video player" width="450"></iframe></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 500; line-height: 20px !important; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-90387961753703266122011-03-10T08:42:00.000-08:002011-03-10T08:42:27.692-08:00Ngu Dong - Thi Son (Quyen Son)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Return to national highway 1A, go to Phu Xuyen and keep straight in the south to Gie bridge about 40km, achossing the bridge, visitors will be in Ha Nam province, to the 45km, visitor will meet Dong Van town. Go ahead 5km, turn right in a newly built road, visitors will be in Que town, Kim Bang district.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'times new roman', times;"> </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">From the town, take the bank of Day river, visitor will meet an old pagoda: Ba Danh pagoda. From the name, people think that if Ba Danh name is canted of Ba Danh. And if so, there was perhaps a statue of Cham dancing girl. In order to make it clear, visitors welcome to here. Besides it, there is a beautiful cave near it, visitor had better visit. From Que town, acrossing the bridge, visitor will meet Thi Son mountain. It is said that when Ly Thuong Kiet (1019-1105) settled his troops here, wind blow to bring flags up to it top and solved. He gave Quyen Son to this mountain (it means rolled mountain). It is a lime mountain connected to Huong Tich mountain (from here, visitors use boat to go back Day river about 7km to Huong pagoda). Thi Son has many caves. It was discovered the cave population with 5 layers deep inside the mountain. Much strange stalactites that visitor previously came here called them monks sitting to beat wooden fish, reflected philosopher, Ton Ngo Khong beating Bach Cot Tinh, running dears, stretching tigers. They are rather beautiful. Add to it, in some corners of caves, water dropped into the hallow stone creating the sound like the sound of drump comes back from the distance.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In the foot of the mountain, there is a temple dedicated to Ly Thuong Kiet surrounded by green ivory bamboo, so it is called Truc temple. The temple organized annually the festival on 10<sup>th</sup> of January according to lunar calendar. In festival time, there was boating contest on the Day river and folk song contest for girls. This is a beautifully traditional activity.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The above routine is the shortest one. There is another road longer but more vertical. Visitors can go to Phu Ly town, Ha Nam province a 56km distance from Hanoi, turn right, crossing Hung Phu bridge over Day river, take newly-made road in the west, go ahead about 7km, visitors will be in Ngu Dong – Thi Son. If visitors want to visit Ba Danh pagoda, they will across Que bridge to the easten bank and they will be in the pagoda.</span></span></div></span>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-57387051887065543912011-03-10T08:41:00.000-08:002011-03-10T08:41:24.893-08:00Hoa Lu<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Among the summer crop fields with the endless green of Gia Vien and Gia Khanh district (Ninh Binh province), 99 pits and bumps lime mountains, one on one, stretch like the great wall, some of them with their height look like giant guard towers surrounding the big valleys plus curved rivers, waterways, lakes reflecting the image of big mountains and the sky. This is “Ha Long Bay in land” of Ninh Binh where formerly was the capital of Dai Viet country.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Dai Co Viet country is ranked as Tong country in Khai Bao era.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Hoa Lu is the capital of Dai Co Viet like Trang A of Han dynasty.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Two scrolls in two pillars in the temple dedicated to King Dinh in Hoa Lu shows the pride of our ancients about the country when now the independence after thousand years being governed by Chinese emperor and never stopped the anti-invasion.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">According to the historical document, Hoa Lu former capital belongs to Truong Yen Thuong and Truong Yen Ha communes. Based on the position of the mountain and river, ancients had made the wall surrounding the capital. The height of the capital wall in is 8m to 10m. The capital was built by stones covered with soil, printed the words. The citadel of Dai Viet country”. The area of Hoa Lu citadel is 300ha, divided into two zones: Outer citadel is in the cast and the inner is in the West. Two citadels connect to each other by a valley called Quen Vong. Between two zones, there were formerly big stone gate, stone bridge over the deep moat called Dong bridge, Den bridge …From Dinh dynasty to Pre-Le dynasty, about 41 years (168-1009), many palaces were built “Bach Bao Thien Tue” palace in Dai Van mountain with the pillars glued gold and silver. It was considered a place to meet, the east was Phong Luu Hall, the west was Tu Hoa Hall, left wing was Bong Lai Hall, right wing was Long Loc Hall with the silver roof. Outside the citadel, there were many architecture works, palaces and warehouse…Surrounding the area, there is the remained object: the one pillar pagoda with the Lang pillar. The pillar is cylinder with eight sides ereted in 988; hundreds of pillars were offered by Nam Viet Vuong Dinh Lien. There is a temple dedicated to princess Phat Kim, the daughter of King Dinh Tien Hoang got married with war lard Ngo Nhat Khanh who betrayed the King, she committed suicide by jumping into the well. There is An Tien where previously was the place breeding lions for punishment of the crime and after that it turned into the worship Buddhism. The Flag pillar mountain is over 200m height. This was the place where put the flag of Dai Co Viet government. Besides, there are Nui Cho (Market Mountain), Ao Giai (Tortoise lake), Hang Muoi (Salt cave), Hang Tien (Money Cave), the road paved by brick carved muns, dancing phoenix, many ironwood pillars in two sides. The road connects the Flag pillar mountain with Than Lan mountain in the eastern citadel...In 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital to Thang Long (the former name of Hanoi), he ordered to rebuild some bridges, gates, temples, pagodas…like those in Hoa Lu such as one pillar pagoda, eastern bridge, Den bridge.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">From Hanoi, taking the national highway 1A, crossing the Gian Khau bridge to the 88km, turning into the Tien Yet road, walking about 6km, visitor will come to the relics. 1km distance from the national highway is Thien Ton cave - the first guard station of the ancient capital - locating in the food of Dung Duong mountain. The cave divides into two parts. The outer part is 200 square meters width with flat ground, high ceiling and a rather big and beautifully carved altar. On the left, a big bell moulded in Canh Hung reign in hung. Behind the altar, there is a short corridor leading to the small cave creating clod-beetle handle shape. The place is considered as the inside part and it has altar, desk. In Long Dinh, there is a bronze statue of Tran Vu Thien Ton puts his sword into the stone tortoise, looking imposing and stately. There were two stone imperial dragon. Behind Long Dinh, there is a round well called dragon well and water is always in it. It is said that it has artesian waters connecting to Giam river. From Thien Ton cave, going about 2km, visitors will come Quen Oi-the eastern gate of Hoa Lu capital.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">It is said that the temples dedicated to King Dinh and Dinh Le were built in the former ground of the palace. They are in the center of the outer citadel. Dinh temple backs against the Phi Van mountain. In front of it is Ma Yen mountain (saddle of horse mountain). According to the story of the old, the temple was built in Ly dynasty, looking towards the North. After the big restoration in the post – Le dynasty (in the late of the 17<sup>th</sup>century), the temple looked towards the east like it now. The temple is designed like “noi cong ngoai kich” character (striking inside out and outside in). When visitors come to the temple, they will have to the big gate called “Ngo mon quan”, went to the lotus lake wit rock in garden and then outer gate. A brick paved road with the flower garden in its two sides lead to two high pillars printed two scrolls pointing out the dangerous position of Hoa Lu area. There is a big stone stele erected in the 17<sup>th</sup> Chinh Hoa year (1696) near the two pillars. The stone stele praised the princess Dinh. Crossing the pillars, visitors will come to court of a King. In the middle of court of a King, there is a dragon carved bed stood on the high stone with the height of 1.90 and the width of 1.40. The dragon has a hom is the forehead, ears like buffalo’s ears. Its beard twists. Its mane turn around, it legs jumps into cloud and its shape covers mainly the surface of carved bed. Round the carved bed there are image of palace, dragon, phoenix, flower, leaf, cloud...and even shrimp, crab, fish, rat.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Two side of dragon carved bed has two stone lion’s whelp looking very vely. The temple has three layers: outside is bow-low hall, middle place is the buring incense dedicated to Dinh Dieu, Nguyen Bac, Trinh Tu, Luu Co – people had the merit of forming the country and 4 key people of the Dinh Imperial Court.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Inside layer is the main palace, in the middle of it, there is statue of Dinh Tien Hoang mounded in browse, worn royal mantle and he sat in throne. On the left of the statue of Nam Viet Vuong Dinh Lien; on the right of it are the statues of Dinh Toan, Dinh Rang Lang – son of the King. In front of the statue of Dinh Tien Hoang, there is a space is said that previously there was kneeing statue of Do Thich (who assassinated the King and Dinh Lieu). On the anniversary day of remembering the sad event in October according to the lunar calendar, the statue of Do Thich was pulled out of court of a king for hit and quarrel.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">King Le temple is 0.5km distance from Dinh temple, on one branch of Hoang Long river, learning against Dai mountain. In front of it is Den mountain its architecture is similar to King Dinh temple. There are outer gate, lotus stone work in garden, inner gate, court of a king, stone stele praising the merit and dignity of king Le Dai Hanh built in the 9<sup>th</sup> Hoang Dinh year (1608) three house-bow low hall, burning uncense hall and main palace. Because it was restored very few due to the thought of “pro-Dinh, not pro-Le” king Le temple has still maintained the old ornamental architectural features. Especially, six round abaci carves 6 dragons, each dragon has particular feature, one plays with the pearl, one versuses to tiger, one breathes forth fire…They are lively. Besides, there are two gates of the main palace carved one dragon in the brocade ancient square character sophisticatedly like the King Dinh temple, many carved features in the gate, stone stele, stone block…with dragon group, shrimp, crab, monkey, squirrel...show the generous art and skill of the artist at that time. In the main palace of King Le temple, it was put statue of King Le Dai Hanh in the throne like a general, on the right of the statue is the statue of Le Long Dinh, on the left is the statue of Duong Van Nga weaking well-dress with fine face.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Dinh Tien Hoang tomb was put in Ma Yen mountain top in the concave like saddle of horse. The place is rather large and fat. They way to Son royal tomb has as many as 300 uneven stone steps. Royal tomb built by stepping stone has stone altar and stone incense burnes. In front of royal tomb, there is a big stone-stele wrote “the royal tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang”. Le Dai Hanh tomb was put in the south of Ma Yen mountain foot and built by stepping stone. In front of the tomb, there is a stone-stele and two sides of the tomb has two small mountain like “kneeling dragon, prostrating tiger".</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Standing in the area of Dinh Tien Hoang tomb in Ma Son mountain, we have a total view of panorama of Hoa Lu relics with extending endless mountains, and a curved Hoang Long river. On the left bank of Hoang Long river has Kiep Linh mountains (sword driven in mountain) connected to the story of Dinh Tien Hoang. When he was a child, he usually deployed the battle with reed. One day, he killed his buffalo to entertain his friends. His uncle got angry and used a sword to run after him to hit. The boy Dinh Bo Linh, jumped into the river and a golden tortoise surfaced and drove him to the opposite bank. His uncle was frightened to death, drove sword in and looked up to him…Along the river, the field looks like the space in chess table. Under the green trees in the mountain’s foot the old temples and chapels loomed in the distance.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Every year, to remember the merit of the hero who brought the independence to the country, people in Truong Yen - Hoa Lu area busily organized the festival on the 10th of March (according to the lunar calendar). This is birthday of Dinh Tien Hoang. The people who came to attend are very crowd. The festival has the burning incense, many martial spirit games, collective game of "reed deployed battle" letter arrangement of Thai Binh (the unique dynastic title of Dinh Tien Hoang) boat, contest, wrestling, procession with dragon ...the festival take 3 or 4 days.</span></span></div></span></span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-45943460472043387402011-03-10T08:40:00.000-08:002011-03-10T08:40:27.855-08:00Phat Diem Cathedral<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Phat Diem church is a religious works made of stone, a building of magnificent proportions. It has the Vietnamese architectural feature in the 19<sup>th</sup> century.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">From Hanoi, we can take the national highway 1A passing over Phu Ly, Ninh Binh and then according to the road10 to Phat Diem torn. Total distance is 120km. We can go from Nam Dinh passing Kim Son to Phat Diem.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Kim Son is a district which are set up in 1829. Phat Diem is the town of Kim Son district. Initally, in 1862, there was only a church made of the bamboo in Phat Diem. The present church was built in 1875 and finished the construction in 1898. Phat Diem included many architectural works, mainly divided into two zones: the church and catholic mission. This is a work bearing the traditional hallmark of Vietnamese communal house, designed and built by Vietnamese the large flat ground, the church zone has the main place call Phuong Dinh and Chinh Toa church. Temples and caves were built balancedly in two sides.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">From the road No 10 looking into the Phat Diem pagoda, visitors firstly see a large lake with area of 4 ha. In the middle of the lake, it was crected Christ statue with 3 metres height, under it has the green bush, next to it is the Phuong Dinh (imperial palace). In the east there are roco temple, Bo Duc cave, there are temples of guise, phro, belem cave, hearse cave and heart of our lady palace.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Hearse cave is the first work built to test the sag of Phat Diem allwrial soil in 1875.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In 1876, it was started to build Phuong Dinh by stone. It is very big and specially, main axis are Phuong Dinh and Chinh The church with the height of 25m, length of 24m, width of 17m. The downstairs has big three gates, in the middle room, there is a big stone block with the length of 4m, width of 3m, height of 0.35m. Upstairs is the steeple, the bell was moulded in 1891 weighing 1.5 ton, with 1.5m height, 1.2m in diameter. Phuong Dinh has 5 curve roofs covered by tiles. The central roof puts the Holy gross, the 4 roofs in 4 sides put the statue of pation saint.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In 1889, it was erected the statue of heart of cur lady…made of stone behind hearse cave. Our lady palace with 9 meters width, 15 meters length has stone ground, stone squared beam sculpturing the phoenix and lion. Heart of Christ palace was made of breadfruit tree. It has 6 rooms the total 19 meters length, 12 meters width. The main face of the palace was made of rather big stone. It is beautiful and similar to three door temple gate.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In 1891, Chinh Toa church was built. The main face was made of stone with three layers, curved tiled roof, stone ground and a holf cross in its top. The works in the church were made of wood and stone. This the biggest work in Phat Diem church. Width 80 meters length, 24 meters width, 18 meters height, 48 ironwood pillars, in 6 rous, each ironwood has circumference of 2.4 meters 16 middle ironwood pillars has 12 meters height. In two rooms of sanctum has 14 stone arcometers describing the chirst's life.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">2 sides have sets of easy – opening wood door. The main pagoda deeply bears village temple architecture in which the front side looks like a knige, the rear looks like a triangle and the roof is shaped with 3 levels.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In 1894, St. Giuse, Fedro and Roco temples were built.St. Giuse temple has wood frame and tiled roof. It is 16m long, 6.8m wide and has 6 rooms. St. Fedro temple has a similar square, however, besides fillars and rafters made from Jack wood, it also has stone paintings. St. Ro co temple is also made from Jack wood with elaborate engravings.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In 1896, Lo Duc and Belem caves were built. Belem cave was completely made of stone, It is 12m high and 12m2.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Also made of wood, stone with 3 gates and winding roof, Phat Diem church has many elaborate wood, stone engravings. There were lion, flamboyant bird, deer...engravings. There were also plant engravings such as bamboo, lemon, chrysanthemum apricot. The engravings tell Saint stores in a polular, way of Vnese Phat Diem church is a worthy relions architectual work. Each traditionally.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Part in the work has its own character. They altogether inherit the traditional characteristics of localities nationwide.</span></span></div></span></span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-63052779912746327992011-03-10T08:39:00.001-08:002011-03-10T08:39:39.741-08:00Bich Dong - Tam Coc<div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">These beautiful spots are located in a range of Truong Yen mountain in Ninh Binh province. Sitting on a small boat visiting Bich Dong, we can see the sky reflected in the water.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bich Dong ranks second after Huong Tich cave in Huong pagoda.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">In front of it there are large rice fields and a branch of Hoang Long river goes round and through it. The mountain is green with plants, looming in the distance are parts of roof of the old Bich Dong pagoda. It was built at the beginning of Le dynasty. In the pagoda there is still a big Bell casted in Le Thai To dynasty (1428 – 1433) and graves of bonze superiors who contributed to its building. In Canh Hung (Le Hien Tong) time (1740-1786) the pagoda was repaired and enlarged. Combining Ha (Low), Trung (Middle) and Thuong (High) pagoda, stretching up 3 mountain levels. If you wish to enter Ha pagoda, you have to pass a 3-span bridge, this pagoda was made of stone. The Trung is next to the cave door on the mountains wall the word “Bich Dong” in Chinese was graved. On the left side standed “Bich Son pagoda stela". Which was built in Le Du Tong time (1705-1729), on the right side was a stela of Canh Hung time, on the mountain side. From Trung pagoda, climb 22 steps up to Toi (Dark) cave which has an ancient Bell. Then comes the Thuong pagoda. It stood high near the top of the mountain, collapsed, only some stone pillars are left lonely among big trees. Standing on the floor of Thuong pagoda you can see the overview of Bich Dong, which looks like a landscape picture.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Next to Bich Dong is Tam Coc water cave, Thai Vi temple and Hanh Cung – Vu Lam area of Tran dynasty (an area for the King to rest when he went out for a visit (Hanh Cung) and a place for him to go hunting (Vu Lam). Despite the near distance between Bich Dong and Tam Coc, there’s only waterway. A small transparent river leads the way to Kieu mountain where it met bottleneck. You have to go through 3 caves: First cave, second cave and third cave.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">The air in the caves is cool. King Tran Nhan Tong (1255-1258) had said: “When you come here you will know the fairy beauty; You will free from the earth”.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">The King had built a small temple near Ca (fish) cave to lead a religious life. Today, there’s still an area of about forty seventh of a hectare, one meter higher than the field surface and not be flooded. It's called Am garden. Though First cave is beautiful, it is hidden and not convenient for traffic. Therefore, the King left move to Vu Lam which were surrounded by mountains and river and easy for transport. It’s about 100km Thang Long, 10km from Tam Diep Co. It’s not only suitable to lead a religious life also suitable for defence. We should never forget the fact that King Tran Thai Tong though lead a religious life then but was still a good strategist. He had lead people to defeat the Mongolian in their first attact. The King built Thai Vi temple here, recruited people to reclaim waste land, build roads, villages, prepare for defence. After a short time, this place had become a conference room. Many important meetings had been held here under the leadership of King Tran Thai Tong. In the resistance against the Mongotian, this area had become a stable base.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stretching over a large area, the Hanh Cung – Vu Lam relics, encompasses many communes of Hoa Lu district, Ninh Binh province. It has many historial boundaries such as Cua Quan (Quan gate). Hang Cung, Cong Rong (Dragon sewer), Tuan Cao, Vuon Kho …The Thai Am Relic that is left today is an area of 29 hectare, surrounded by soil frontier, centred by a temple in rememberance of King Tran Thai Tong, Tran Thanh Tong and his mother Hoang Thai Hau.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thanks to its convenient location, Tam Coc – Bich Dong had been a base for revolution before 1945. In the resistance against the French colony and the U.S, many caves here have become the foundation for our army.</span></span></div></span></span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-89099933014902929882011-03-09T06:07:00.000-08:002011-03-09T06:07:07.771-08:00Ngo Quyen The King to start Vietnamese feudal dynasThe village of Duong Lam in the former Doai area is famous for its beautiful and imposing scenery, which leaned its back on the range of majestic Ba Vi mountains and turned towards the Red River with all-year alluvium. The Tich River curves smoothly around the foot of Ba Vi mountain range and a village, and down to the Hat River. Holy land gives birth to heroes. On this land, there launched 2 dynasties in the history of Vietnam. The prior one, the first feudal dynasty of Vietnam was settled by Ngo Quyen.<br />
<div><a name='more'></a><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ngo Quyen was born in 898 in a family of long tradition of patriotism against Northern invaders. Ngo Xuan, the 4<sup>th</sup> generation ancestor of the Ngo in Duong Lam village, recruited hundreds of soldiers to join the army of Trieu Quang Phuc in the revolutionary cause against Luong invader. Thanks to his great achievements, he was appointed head of the tribe in Duong Lam area. The title was inherited from generations to generations. During the time Ngo Man was the leader of Duong Lam area, he got married to a woman of the Pham family and gave birth to Ngo Quyen.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Since his childhood, Ngo Quyen proved to be both intellectual and brave. The Complete Annals of Great Vietnam described that “<em>he was good-looking, his eyes were as bright as lightning, he walked as leisurely as a tiger, and he was wise, courageous and strong enough to lift up a cauldron".</em> He peacefully spent his childhood with his parents, got to learn archery and sword fighting from his father and military knowledge from books of ancient military strategies. It was unlucky that his parents both died early, forcing him to live by his own with ups-and-downs and harshness.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Growing up when the country just took back its independence, Ngo Quyen had the opportunity to enjoy the new environment of freedom. Following directions set out by ancestors, Ngo Quyen recruited forces to fight and protect the independence of the country. He gradually became a powerful village leader in Duong Lam region.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 923, by accepting Duong Dinh Nghe’s offer, Ngo Quyen was promoted to be the military governor of Ai division (Thanh Hoa) with great expectations from Duong Dinh Nghe. He soon became the son-in-law of Duong Dinh Nghe, and took control of 3,000 soldiers who were in martial arts training from day to night, waiting for opportunities of defeating the Northern invaders.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 931, Duong Dinh Nghe appointed Ngo Quyen as the pioneer mandarin, moving the force to Giao division to expel the Southern Han and organizing the protection of Dai La citadel (now Hanoi). After destroying the domination of the Southern Han, Duong Dinh Nghe took up the authority and established the headquarters in Dai La citadel. He assigned Ngo Quyen to control areas of Ai division. Ngo Quyen expanded his forces over Ai division (Thanh Hoa), Hoan division (Nghe An-Ha Tinh) and Giao division (Red River delta).</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">It was expected that they could focus on developing the country in peace but unexpectedly there was a displacement to the Duong’s self-control government. Duong Dinh Nghe - the commander and also Ngo Quyen’s father-in-law - was killed by Kieu Cong Tien who fought over the military authority. Being informed of the sad news from Dai La, Ngo Quyen felt great anguish and deeply resented. He immediately led his troops to Dai La in order to kill the betrayer and continued to run this self-control government. Afraid of being revenged, Kieu Cong Tien was requesting assistance from the Southern Han dynasty, which had just been driven off away. Taking up the good chance, the King of Southern Han, Luu Cung sent his son, Hoang Thao to lead their troops by marine routes to attack Dai La in the false mission of “assisting” Kieu Cong Tien while their real purpose was to take the chance of invading the country.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">In early winter of 938, Ngo Quyen promptly destroyed rebellious military groups of Kieu Cong Tien, making full force preparation to deal with the invasion of Southern Han. He understood well and forecast the situation of the invader, from which he outlined the resistance plan. Ngo Quyen said: “Hoang Thao is a foolish child. He has brought his troops in from a far region; his soldiers are tired, plus Kieu Cong Tien’s death will deprive him of a local spy. All these will make him panic-stricken. Our soldiers are strong enough to defeat their tired soldiers. However, they have the advantage of war vessels and if we haven’t defended in advance, loss or win is not certain. Chances are that our soldiers will place large poles with ironed and sharpened tops underground in the seaport. When their vessels follow the tides to come inside the barrier of the poles, it is easy for us to dominate and no vessels can escape”. After choosing the strategic fighting area, Ngo Quyen secretly sent his soldiers to place poles with ironed and sharpened tops in Bach Dang river bed, which formed barriers and banks of poles.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">On a late winter day in 938, the resistance war against Southern Han invader fiercely took place at the seaport and lower section of the Bach Dang River. When the war vessels of the Southern Han invader just appeared in the river head, Ngo Quyen sent out some forces to provoke and pin the enemy down. When the high tide rose, local forces pretended to loose and lure the enemy to come to the setup battle field. The Southern Han invader thought that Ngo Quyen’s forces were using light vessels and the troops were small, and believed they could wipe such troops easily and quickly, so they eagerly entered. As soon as the tide fell and the barriers of poles appeared above the water surface, Ngo Quyen directed all the forces to attack the enemy at the same time and tried their best to kill them. The heavy war boats of the Southern invaders were seriously attacked so they ran into the barrier of prepared poles. Most of the vessels were caught on the poles and lay trapped to the bottom of the river. The Southern Han invader lost and tried their best to escape to the sea. More than half the enemy were drowned in the impressive Bach Dang river, including Luu Hoang Thao. When the other Southern Han invader troops heard of the news, they were so terrified that “they only gathered the survivors to escape”. Since then Southern Han dynasty completely gave up the dream of invading the country. With Bach Dang victory (938), Ngo Quyen’s name is forever engraved in historical books along with his most glorious military feats in Vietnamese history.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">In the winter of 939, Ngo Quyen proclaimed himself King (in our historical books, he is called Tien Ngo Vuong), established his capital at Co Loa (now Co Loa commune, Dong Anh district, Ha Noi). In spite of proclaiming himself King, Ngo Quyen was the person who deserved credit for “uniting nation”, gaining full independence for the country after thousands of years of Northern domination as well as opening a new era for Vietnamese feudal dynasties.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ngo Quyen died in 944 after 5 years in power when he was 47.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ngo Quyen who was the crystallization of thousand-year history against the Northern domination mobilized, exploited and collected the whole nation’s force as well as maturity and turned them into unconquerable power which resulted in the glorious Bach Dang victory, ushering in a long-lasting independent period - the splendidly developmental period of Vietnamese culture and civilization.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">The preeminent patriot Phan Boi Chau of the early 20<sup>th</sup> century was correct to honor Ngo Quyen as “the forefather of our country restoration”, only following “the creator of country, Hung King” because according to him “Foreign invaders can be swept and the union of the country is continued, no one but Ngo Quyen can do”. Later other historians honored Ngo Quyen as the King to start the Vietnamese independent feudal dynasties: “Tien Ngo Vuong could use newly-recruited troops of Vietnamese land to destroy hundreds of thousands of Luu Hoang Thao’s soldiers, established the country and proclaimed himself King, made Northern invader dare not return. It can be said that anger could settle down people’s minds, good strategies went well with good practice. He only proclaimed himself King and the orthodox of Vietnamese land was united”.</span></span></div></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-8614375299987484742011-03-09T06:06:00.001-08:002011-03-09T06:06:32.339-08:00Ly Thuong Kiet, with the nationwide echoing magic poemNine years after Ly Thai To moved the capital city from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, in Thai Hoa ward (near Cung Mountain, above the area of the now Botanical Garden), a child was born in Thang Long and afterwards succeeded in saving the country and its people. The boy’s name was Ngo Tuan whose mother’s surname was Han. He was the son of Sung Tiet, leader of the army - Ngo An Ngu, which was a small title in the reign of Ly Thai Tong King.<br />
<div><a name='more'></a><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">When he was a child, Ngo Tuan was famous for being handsome, intelligent and vivacious. The strong-willed boy devotedly learned literature. Naturally born in a martial arts family, Ngo Tuan practiced to use bow and sword, established strategy plans every day, and pondered arts of war every night. With his intelligence as well as hard-workingness, Ngo Tuan quickly understood thoroughly the arts of war and he read more literature and morality books. When he was 23, with his handsome face, he was appointed as <em>Hoang mon chi hau</em>, a eunuch to fuss over Ly Thai Tong King. In 1054, Ly Thanh Tong became King and nominated him <em>Bong hanh quan hieu uy</em>. Every day he stayed side by side with the King and advised the young King against wrong things. Due to his devotion, he was appointed <em>Kiem hieu thai bao</em>, allowed to get the King’s surname and thus changed his name to Ly Thuong Kiet.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">At that time, the nation of Dai Viet was in hard circumstances. Both the Southern and Northern borders were in danger. In the North, Tong dynasty attempted to invade, while in the South, Champa armed forces continuously disturbed. Tong dynasty wanted to use Champa as a dagger to threaten Dai Viet at the back so that Tong dynasty could attack on its front easily. In that situation, Ly Thanh Tong King and Ly Thuong Kiet concluded to attack Champa “in order to keep the back intact and cope with the front enemy - Tong invader”.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">In February 1069, Ly Thuong Kiet followed Ly Thanh Tong King to lead the armed forces to “pacify Chiem enemy”. He was nominated Top-ranking General, wearing Marshal honorary and receiving Pioneer stamp. The great army of Ly dynasty successfully mounted a punitive expedition in the South and arrested Che Cu - Champa’s King. Ly Thuong Kiet was thereafter appointed High-ranking mandarin, and kept Dynasty founder title to lead the whole army. Together with the Great tutor, Ly Dao Thanh, Ly Thuong Kiet made every effort to help the King build Dai Viet into a prosperous and traditional nation.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">In 1072, Ly Thanh Tong King died, and Can Duc crown prince was put on the throne when he was small. The nation’s fate was concentrated on the shoulders of some important people in the court such as Ly Thuong Kiet and Ly Dao Thanh. Holding the army power in his hands, Ly Thuong Kiet “devoted to keep the national peace”. Ly Thuong Kiet proved his political talent and devotion to the nation and its people, showing his capability in building the country as well as ensuring national independence. He actually became the spirit of Ly dynasty and the spirit of the war against Tong dynasty in the 60s of the 11<sup>th</sup> century.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the failure of the conspiracy of having Champa to attack Dai Viet, Tong dynasty tried its best to make Kham Chau, Liem Chau and other camps in Tong - Vietnam borders become military and logistic bases to prepare for a large-scale invasion to Dai Viet. Keeping a close eye on every move of the enemy, Ly Thuong Kiet made an important decision: “prior attack to control people”, that is he would lead the armed forces to kill the enemy in its den because “staying to wait for the enemy was not as good as leading the army in advance to stop the enemy from growing” - an ideology of “attack for self-defense”, which was uniquely creative at that time.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ly Thuong Kiet commanded 100,000 soldiers who were divided into land and water troops to move towards the North, broke the enemy’s border bases and took the advantage of the victory to move forward to Ung Chau, Kham Chau and Liem Chau. After 42 days and nights of fierce, ingenious and courageous attacks, Dai Viet army commanded by Ly Thuong Kiet and other commanders of Ly dynasty occupied Ung Chau capital. The Spring of 1076 became a victorious season. After achieving the objective, Ly Thuong Kiet withdrew the armed forces and urgently prepared to cope with the new revenging attack of the enemy.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">In March 1076, Tong dynasty appointed <em>Tuyen phu su</em> (4<sup>th</sup> mandarin grade) of Quang Nam named Quach Quy and Trieu Tiet to lead 100,000 expeditionary soldiers, 10,000 horses and 200,000 laborers to invade Dai Viet. With the initial strong will, Tong dynasty overflew through a shortcut in Dau Dinh mountain range to the west of Phu Luong river bank. Meanwhile, another arm of Tong’s army went to the east to attack in the rear of Dai Viet army in Giap Khau (Chi Lang), then went straightly to Nhu Nguyet river (Cau river).</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ly Nhan Tong King appointed Ly Thuong Kiet to command the army to attack ahead, and establish the defense system on the Southern bank of the Nhu Nguyet river to stop Tong troops. This river originated from Luc Dau running into the sea, which was a natural, deep and wide trench to protect the river delta of Dai Viet and prevent the invasion of foreign countries by land from Luong Quang (China). Behind this natural trench, to the west was the Tam Dao mountain range - a citadel which was really difficult to surpass. The mountain and river status with full of obstacles and difficult access facilitated the defensive plan against Tong invader of Ly Thuong Kiet. In order to prevent Tong’s army from crossing the river, Ly Thuong Kiet ordered to embark Nam Ngac Dyke which was as high as a citadel wall. On this wall, Ly’s army put bamboo stakes to make fences with several levels. The soil wall of the bamboo fences went along the river dike connected to Tam Dao mountain range to protect the whole delta.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">The fiercest attacks in the war between Tong and Dai Viet took place at this defense line. At first, with cavalries to clear ways, Tong’s army attacked fiercely, and sometimes broke through the defense line of Ly’s army to cross Nhu Nguyet river. However, in those “precarious situations”, Dai Viet’s army and people timely counter-attacked to push back Tong’s army to the Northern bank of the river. While the war was so fierce, in order to motivate soldiers’ spirit, at night Ly Thuong Kiet secretly asked one person to go to Truong Hong and Truong Hat temples at the bank of Nhu Nguyet river and loudly read a poem, which goes:</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>Over mountains and rivers of Vietnam, reigns the King of Vietnam</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>The boundary is clearly identified in the Book of Heaven</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>How dare those enemies invade our land?</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;"><em>You will be terribly attacked.</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">The poem resounded sonorously at night as a magic remedy which could move hearts of Dai Viet’s people who were taking weapons to protect the nation, encourage their enthusiasm and determination of fighting to protect their nation. The poem was forceful as a declaration which praised the tradition of national independence and self-control and affirmed the origin and united territory of the nation.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">The sense of purposes and uprightness and the sacred spirit of Vietnam seemed to be converged in each word and sentence of the poem. It inspired the enthusiasm and pride, and raised Dai Viet’s spirit in the deep consciousness of each soldier at Nhu Nguyet defense line who were suddenly filled with enthusiasm upon hearing the poem. They then made every effort to kill the enemy to achieve a feat.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not long after, Tong’s army who was not supported by their navy force was running into a dilemma. They were worn out by fierce fighting and hot and humid climate of Vietnam. Meanwhile Ly’s army under the control of Ly Thuong Kiet continuously held surprising attacks, disturbed and killed the enemy. In a sudden attack, barracks of the second-in-command Trieu Tiet were damaged, Hoang Chan and Chieu Van who were Ly dynasty’s princes sacrificed heroically. At that time, Tong’s army was worn out gradually, with only 30-40% survived. Ly Thuong Kiet quickly realized an important situation that Tong’s army was extremely difficult. At the same time, with sharp political views and infinite kindness, he also saw great losses which were experienced and suffered by Ly’s army during the war. Therefore, although his army had advantage on the battlefield, Ly Thuong Kiet decided to appoint a king’s envoy to see general commander of Tong’s army to “hold peace talks”, stop the war, recover peace and send Tong’s army back. Quach Quy - general commander of Tong’s army - immediately agreed to hold peace talks and withdraw the army. This was really a comprehensive victory, brilliant feat of arms which presented thoroughly Ly Thuong Kiet’s outstanding strategic talents, humane views and spirits.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the war, as the leading mandarin in the dynasty, Ly Thuong Kiet together with the dynasty and all people of Dai Viet made every effort to overcome the war’s consequences, build and protect the nation with a long history left by our ancestors.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">On June 1105, Ly Thuong Kiet died when he was 87 years old. Ly Nhan Tong King awarded him with the titles of <em>Nhap noi dien do tri </em>and <em>Binh Chuong</em> high-ranking mandarin, Vietnamese Grand duke title, provided 10,000 households to establish a village and nominated his younger brother named Ly Thuong Hien with the position of a marquis.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="font-size: small;">When he died, all people mourned over him, commemorated him and built temples in many places such as An Xa village (Gia Lam, Ha Noi) and Ngo Xa commune (Vinh Loc, Thanh Hoa) ... Ly Thuong Kiet’s merits and career would live forever with time. The “magic” poem called <em>Nam</em><em> quoc son ha (The mountains and rivers of Vietnam) </em>became the first independence declaration of Vietnam that marked the gigantic developing step in spirits and thoughts of our nation along the history.</span></span></div></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-5748573516230983372011-03-09T06:05:00.001-08:002011-03-09T06:05:51.250-08:00Chu Van An - an eternal teacherQuang Village is the informal name of Quang Liet Village (now Thanh Liet, Thanh Tri) – a Vietnamese village which has a charming landscape and is famous for litchi and longan, as per a popular saying: “Quang’s litchi, Lang’s basil, Dam’s coriander, Set reservoir’s anabas, West Lake’s black coot”. Quang Liet village was located along the To Lich River’s bank, a key water transportation route of old Thang Long imperial City. This place is also the hometown of a famous teacher in Vietnamese history: Teacher Chu Van An.<br />
<div><a name='more'></a><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Chu Van An was born in 1292 and died in 1370. From his childhood, he was famous for his intelligence. He did not have the dream of taking part in exams to become mandarins like other students. Chu Van An stayed at home and taught himself by reading books, and opened schools on the unoccupied land in nearby Lanh Huynh village. His school quickly became famous in the village and many students from other places went to request for attending. Many of his students became successful and held high positions such as Pham Su Manh and Le Quat… Especially, there is a legend about a special student which has been passed from one generation to another: the student of the naiad.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">It is said that the student was the son of Dragon King and he was very intelligent and hard-working. One day when he went through Quang village, he attended a Confucian deity lesson given by teacher Chu Van An. He was very interested in that lesson and then requested teacher Chu Van An to allow him to be his student. That year, there was a drought which made people hungry and poor. Feeling sorry for that difficult situation, the student made it rain by his magic in order to help people. He used the feather pencil splashing ink everywhere; wherever ink was splashed, there was rain. Then, the feather pencil and ink box were thrown into the sky and the feather pencil fell into To village (Ta Thanh Oai-Hanoi), which made this land become prosperous and famous in terms of literature. The ink box fell into Vinh Ninh (Vinh Quynh, Hanoi) and made it Ink Reservoir. Because the student didn’t follow rules set by Heaven, he was killed by thunder and thunderbolt. His body was floated on the To river which was 2 halves of “Lot” Old man (serpent like monster). People in surrounding areas buried “Lot” Old Man beside the river and built a temple named Gan Temple. People in villages of Bang Liet, Linh Dam and Tu Ky (Hoang Liet ward), Dai Tu (Dai Kim ward) and Tuu Liet (Thanh Tri district) also set up temples to commemorate the merits of the student.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The increasing fame of the school in Huynh Cung as well as teacher Chu Van An reached the court. Tran Minh Tong King invited Chu Van An to be the deputy headmaster of the Royal College to teach his crown prince and other students to become talented people for the country. The event that such a morally and knowledgably famous teacher like Chu Van An agreed to give up the hermit life to teach at the Royal College – the National University of Dai Viet at that time had very important meaning and influence on culture and education at the time. The feudal intellectuals at that time expected Chu Van An to use “knowledge to change directions, and turn custom to tenderness”.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In 1359, Tran Minh Tong King conferred his crown to his son, Tran Hien Tong who was also a student of Chu Van An. Under the regime of Tran Hien Tong King, the court and the country were peaceful. However, this period lasted only for 12 years. Then Tran Hien Tong King died, and Tran Du Tong inherited the crown. The social situation became complicated, the people were very poor and hard and many loyal and righteous men were killed.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Feeling resentful and hatred against perfidious and incompetent mandarins who were doing harm to the country, Chu Van An bravely submitted a petition which requested the King to behead 7 perfidious mandarins; therefore it was called “Seven beheaded petition”. “<em>Seven beheaded petition</em>” was an earth-shaking for deities and people and became the resplendent symbol of courageous attitude of the real intellectuals, and of Chu Van An’s spirit.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The petition was of clear justice so the King had no reason to reject but he wasn’t confident enough to execute it. Therefore, Chu Van An sent his resignation and came back to his hometown, continuing his teaching. During this time, he went to the East to go sightseeing and found landscapes in Kiet Dac village (Chi Linh, Hai Duong) so beautiful and peaceful that he set up thatched tents and made friends with mountains and rivers here. He lived in solitude in a peaceful manner, read books and wrote poems. During this time, Chu Van An wrote many poems to express his hidden sentiments:</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Fish is in old ponds, dragons do not appear,</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Cloud covers the sky, cranes do not return;</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Praising cranes and clouds was seemingly a way to console him, while paying attention to nature was to ease off sadness in his life. Sometimes, he could not hide his sorrows:</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Success is an unreal thing</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Wandering is to relieve sadness</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Sometimes there is endless torment in his poems:</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Proper or thatched house is due to the fate;</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Muddy</em><em> Kinh River</em><em> and pure Vi River cannot go together.</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Although he chose to live in seclusion, Chu Van An didn’t subside his attention to the country’s work. For some times, he hesitated to return to the capital to help the country and the society. When Tran Nghe Tong inherited the crown, every people in the country was happy. At that time, Chu Van An was old (70) but he still managed to use a stick and walked from Chi Linh to the capital to visit the new King. He was still interested in the national situation and bothered with the society. However, because of his age and his incapability in assuming the responsibility, Chu Van An determined to refuse titles of the court, came back to his hometown and stayed there until he was sick and passed away.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Chu Van An is an immortal famous man in the country’s history, and of Thang Long – Hanoi. His work covered a long period of history through the end of Tran regime in the 14<sup>th</sup> century. He was famous as a Confucian scholar who had moral integrity and uprightness, and struggled for right things, fought against treacherous men and dissatisfied with corrupted people. He was a noble hermit and a good example of Confucian scholar. He was also a poet with many unique poems about nature. Especially, Chu Van An set a good example of teacher who had prestige from virtue.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Until now, there are many historic monuments in the country honoring him, a great teacher such as Thanh Liet, Huynh Cung and Van Dien temples. It can be affirmed that Chu Van An has passed the threshold of being a good teach of one generation to become the teacher of all generations, who was praised by Phan Huy Chu, a famous encyclopedist in the 19<sup>th</sup> century “in terms of pure Confucius scholar career and noble moral integrity in Vietnam, no one can be compared with Chu Van An”.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Right after his death, Chu Van An was awarded by Tran King with a great honor that he was worshipped in the Literature temple with 2 ancestors of Confucianism (Chu Cong and Khong Tu) and 70 excellent students of Khong Tu. Thus, Chu Van An was honored to be “the ancestor of Vietnam education, the teacher of every generation”.</span></span></div></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-75085848799477767922011-03-09T06:04:00.002-08:002011-03-09T06:04:56.734-08:00Nguyen Trai, a Khue constellation shining over Thang Long landUc Trai Nguyen Trai was a great Vietnamese cultural celebrity who was recognized by the world for spending his whole life of complete ideal, sentimental attachment and sweets and bitters in life, and his heart always shining as Khue constellation over Thang Long land.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Nguyen Trai was born in 1380 while the Tran dynasty was declining and state affairs were in disorder. He was the son of Nguyen Phi Khanh, a poor student who passed the national examination, and Mrs. Tran Thi Thai – daughter of Tran Nguyen Dan, who was of the noble birth from Tran dynasty. Therefore, although his home town was in Chi Ngai village, Chi Linh district, Hai Duong province, Nguyen Trai was born in Thang Long in the palace of his grandfather, and then moved to Ngoc Oi Village, Nhi Khe Commune, Thuong Tin district, now in Ha Noi.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1400, Nguyen Trai passed the national examination and was nominated to be a mandarin under the Ho dynasty. Nguyen Phi Khanh and Nguyen Trai, father and son both, held mandarin positions in the Court and they were both famous for their political and literature talents.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Nguyen Trai worked as a mandarin in the court for a short time, with his ambition unfulfilled, and there was disturbance in the country. In 1407, Minh troops invaded the country. The resistance war by Ho dynasty was a failure, and Ho Quy Ly and his son as well as many mandarins in his court were arrested and brought to China, including Nguyen Trai’s father. Legend has it that Nguyen Trai wanted to show his dutifulness and loyalty so he and his brother Nguyen Phi Hung followed his father to China. When they came to Nam Quan pass, their father told them to come back and find ways to revenge for the country. Nguyen Trai repressed his tears and came back. He was caught by Minh troops and imprisoned in Dong Quan citadel. During his imprisonment, Nguyen Trai was in continuous torment to find ways to revenge for the country.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In the spring of 1423, Nguyen Trai and Tran Nguyen Han fled from Dong Quan, found the way to Loi Giang and participated in Lam Son insurgent army, presented “Binh Ngo book” and became the chief adviser for the leader of the insurgent army, Le Loi. Being reliable and assigned with important tasks, Nguyen Trai was responsible for composing documents of the insurgent army and at the same time took part in preparing plans to fight against Minh troops. Especially, between 1425 to the time when Lam Son insurgent army fully succeeded, Lam Son continued encircling many bastions of Minh troops. Nguyen Trai implemented the policy “mind attack” by regularly writing letters for leaders and troops in bastions to call for surrender or make the enemy become discouraged.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The year of 1427 could be considered the decisive year for the success of Lam Son insurgent army, which was full of momentum and enthusiasm, decisive moves and all possible efforts made for the independence of the nation. In such circumstances, Nguyen Trai had a chance to show his talents, proposing to Le Loi most appropriate strategies and policies. Lam Son army step by step liberated the Northern areas of the country, and defeated Vuong Thong reinforcements. Vuong Thong was forced to withdraw to stand on his ground in Dong Quan citadel and wait for reinforcements.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Then Minh dynasty continued to send 10 million reinforcements led by Lieu Thang and Moc Thanh to suppress the uprising. In that situation, the majority of commanders impatiently wanted to attack Dong Quan citadel and wipe out all spy forces for Lieu Thanh and Moc Thanh. Nguyen Trai was the only person who did not agree with that plan and he showed Le Loi strategic values of that situation. Finally Le Loi agreed with Nguyen Trai that <em>“Attacking Dong Quan is a worse solution. It might take us several months or even a year to attack this well-constructed citadel, but success is uncertain; furthermore it makes our soldiers tired and discouraged. Meanwhile, as soon as their reinforcements come, we will be attacked both in front and behind which is very dangerous. It would be better to take care of our health, and prepare our courage to fight against the reinforcements. When their reinforcements are defeated, the troops in Dong Quan citadel certainly will have to surrender, thus we kill two birds with one stone.”</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;"></span></em><span style="color: black;">The fighting situation unfolded as Nguyen Trai predicted. Le Loi sent excellent leaders to defeat the 2 reinforcements, killed Lieu Thang and forced Moc Thanh to run away to his country immediately. Vuong Thong in Dong Quan citadel was desperate because there were no reinforcements left, and had to open the citadel gate and surrender. He also had to follow “Dong Quan oaths” with Le Loi, asked for permission to withdraw his troops and promised not to invade the country again.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The war was over and the glorious victory was attributed to Lam Son heroes. In the jubilant atmosphere of victory, Nguyen Trai, the adviser of the uprising wrote <em>Binh ngo dai cao</em>, which was considered the 2nd declaration of freedom of Vietnam, narrated the 20 years of fighting against Minh troops and 10 years of Lam Son uprising, which included both the hard, difficult and dangerous beginning to the final complete victory. Using flexible, gentle but strong, powerful sentences, <em>Binh ngo dai cao</em> expressed the goodwill, sense of determination and uprightness, spirit and intellect of the whole nation.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">“<em>Benevolence and righteousness are to win people’s hearts</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">The duty of an insurgent army is to eliminate brutality;</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Like our Dai Viet country from the past,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">This proclaimed our traditional culture for a long time,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Territories are separately divided,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Northern and Southern customs are different;</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">From Trieu, Dinh, Ly, Tran dynasties, we have built up the Independence;</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Along with Han, Duong, Tong, Nguyen dynasties, each dynasty has its own territory;</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Despite of differences in strength and weakness,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Each dynasty also has talented people”</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 2.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(Translated by <span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">Ngo Tat To</span></span>)</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">“Binh ngo dai cao”</span></em><span style="color: black;"> was admired by everyone and considered as “eternal powerful style”. “<em>Binh ngo dai cao</em>” was an immortal piece of literary work, making Nguyen Trai’s talents shining.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The country became peaceful. In 1428, Le Loi declared himself King, set up the Le So dynasty. Nguyen Trai was appointed “<em>Quan Phuc Hau</em>” and awarded to get Le surname. Nguyen Trai was eager to start a new period in hopes that he could use his talents to construct the nation. Unexpectedly, his life suffered from much injustice during this time. No longer favored by the King, Nguyen Trai could not promote his abilities. Firstly he was wrongly doubted that he and Tran Nguyen Han initiated a revolt, and was arrested and imprisoned in the dungeon. After being justified and sent out of the dungeon, Nguyen Trai wrote “<em>Oan than</em>” to express his pessimistic and unhappy attitude for his loyalty.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1433, Le Thai To died, and Prince Le Nguyen Long inherited the crown. Although he was young, Le Thai Tong King showed his intelligence and clear-slightness so he quickly reorganized the court, dismissed and killed usurpers of Le Sat and Le Ngan, and assigned important tasks to people who were loyal. Nguyen Trai, nearly 60 years old by that time, was nominated “<em>Han Lam Vien Thua Chi</em>” to oversee the work of army and people of 2 Eastern and Northern areas. Under Le Thai Tong dynasty, Nguyen Trai continued to show his talents. He advised the King: “<em>You should love and nurture people so that everyone will be happy, there will not be complaints about injustice any more</em>”. He composed <em>The geography book</em> for the King to read in order to improve his knowledge, pride and responsibility for the country. While he was living a peaceful life, suddenly troubles occurred to Nguyen Trai’s life. He suffered from an extremely terrible injustice which was a forever resentment.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In July 1442, Le Thai Tong King paid a visit to the Eastern area and rested in Nguyen Trai’s house in Con Son (Chi Linh, Hai Duong). Nguyen Trai’s wife, Nguyen Thi Lo, was allowed to work as a servant to the King. On the way back to the capital, the King suddenly passed away in Le Chi Vien garden (currently Gia Binh, Bac Ninh). Nguyen Trai was accused of killing the King and was sentenced with “3 generation killed”. With this unjust case of “Litchi Garden”, Nguyen Trai’s life ended on the 16<sup>th</sup> of August 1442.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">More than 10 years later, the youngest son of Le Thai Tong King, Le Tu Thanh came to throne, naming himself Le Thanh Tong. In 1464, Le Thanh Tong King issued a royal proclamation to vindicate for Nguyen Trai, and praised Nguyen Trai “Uc trai’s spirit shines as a star”.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Nguyen Trai left many works including Chinese and Vietnamese scripts but they were lost after the “Le Chi Vien” case. In 1467, Le Thanh Tong King ordered a collection of Nguyen Trai’s literary posthumous manuscript. He was one of the most famous poets of Vietnam in feudal regimes with numerous excellent poems: <em><span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">Quoc am thi tap</span></span>, Uc <span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">Trai thi tap</span></span>, Quan trung tu menh tap, Geographical book, Lam Son thuc luc, Phu nui Chi Linh, Lam Son Vinh lang than dao bi, Ngoc Duong di cao…</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In <span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">1980</span></span>, on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of Nguyen Trai’s birthday (1380-1980), <span style="color: blue; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">UNESCO</span></span>recognized him world cultural celebrity.</span></span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-3983572509584936182011-03-09T06:04:00.000-08:002011-03-09T06:04:12.245-08:00Phung Khac Khoan Trang BungThe 16th century was a special period in Vietnamese history and culture. Despite continuous and fierce wars, there was a blossom of cultural and artistic talents. Among others, Doai area contributed an outstanding person who had many remarkable marks in our nation’s culture and history. His name was Trang Bung Phung Khac Khoan.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Phung Khac Khoan was born in 1528 in Phung xa, normally called Ke Bung, now in Phung Xa commune, Thach That district, Ha Noi. Phung Xa had a “favorable” position, situated on a high area with a lake in front and vast green rice fields behind. Seen from a height, Bung village looks like a giant seal. According to<em>fengshui</em>, this was a supernatural land that gave birth to many mandarins and leaders.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Phung Khac Khoan’s father got the doctorate degree under the Le Dynasty and became chairman of Dong Lan district. Right after his birth, Phung Khac Khoan had an unusual appearance: “a loud voice, beautiful eyes, extraordinary manners and able to use weapons at the age of 5 or 6”. Therefore, his family had a great expectations of him and his father himself trained and educated him. According to folk memories, since Phung Khac Khoan was small he showed his highest intelligence, broad knowledge and was considered the best student of Grand Duke Nguyen Binh Khiem. However, his examinations were all unsuccessful. After decades of hard work, in 1552 Phung Khac Khoan took the examinations held by the Mac, and he only passed the<em>Tam Truong</em> level. He decided to leave his homeland to Thanh Hoa to do his own business.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">During the first years on the new land, he lived lonely and miserably, and earned his living by teaching children from local villages. Legend said that there was an old teacher in a village who was not qualified to teach but had a lot of students. Phung Khac Khoan wrote a funny poem as follows:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Do do binh tuong nga</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">De tu man duong ha</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Uc uc ho van tai</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">De tu bat kien lai</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Phung Khac Khoan played on words profoundly. “<em>Uc uc ho van tai</em>” meant “Literature is brilliant”. But these words sound the same as “<em>do do binh tuong nga</em>” which had no meaning. Those who didn’t learn carefully often read like that by mistake. Phung Khac Khoan intended to ridicule that a bad teacher who read wrong words had a lot of students but a good teacher had no one to follow. Then students left this teacher and came to Phung teacher. The other teacher was very angry and sued Phung Khac Khoan to the Mandarin. The Mandarin judged the case by proposing a topic and forced them to write poems and the one who could finish first would be allowed to teach. The topic was about an ink slab made of oyster shell. Phung Khac Khoan improvised the poem immediately, which made the Mandarin admire to a great extent. The Mandarin immediately invited Phung Khac Khoan to be his literature guest but was refused.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In those days in Thanh Hoa, Phung Khac Khoan met and started to serve Le King - Trinh Lord against the Mac Dynasty to restore the Hau Le Dynasty. In recognition of his support, Le Trang Ton King was very glad and treated Phung Khac Khoan as an adviser. Phung Khac Khoan worked out many schemes to win people’s hearts and attract talented people from surrounding areas. When Mac army rushed to attack Thanh Hoa, although a minor mandarin only, he made significant contributions to Southern Dynasty in this tough defense. After defeating the Mac, he was promoted “<em>Le Khoa Cap Su Trung</em>”. In 1580 when he was 53, he got a second doctorate in the examination held by Le The Tong King (1573-1600).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The war between Southern and Northern Dynasties came to an end with the victory of Le King - Trinh Lord. In mid April 1593, Le The Tong King stepped up to the Court Hall centre in Thang Long Capital, completing the restoration cause of Le dynasty. Thanks to decades of devotion to Le Dynasty, Phung Khac Khoan was awarded with many high titles as “<em>Dac tien Kim tu vinh loc dai phu Tan tri Thua chinh su ty</em>”, “<em>Thanh Hoa Thua chinh</em>”, “<em>Honorary minister of Ministry of Public works</em>”, “<em>Minister of Ministry of Public works</em>” and “<em>Minister of Finance</em>”.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">After returning to Thang Long capital, beside restoring the country and suppressing the remaining Mac force, Le Dynasty had to face with another problem which was the relationship with Ming Dynasty (China). Ming King requested Le King to go to Nam Quan pass for identifying if he was a true Le descendant or a disguised Trinh person. Responding to this request, Le King gave Phung Khac Khoan the responsibility of becoming Ambassador to China at an old age. In 1597, Phung Khac Khoan was appointed Chief envoy, leading a mission of Dai Viet envoys to Ming Dynasty.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Phung Khac Khoan’s trip to China was considered as “long-lasting trip” which was very hard and difficult. For the sake of the royal mission, he tried his best to stand and overcome the scorn with many provoking tricks of Ming officials so that he could finish his important mission.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">He cleverly established relations with Ming officials through a series of typical cultural activities which were literature singing. Furthermore, he was very sophisticated and had a long-term vision in establishing relationships with the Korean and Japanese Ambassadors (Luu Cau) so that he could have them to influence Ming King.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">During the time of acting as ambassador in China, Phung Khac Khoan stood out among well-known people who were respected by Ming King for their literature competence. Legend has it that in his term of working as ambassador in China, on New Year’s Day, Ming King requested each official in the Court and foreign ambassadors to make a congratulatory poem. Everyone made his own poem. Phung Khac Khoan was the only one, without delay, to compose 36 poems with different ideas and words which made Ming King and other people surprised in admiration. Ming King then nominated Phung Khac Khoan “first doctoral candidate” of Ming Dynasty. After that, Ming King organized the printing of a poem collection of “Marigold” that Phung Khac Khoan composed during the period he was living in China. By skillful advocacy through literary activities, diplomatic proposals made by ambassador Phung Khac Khoan were taken into Ming King’s consideration.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Although he made a lot of efforts to advocate for the acknowledgement of Le King, when he knew that Ming Court only conferred the title of “<em>An Nam do ho su</em>" for Le The Ton King, Phung Khac Khoan bravely gave the title back to Ming King on the reason “<em>Le is a descendant of An Nam nation. He is angry with rebellious official of Mac family who seized the throne and can’t stand the thousand-year enmity so he suffered great hardships, tried to restore his ancestor’s inheritance and follow ancestors’ path. That Mac family who was a subject of Le family in Vietnam and killed the King to usurp the throne is guilty; furthermore he secretly sought for Do Thong position. Now My Lord is not guilty as the Mac so why is he conferred with the same title</em>?” With Phung Khac Khoan’s convincing and sharp arguments, Ming King had to promise: “<em>Although your Lord is not compared with Mac family, he just took back the country and people do not completely comply with; therefore, he should accept this title and will later be appointed to a higher position</em>.” This was a great diplomatic victory of Phung Khac Khoan’s envoy delegation.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Phung Khac Khoan’s journey to China had echoing repercussions among contemporary people. Legend handed down many anecdotes from generations to generations both in folk memories and historical books about his journey. The most remarkable story was about the relationship between him and Queen Lieu Hanh.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">After coming back from the trip, Phung Khac Khoan returned to live in his hometown. He had people to repair 2 bridges of Nhat Tieu and Nguyet Tieu next to Sai mountain in front of Thay pagoda. In addition, Phung Khac Khoan had people to make irrigation systems which supplied water for surrounding areas. In the memory of Phung Xa people, Phung Khac Khoan was also honored as the father of silk weaving. He was the person who taught and instructed them how to grow corns and beans which he brought back from China. Phung Khac Khoan died in 1613 at the age of 86.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Phung Khac Khoan left a huge amount of poetry heritages, including Han and Nom works, with the 3 most important works being <em>Ngon chi thi tap, Lam tuyen van</em> and <em>Mai Linh su hoa thi tap</em>. Phung Khac Khoan’ poems represented great ambitions of a man who had to make a reputation in life and at the same time emphasized the importance of books, literature and culture. The remarkable literary pieces are fine as his life itself – a great life for the country and people.</span></span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-10199267396078061952011-03-09T06:03:00.001-08:002011-03-09T06:03:22.727-08:00Ba huyen Thanh Quan - The female poet of Thang LongThe river-wharf of Nghi Tam village overlooking the West Lake is one of the 8 beautiful sceneries of West Lake ("8–scenery West Lake"). On the wharf grew a kind of bamboo with gold trunk called ivory bamboo, so there is a popular saying that goes "Nghi Tam bamboo river-wharf, Yen Thai tropical almond forest." West Lake waves with beautiful sceneries of the homeland had significant influences on the female poet’s soul.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Ba Huyen Thanh Quan</span></em><span style="color: black;">’s real name is Nguyen Thi Hinh, from Nghi Tam village, Thuong ward, Vinh Thuan district (now Quang An Ward, Tay Ho district, Hanoi). Born in a Confucian family, Nguyen Thi Hinh was sent to study literature and very soon showed her gifted literary abilities. When she grew up, she was married to Bachelor of Chinese studies Luu Nguyen On from Nguyet Ang village (now in Thanh Tri district, Hanoi). After the examination, Luu Nguyen On was appointed to be the Governor of Thanh Quan district (now Thai Thuy District, Thai Binh Province), secretary of Ministry of Justice, then <em>Vien ngoai lang</em> until his death in 1847. During the time her husband was a mandarin with many ups and downs, she always stayed close, shared and shouldered her husband family's work. At the same time, experiences of being the wife of a district governor also left important marks in the life and literature of the female poet. Her penname - "<em>Ba Huyen Thanh Quan</em>" literally means “wife of Governor of Thanh Quan district”. Under the reign of Tu Duc King, she was invited to the capital, Hue, as a teacher to train princesses and imperial concubines in the Nguyen royal family.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Legends still tell many anecdotes related to Ba Huyen Thanh Quan when her husband was governing the district. Whenever her husband was absent in the law court, she often received applications and solved them instead. One day a successful examinee at village level submitted a request to kill a buffalo and give a feast to his village. At that time it was the agricultural season and the King’s court issued a ban on killing buffaloes to avoid damaging agricultural cultivation activities. But as a Confucian, Ba Huyen respected the new graduate and also on this occasion she wanted to make fun by literature so she took the pen and wrote 2 sentences in the application<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1pt;">:</span></span></span></span></div><div class="Thogiua" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Not everybody is allowed to do this</span></em></span></span></div><div class="Thogiua" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">It still depends if the new graduate kills the buffalo!</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Another day when her husband went away on business, a woman named Nguyen Thi Dao sued a divorce as her husband fell in love with another woman and treated her badly. Ba Huyen wrote 4 sentences in the application:</span></span></span></div><div class="Thogiua" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Nguyen Thi Dao is to decide her fate</span></em></span></span></div><div class="Thogiua" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">There is no reason for her to wait</span></em></span></span></div><div class="Thogiua" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Youth is not forever there to get</span></em></span></span></div><div class="Thogiua" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Go another man before you get aged.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">These anecdotes circulated among the folks have created her image, who was an intelligent, witty poet with full compassion and thorough understanding of human behaviors and humane spirits. Her poetry fully reflected her personality, and her poems which were handed down are so far hidden, elegant, taciturn verses.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Evening shadow with gently winds always appeared in her poems. That was a homesick evening:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">The sky is dusky with twilight</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">The sound of shellfish is far away with faintly drumming rhythm</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Or the evening shadow on Ngang Pass:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Going to Ngang Pass in the late afternoon sunlight</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Rocks were interspersed with vegetation and leaves with blooms</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Appearing in evening shadows were lonely countryside images:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Several woodcutters are down there at the foot of the mountain</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Some houses are spattered near the river</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">And especially the soul of the person in this desolate evening shadow is extremely lonely:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">A person is in Chuong Dai, the other in a strange land</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Nobody can converse after a long separation</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Among the universal nature, men become lonely, odd and small in the unlimited space:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Please sky, mountains and water stop</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">A single love: me and myself</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Above all, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan is a poet of Thang Long with general writings about the Thang Long (<em>Nostalgic Thang Long Citadel</em>), West Lake hometown in particular (<em>Tran Bac Pagoda, Visiting Tran Quoc Pagoda</em>)<em><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;">…</span></em><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1pt;"> </span>Thang Long-Hanoi as shown in homesick verses of Ba Huyen Thanh Quan is not about beautiful and sparkling sceneries or detailed scenes but in general is just as sad as the poet. <em>Nghi Tam</em> poem recalled a Thang Long capital citadel as the old luxuriant place which was then abandoned.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Old routes with horse carriages are deserted</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">The palace foundation is in setting sun</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Merciful and blaming words burst into plaintive verses:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">The Creator causes whatever theater.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">And she felt pity as she witnessed the hard laws of nature and history:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Looking back at thousands of years of history</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Sceneries and people are both painful.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The poem is not only Ba Huyen Thanh Quan’s own voice, but also the confidence of the entire class of intellectuals in Thang Long before the decline of feudalism. The situation of the country was more and more desolate and bare, and people became more upset as they didn’t dare to fight and couldn’t find a way out, unwilling to accept the current situation, and dreaming to return to what they longed for but these were mere illusions. It is the root cause of the nostalgia, "the melancholy of times" in Ba Huyen Thanh Quan’s poetry.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">However, apart from the pains caused by the changes in the feudal regime and human behaviors, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan also had a passionate love for her home country:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">More dedicated to the country than to alcohol</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Full of wind and moon, life devoted to poems</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Her poems deeply express her love and thoughtful concerns about the country and Thang Long-Hanoi. Perhaps that is the reason why those skeptical and compassionate verses of Ba Huyen Thanh Quan live for a long time. In the history of Vietnamese literature still lived long a female celebrity and female artist of Tay Ho: Ba Huyen Thanh Quan.</span></span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-8174374491290663462011-03-09T06:02:00.001-08:002011-03-09T06:02:43.101-08:00Sieu Deity (Nguyen Van Sieu) - the blooming handwriting of HanoiHe was born in Lu village (now Kim Lu, Kim Giang, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi), however when he was small, his family moved to Giang Nguyen, Co Luong village, Dung Tho ward, Tho Xuong district (now Nguyen Van Sieu Street, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi). His house was built on the bank of the To Lich river, from Cho Gao street to Ngo Gach. This river also passed by Lu village where he was born.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Nguyen Van Sieu was born in 1799, his pen-name is Ton Ban and his pseudonym is Phuong Dinh. When he was a boy, he was famous for his intelligence and literature talent. At the age of 12, Nguyen Van Sieu painted a horizontal lacquered board engraved with Chinese characters and a pair of parallel sentences in his study room. The lacquered board consisted of 2 words “<em>Lac thien</em>” which meant peace and happiness with heaven’s bless. The pair of parallel sentences was as follows:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Dao tai co kim vo khuc kinh</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Thien Da bong tat san cao nhan</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>Learning never has a shortcut</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Cottages often have talented people)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">At the age of 20, Nguyen Van Sieu practised literature exercises at Pham Quy Trich’s house that was famous for “knowledgeabitity”. With the view point of “<em>Dao vo khuc kinh</em>”, he was not hurry to take exams to find ways of becoming a mandarin. Until he was 26, Nguyen Van Sieu prepared to attend an exam. At the first exam, he rewarded A Nguyen (second candidate) in Hanoi Examination Compound. It is said that he actually ranked first but his handwriting was not good enough so he only got the second rank. Later Tu Duc King himself wrote a funny poem about him as follows:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">He is a Deity, but his handwriting is very bad</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">It is so bad that no one can understand</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Should he was only trying to expel the demons</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Then it could do good to the royal.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1838, Nguyen Van Sieu attended the doctor exam in Hue and won the junior place. He was appointed to the position to make thorough self-criticism in the Academy. When Trieu Thi came to the throne, Nguyen Van Sieu was trusted and appointed <em>Thua Chi</em>. Then he concurrently held the position of royal commentator responsible for teaching princes of Hong Bao and Hong Nham.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1847, Hong Nham prince was enthroned and became Tu Duc King. Nguyen Van Sieu was sent for the annual tribute to Thanh dynasty. When he came back, he submitted to Tu Duc King “<em>Van ly tap dich trinh tau thao”</em> (Set of reporting documents) and was promoted to be the university scholar in Tap Hien academy. Next year he continued to be promoted as Ha Tinh judge and then Hung Yen judge and concurrently held the position of the Chief of Hung Yen.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">When he was Ha Tinh judge, once he went through a village famous for literature in Ky Anh district, Confucian scholars in the village wanted to try with his talent so they assigned a farmer to welcome him on a road and said that “I am not so lucky because my parents died on the same day. Now that you, the great mandarin, pass by today, I would like to ask for a couple of parallel sentences to worship them”. Simultaneously, a person brought a desk with paper, ink slab and pen on top.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Nguyen Van Sieu agreed to write for the farmer but he required good paper and pen. The farmer must find these. While waiting for the farmer, he worked out the parallel sentences:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">“Dinh tien Dong truc giao phu, xung co diec xung ai, bat thang Dia tham thien sau, cuu tu cu lao vi bao;</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black; letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">Tuyen ha sat cam tich ho, bat quan diec bat qua, y gia son minh hai the, bach nien chi uoc mac vong”.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(In the front yard, mourning for his parents, say “yes” then “who”, how afflicted the land and grieved heaven are, the children have not had enough chance to show their gratefulness</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In the second world, missing their children, being no “official” nor “fruit”, how emotional the dates and swears are, the parents will never forget the wishes they make for their children.)</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The parallel sentences were very excellent and appropriate with the situation. It both described the sadness of the child losing his parents and consoled the living person as well as the deaths. These sentences made Nghe Tinh Confucian scholars admire and respect the judge who was famous for his knowledgeability in the capital city.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">It can be seen that Nguyen Van Sieu nurtured compassion during his mandarin time. He didn’t like to “mix the light with the dust of life” but he couldn’t “follow examples of old people to overcome the ways of this world”. Thus, with offensive things in the mandarinate Nguyen Van Sieu chose to “withdraw” to “survive”. In 1854 he resigned and came back to his hometown to teach children, compiled books and wrote poems.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Nguyen Van Sieu left many manuscripts, including millions of pages in many fields such as literature, history, geography and philosophy. After he passed away, his students collected all his works and organized to carve, print and publish, including <em>Geographical book, Historical book, Praying book, Essays, Van ly anthology, Phuong dinh collected poems, Phuong dinh anthology....</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">His works prove that Nguyen Van Sieu was a serious and careful scholar with valuable scientific methods and many discoveries. His literature was very tough but fresh, strong but sophisticated, serious but stylist. Many of his poems reflected truly miserable situations of farmers. Besides, he left many poems which were full of grieved reflections of a retired official, sympathetic with the misery of people and sharing with their simple happiness.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">He was born and grew up in Hanoi so local sceneries were fully reflected in his poems. At night when enjoying the moonlight on Nhi River bank, there were spacious Tay Ho scenes or Ho Guom scene from the bell-tower of Ngoc Son Temple:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Nhat tran trung phu Dia</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Truong lưu Dao tai thien</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Ngu chu xuan tong khach</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Hoi trao tuc hoa bien</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>Like a cup inside the float land</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Running water brings the sky through</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Singing boats take guests in the spring</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Coming back to sleep beside the flower.)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Nguyen Van Sieu was not only loved by Thang Long-Hanoians because of his talents in poems and literature but also for his significant contribution to Thang Long. In 1865 he contributed to establish Thang Long-Hanoi image which was very romantic, attractive and intellectual with the beauty of Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem lake, The Huc bridge - curly as a red silk to welcome sunlight in the early morning, and Dai Nghien and Thap But which rose steadily as to write to the blue sky (<em>Ta thien thanh</em>).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Being a very confidential person with the country, a pure poet with high morality, profound knowledge and sensitive poetic soul, he deserved to have an important position in the Vietnamese literature and culture of the 19<sup>th</sup> century.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.2pt;">Cao Ba Quat – the “Saint” of “eccentric poems”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In the 19<sup>th</sup> century, the couple of “Sieu Deity” (Nguyen Van Sieu) and “Saint Quat” (Cao Ba Quat) was very famous in Thang Long-Hanoi literature. Their literature talents won a lot of praise from Tu Duc King:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">“<em>Van nhu Sieu, Quat vo Tien Han</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Thi Dao Tung, Tuy that Thinh Duong</span></em><span style="color: black;">”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(As compared with literary style of Nguyen Van Sieu and Cao Ba Quat, Tien Han’s literature is not remarkable; as compared with poetry of Tung Thien Vuong and Tuy Ly Vuong, Thinh Duong’s poetry is nothing).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Cao Ba Quat was born in 1809 in Phu Thi village (now Phu Thi village, Phu Thi commune, Gia Lam district, Hanoi) and grew up in Dinh Ngang area, the Southern part of Thang Long. His family has a long tradition of competition-examination, with great mandarins holding various important positions in the court such as Minister Cao Duong Trac in Le Trung Hung’s time and Deputy Headmaster Cao Huy Dieu in Gia Long King’s time. However his father, Cao Tuu Chieu, was only a knowledgeable Confucian and teacher.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">When he was small, Cao Ba Quat was famous for his intelligence and excellence. In 1832, Cao Ba Quat attended <em>Hoi</em> examination for many times but he could not pass because of violating examination regulations. Legend has it that, in an examination paper of Cao Ba Quat, there were often 4 forms of writing as <em>Chan, Thao, Trien, Le</em>, so he often failed.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">After 10 years of unsuccessful examinations, until 1841 Cao Ba Quat was recalled to Hue capital and appointed as a low-ranking mandarin in the Ministry of Rites. In August, 1841 he was appointed to be the mandarin of primary examination in Thua Thien Examination Compound. While being an examiner, he found some exam papers which were good but profanated tabooed names. So he and his friends tried to help correct them. This was disclosed and Cao Ba Quat was sentenced to death. Later the case was re-considered and he was dismissed and imprisoned for 3 years.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1847, Cao Ba Quat was invited to work in the Academy of Hue Court and focused on collecting literature. So moved by the support of two royal members, namely Tung Thien Vuong and Tuy Ly Vuong, he took part in <em>Mac Van thi xa, </em>a literary association established by these 2 men.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Although taking part in the mandarinate, Cao Ba Quat was still poor and he lived in a cottage with worn-out clothes. He was truly sympathized with down-and-out people:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Please keep the tears inside</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Have a meal with me to be happy</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">People’s life lasts long as in a boarding house</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">No one dares to say his peacefulness all life.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">With very upright, chivalrous and intelligent personality, Cao Ba Quat chose for himself the “eccentric” lifestyle, which was against flatters and humbles of many mandarins at the time.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Legend has it that Cao Ba Quat used his poetry talents to sharply insult a village mayor who always take advantage of the poor:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">It’s a good that the elephant statues are made</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">With the head, tail and trunk all in place</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">But there is something missing still...</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Is it because the village mayor cuts it out?</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">There is an interesting folk story about Cao Ba Quat. On a certain Tet holiday, 2 people asked Cao Ba Quat for 2 parallel sentences to hang in their house: the person who made coffin came first, and a pregnant woman came later. He gave the man a pair of parallel sentences as follows:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Thien thiem tue nguyet, nhan thiem THO</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Xuan man can khon, phuc man DUONG</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>The more months and years fly away, the older people get</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Spring is all over the universe, good fortune is with all families.)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">These parallel sentences were very unique, sophisticated and skilful because in the past old people often used "<em>co Tho Duong</em>" to call the coffin.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Then Cao Ba Quat also gave the pregnant woman the same parallel sentences, with only the last word of each sentence deleted.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Thien thiem tue nguyet, nhan thiem</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Xuan mãn can khon, phuc mãn</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>The more months and years fly away, more people live</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Spring is all over the universe, good fortune is full for the family.)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Regarding his talents in making parallel sentences, Tu Duc King was also ashamed by Cao Ba Quat. One day, Tu Duc King thought of a couple of parallel sentences:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Tu nang thua phu nghiep</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Than kha bao quan an</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>Children should follow their parents</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Subjects must be grateful to the King)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The King was very pleased with these sentences, and requested to write them and hang up in Can Chanh palace in Hue citadel and showed them to mandarins in the court. All the mandarins looked at them and highly appreciated, except for Cao Ba Quat, who after reading the sentences also praised “<em>Toi hao! Toi hao</em>!” (Very good! Very good!), and then turned away and mumbled “(but) <em>shifty constant obligations of morality</em>!”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Tu Duc King heard that and was very angry. He called Cao Ba Quat in to question about his comments. Cao Ba Quat explained: “In the first sentence, the word “<em>tu</em>” (child) stood before the word “<em>phu</em>” (father), it sounds like the child is at a higher level than the father. In the second sentence, the word “<em>than</em>” (subject) stood before the word “<em>quan</em>” (King), it also seems that the subject is at a higher level than the King. Moreover, the 2 words of <em>phu and tu</em> were wrote before the 2 words of <em>quan and than, </em>which went against rules and order. Thus, were the constant obligations of morality shifty? (the parallel sentences were written from the top to the bottom and from the right to the left).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The argument of Cao Ba Quat was right so Tu Duc King couldn’t accuse him. The King asked him to correct the parallel sentences, so he immediately rearranged the order of these words and had new parallel sentences:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Quan an, than kha bao</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Phu nghiep, tu nang thua</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>King’s favor: subjects should be grateful</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Family’s tradition: children should succeed).</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Only by reversing the position of the 2 sentences and words in each sentence, Cao Ba Quat could correct the King’s parallel sentences to the right order in constant obligations of morality. Tu Duc King was very displeased with Cao Ba Quat but he must “recognize” his talents, since the constant obligations of morality were ensured and the King’s ideas were kept unchanged in the sentences revised by Cao Ba Quat.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Tu Duc was a knowledgeable King who liked literature and often showed off his poems to mandarins in the court. One day at the end of an audience, Tu Duc King told his subjects: “Last night, I had a dream of making 2 strange poetry sentences, let me read for you.” Then he cited:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Vien trung oanh chuyen "khe kha" ngu</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Da ngoai Dao hoa "lam tam" khai</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">(In the garden, oriole “drunken” sings</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Outside, peach blossom “bead” blooms)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">This poetry style was am mixture of both Han and Nom languages so all mandarins felt very strange, except for Cao Bao Quat who was there and calmly said: “<em>I already heard these sentence since I was a small boy. However, I heard all 8 sentences, and if permitted I would read them all for you.”</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Tu Duc King was so proud of the 2 strange poetry sentences that he composed himself that he was taken aback by Cao Ba Quat. Tu Duc King then ordered Cao Ba Quat to read the whole poem, and if he couldn’t, he would be strictly punished for having disgraced the King and the court.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Cao Ba Quat thought for a while as to remember a poet which he hadn’t read for a long time and recited:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Bao ma tay phuong huech hoac lai,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Huenh hoang nhan tu thac De hoi.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Vien trung oanh chuyen khe kha ngu,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Da ngoai Dao hoa lam tam khai.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Xuan nhat bat van suong lop bop,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Thu thien chi kien vu bai nhai.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Khu kho thi tu Da nhan thuc,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Khenh khang tuong lai van tu tai.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>A precious horse returning from the West</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">People grandiloquently come back.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">In the garden, oriole “drunken” sings</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Outside, peach blossom “bead” blooms</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">In spring but there is no clapping dew</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">In autumn, there is only sprinkling rain</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Foolish poems, many people know</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">It’s awkward to ask whether students know)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The poem was completely recited, and the mandarins looked at one another in surprise. Tu Duc King knew that Cao Ba Quat played a trick on him but he was also surprised and admired Cao Ba Quat. The King immediately rewarded him tea and cinnamon, but he was forced to tell the truth that he made up the additional 6 sentences.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1851, after several times of expressing his little and scorn thoughts about the court and defied Tu Duc King, Cao Ba Quat was sent into exile and taught in Quoc Oai (formerly Ha Tay, now Hanoi). So repressed and deposed, Cao Ba Quat wrote a couple of parallel sentences and hung up in front of his door:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">An empty house with 3 rooms</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">One teacher, one woman, one female dog</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Several students</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Half human, half idiot, and half ape.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">After that, Cao Ba Quat sent his resignation letter and lived in seclusion. He later took part in the uprising of Le Duy Cu, who belonged to Le descent, against the Nguyen dynasty in 1854, as a teacher of princes. The uprising occurred in My Luong (Ha Tay, now Hanoi), and later expanded to Ung Hoa and Thanh Oai districts. In Ha Nam, the insurgent army occupied Kim Bang district. At the beginning of 1855, Cao Ba Quat commanded the insurgent army to fight in Yen Son district and died in the battle. Tu Duc King punished him by ordering to kill 3 generations of his family.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">After Cao Ba Quat’s families were killed, his works were banned to publish, withdrawn and destroyed. However, until now Cao Ba Quat’s works still were preserved, including <em>Cao Ba Quat poem collection</em>,<em>Cao Chu than posthumous manuscript</em>, <em>Cao Chu than poem collection</em>, <em>Man Hien poem collection</em>…</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Cao Ba Quat didn’t accept to “rely on his wife and children until death”, and didn’t follow old people to live in seclusion as Nguyen Binh Khiem either, nor didn’t let evil people harm himself as Nguyen Trai. He stood up against evils and dared do things which famous scholars never thought of. All his life, this chivalrous person, a “sage poet”, only hung his head before apricot blossoms (<em>nhat sinh De thu bai mai hoa).</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">It can be said that during their time Nguyen Van Sieu and Cao Ba Quat were totally different. The life of “Saint Quat” was a long and pathetic story. People loved, admired and called him a “Sage poet”. Maybe, Cao Ba Quat was one of the most eccentric sage poets in Hanoi.</span></span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-26806574949839998882011-03-09T06:01:00.001-08:002011-03-09T06:01:46.582-08:00Cao Ba Quat - the "Sain" of "eccentric poems"In the 19th century, the couple of “Sieu Deity” (Nguyen Van Sieu) and “Saint Quat” (Cao Ba Quat) was very famous in Thang Long-Hanoi literature. Their literature talents won a lot of praise from Tu Duc King:<br />
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<a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">“<em>Van nhu Sieu, Quat vo Tien Han</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Thi Dao Tung, Tuy that Thinh Duong</span></em><span style="color: black;">”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(As compared with literary style of Nguyen Van Sieu and Cao Ba Quat, Tien Han’s literature is not remarkable; as compared with poetry of Tung Thien Vuong and Tuy Ly Vuong, Thinh Duong’s poetry is nothing).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Cao Ba Quat was born in 1809 in Phu Thi village (now Phu Thi village, Phu Thi commune, Gia Lam district, Hanoi) and grew up in Dinh Ngang area, the Southern part of Thang Long. His family has a long tradition of competition-examination, with great mandarins holding various important positions in the court such as Minister Cao Duong Trac in Le Trung Hung’s time and Deputy Headmaster Cao Huy Dieu in Gia Long King’s time. However his father, Cao Tuu Chieu, was only a knowledgeable Confucian and teacher.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">When he was small, Cao Ba Quat was famous for his intelligence and excellence. In 1832, Cao Ba Quat attended <em>Hoi</em> examination for many times but he could not pass because of violating examination regulations. Legend has it that, in an examination paper of Cao Ba Quat, there were often 4 forms of writing as <em>Chan, Thao, Trien, Le</em>, so he often failed.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">After 10 years of unsuccessful examinations, until 1841 Cao Ba Quat was recalled to Hue capital and appointed as a low-ranking mandarin in the Ministry of Rites. In August, 1841 he was appointed to be the mandarin of primary examination in Thua Thien Examination Compound. While being an examiner, he found some exam papers which were good but profanated tabooed names. So he and his friends tried to help correct them. This was disclosed and Cao Ba Quat was sentenced to death. Later the case was re-considered and he was dismissed and imprisoned for 3 years.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1847, Cao Ba Quat was invited to work in the Academy of Hue Court and focused on collecting literature. So moved by the support of two royal members, namely Tung Thien Vuong and Tuy Ly Vuong, he took part in <em>Mac Van thi xa, </em>a literary association established by these 2 men.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Although taking part in the mandarinate, Cao Ba Quat was still poor and he lived in a cottage with worn-out clothes. He was truly sympathized with down-and-out people:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Please keep the tears inside</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Have a meal with me to be happy</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">People’s life lasts long as in a boarding house</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">No one dares to say his peacefulness all life.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">With very upright, chivalrous and intelligent personality, Cao Ba Quat chose for himself the “eccentric” lifestyle, which was against flatters and humbles of many mandarins at the time.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Legend has it that Cao Ba Quat used his poetry talents to sharply insult a village mayor who always take advantage of the poor:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">It’s a good that the elephant statues are made</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">With the head, tail and trunk all in place</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">But there is something missing still...</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Is it because the village mayor cuts it out?</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">There is an interesting folk story about Cao Ba Quat. On a certain Tet holiday, 2 people asked Cao Ba Quat for 2 parallel sentences to hang in their house: the person who made coffin came first, and a pregnant woman came later. He gave the man a pair of parallel sentences as follows:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Thien thiem tue nguyet, nhan thiem THO</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Xuan man can khon, phuc man DUONG</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><em><span style="color: black;">The more months and years fly away, the older people get</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Spring </span><span style="color: black;">is all over the universe, good fortune is with all families.)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">These parallel sentences were very unique, sophisticated and skilful because in the past old people often used "<em>co Tho Duong</em>" to call the coffin.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Then Cao Ba Quat also gave the pregnant woman the same parallel sentences, with only the last word of each sentence deleted.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Thien thiem tue nguyet, nhan thiem</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Xuan mãn can khon, phuc mãn</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(</span><em><span style="color: black;">The more months and years fly away, more people live</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Spring </span><span style="color: black;">is all over the universe, good fortune is full for the family.)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Regarding his talents in making parallel sentences, Tu Duc King was also ashamed by Cao Ba Quat. One day, Tu Duc King thought of a couple of parallel sentences:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Tu nang thua phu nghiep</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Than kha bao quan an</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>Children should follow their parents</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Subjects must be grateful to the King)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The King was very pleased with these sentences, and requested to write them and hang up in Can Chanh palace in Hue citadel and showed them to mandarins in the court. All the mandarins looked at them and highly appreciated, except for Cao Ba Quat, who after reading the sentences also praised “<em>Toi hao! Toi hao</em>!” (Very good! Very good!), and then turned away and mumbled “(but) <em>shifty constant obligations of morality</em>!”</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Tu Duc King heard that and was very angry. He called Cao Ba Quat in to question about his comments. Cao Ba Quat explained: “In the first sentence, the word “<em>tu</em>” (child) stood before the word “<em>phu</em>” (father), it sounds like the child is at a higher level than the father. In the second sentence, the word “<em>than</em>” (subject) stood before the word “<em>quan</em>” (King), it also seems that the subject is at a higher level than the King. Moreover, the 2 words of <em>phu and tu</em> were wrote before the 2 words of <em>quan and than, </em>which went against rules and order. Thus, were the constant obligations of morality shifty? (the parallel sentences were written from the top to the bottom and from the right to the left).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The argument of Cao Ba Quat was right so Tu Duc King couldn’t accuse him. The King asked him to correct the parallel sentences, so he immediately rearranged the order of these words and had new parallel sentences:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Quan an, than kha bao</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Phu nghiep, tu nang thua</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>King’s favor: subjects should be grateful</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Family’s tradition: children should succeed).</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Only by reversing the position of the 2 sentences and words in each sentence, Cao Ba Quat could correct the King’s parallel sentences to the right order in constant obligations of morality. Tu Duc King was very displeased with Cao Ba Quat but he must “recognize” his talents, since the constant obligations of morality were ensured and the King’s ideas were kept unchanged in the sentences revised by Cao Ba Quat.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Tu Duc was a knowledgeable King who liked literature and often showed off his poems to mandarins in the court. One day at the end of an audience, Tu Duc King told his subjects: “Last night, I had a dream of making 2 strange poetry sentences, let me read for you.” Then he cited:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Vien trung oanh chuyen "khe kha" ngu</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Da ngoai Dao hoa "lam tam" khai</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">(In the garden, oriole “drunken” sings</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Outside, peach blossom “bead” blooms)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">This poetry style was am mixture of both Han and Nom languages so all mandarins felt very strange, except for Cao Bao Quat who was there and calmly said: “<em>I already heard these sentence since I was a small boy. However, I heard all 8 sentences, and if permitted I would read them all for you.”</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Tu Duc King was so proud of the 2 strange poetry sentences that he composed himself that he was taken aback by Cao Ba Quat. Tu Duc King then ordered Cao Ba Quat to read the whole poem, and if he couldn’t, he would be strictly punished for having disgraced the King and the court.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Cao Ba Quat thought for a while as to remember a poet which he hadn’t read for a long time and recited:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Bao ma tay phuong huech hoac lai,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Huenh hoang nhan tu thac De hoi.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Vien trung oanh chuyen khe kha ngu,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Da ngoai Dao hoa lam tam khai.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Xuan nhat bat van suong lop bop,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Thu thien chi kien vu bai nhai.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Khu kho thi tu Da nhan thuc,</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Khenh khang tuong lai van tu tai.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: none; background-origin: initial; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat repeat; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">(<em>A precious horse returning from the West</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">People grandiloquently come back.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">In the garden, oriole “drunken” sings</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Outside, peach blossom “bead” blooms</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">In spring but there is no clapping dew</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">In autumn, there is only sprinkling rain</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Foolish poems, many people know</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">It’s awkward to ask whether students know)</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The poem was completely recited, and the mandarins looked at one another in surprise. Tu Duc King knew that Cao Ba Quat played a trick on him but he was also surprised and admired Cao Ba Quat. The King immediately rewarded him tea and cinnamon, but he was forced to tell the truth that he made up the additional 6 sentences.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1851, after several times of expressing his little and scorn thoughts about the court and defied Tu Duc King, Cao Ba Quat was sent into exile and taught in Quoc Oai (formerly Ha Tay, now Hanoi). So repressed and deposed, Cao Ba Quat wrote a couple of parallel sentences and hung up in front of his door:</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">An empty house with 3 rooms</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">One teacher, one woman, one female dog</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Several students</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em><span style="color: black;">Half human, half idiot, and half ape.</span></em></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">After that, Cao Ba Quat sent his resignation letter and lived in seclusion. He later took part in the uprising of Le Duy Cu, who belonged to Le descent, against the Nguyen dynasty in 1854, as a teacher of princes. The uprising occurred in My Luong (Ha Tay, now Hanoi), and later expanded to Ung Hoa and Thanh Oai districts. In Ha Nam, the insurgent army occupied Kim Bang district. At the beginning of 1855, Cao Ba Quat commanded the insurgent army to fight in Yen Son district and died in the battle. Tu Duc King punished him by ordering to kill 3 generations of his family.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">After Cao Ba Quat’s families were killed, his works were banned to publish, withdrawn and destroyed. However, until now Cao Ba Quat’s works still were preserved, including <em>Cao Ba Quat poem collection</em>,<em>Cao Chu than posthumous manuscript</em>, <em>Cao Chu than poem collection</em>, <em>Man Hien poem collection</em>…</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Cao Ba Quat didn’t accept to “rely on his wife and children until death”, and didn’t follow old people to live in seclusion as Nguyen Binh Khiem either, nor didn’t let evil people harm himself as Nguyen Trai. He stood up against evils and dared do things which famous scholars never thought of. All his life, this chivalrous person, a “sage poet”, only hung his head before apricot blossoms (<em>nhat sinh De thu bai mai hoa).</em></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">It can be said that during their time Nguyen Van Sieu and Cao Ba Quat were totally different. The life of “Saint Quat” was a long and pathetic story. People loved, admired and called him a “Sage poet”. Maybe, Cao Ba Quat was one of the most eccentric sage poets in Hanoi.</span></span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-26679954158679839012011-03-09T06:00:00.000-08:002011-03-09T06:00:47.767-08:00Bach Thai Buoi - the "King of ships" in Hanoi citadelIn early 20th century, Hanoians named "4 tigers" of the then Trang An land: "the first is Si, the second Phuong, the third Xuong, and the fourth Buoi". The fourth person was a businessman named Bach Thai Buoi, one of the most wealthy and successful businessmen in Hanoi. He was well- known for many different names, including "Northern Sea Lord" and "King of ships". The empty-handed Bach Thai Buoi had the rare courage to get rich.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Bach Thai Buoi was born in 1874 in An Phu village, Thanh Tri district, Hanoi, in a poor peasant family surnamed Do. Since his father died early, he had to help his mother earn a living by working as a street vendor. Then a wealthy man from the rich Bach family adopted him and sent him to school. He then changed his surname from Do to Bach. After spending some time to learn Vietnamese and French, he dropped out to work as a clerk for a French trading company on Trang Tien street.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1894, Bach Thai Buoi quit and started working for a factory of a civil engineering firm. Here he was firstly exposed, acquired knowledge of machinery, organization and production management. He soon gained a reputation in this new field.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1895, Bach Thai Buoi was selected by the Office of the Resident Superior in North Vietnam as an introducer for products originating from the protected North Vietnam in Bordeaux Fair (France). On this occasion, he had the chance to directly contact with the Western civilization.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">He returned to the country when the French colonialist pushed up the first colonial exploitation and the construction of bridges, ports and roads were intensified. In Hanoi, the colonial government was building the Long Bien bridge. Bach Thai Buoi applied for the position of supervisor at the bridge construction site. Then in order to supply raw wood materials for the colonial government to build railway routes, Bach Thai Buoi entered into a venture with a French person to exploit and sell timber to the Indochina railway department and some traders and house builders. This wood business achieved a great success, "profits are some ten thousand <em>dong</em> so people who contribute the capital can share the profit together." Since then Bach Thai Buoi was known as "the modern businessman who just returned from the Fair", and was considered a Vietnamese who could "do business just as well as Western people."</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">After 3 years of business, he became rich. Bach Thai Buoi bravely separated with his partner and run his own business to invest capital in trading corn for export. However he started doing business with corn when there was a crop failure, causing the price of corn to rise, which resulted in purchasing insufficient quantities as contracted and he suffered heavy losses. After that deal, Bach Thai Buoi was again empty-handed, however he also gained the first lesson in the market.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Overcoming initial difficulties, Bach Thai Buoi decided to invest the remaining capital in a tender of a Chinese pawnshop in Nam Dinh and won. Then he continuously expanded his business, tendered market taxes in Vinh (1906-1913) and Nam Dinh (1906 - 1909), made wine in Thai Binh, opened a restaurant in Thanh Hoa (1907- 1909), shared capital to open Dong Kinh printing, and established Khai Hoa newspaper. In particular, he invested in mining coal in Bi Cho (Quang Yen, now in Quang Ninh province).</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Realizing the potential development of waterway transport and high trading demands in the North and with encouragement of the movement "commerce and industry make the country prosper and boost trading", Bach Thai Buoi invested all his capital into a new business area which was riverway transportation. Initially, he leased 3 ships (Phi Phung, Phi Long and Khoai Tu Long) of a shipping company named AR Marty (France) to carry mail and passengers on river routes in the Northern area, with 2 ships running the Nam Dinh-Hanoi route, and the other bridging Nam Dinh-Vinh-Ben Thuy.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">"The first step is the hardest", and when Bach Thai Buoi started his business in this field, Chinese and French merchants still dominated the transportation market. Chinese and French merchants associated together in order to crush a new competitor in the market named Bach Thai Buoi. The competition was very fierce, firstly in train fares. Bach Thai Buoi decided to lower the ticket price, and his Chinese competitors immediately reduced their price by twice that much. The fare of Hanoi-Nam Dinh river route initially was 3-4 dimes/person, then down to only 3-5 penny/person. The fee for a whole rice ship was only equal to that for a rice sack before. Beside the ticket price, the two competitors continuously refurbished their train and improved the quality of passenger services on board. However, the Chinese ship-owners who had more capital were determined to beat Bach Thai Buoi by all ways. In the fierce competition, Bach Thai Buoi was on the verge of going bankrupt. The turnover of Bach Thai Buoi’s 3 ships was only about 15-20 <em>dong</em> per month, not enough for monthly rental costs. During a long time, Bach Thai Buoi struggled to look for responding strategies to stand steady against market troubles.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Finally, he found an extremely advantageous way, a weapon which the Chinese and French could not ever have. Bach Thai Buoi said "An Nam people could be for An Nam’s sake, if you know admonishing ways you can also take the advantage of the solidarity of local people that can effectively help my competition”. With strong national spirits and belief, Bach Thai Buoi quickly reversed the situation by "his business talents". He sent people to ports to deliver speeches, advocate and analyze, clearly stating the disadvantages of Vietnamese people and calling for "the united solidarity" and mutual spirits. He hung a tin on the ship, so that when someone found that his work should be encouraged they could put money into the tin to help the ship owner reduce losses. As a result, passengers gradually left Chinese ships to use Vietnamese ones. He was therefore able to make full rental payments, and even bought the 3 ships from Marty company. He successfully used the national spirits as an effective weapon to defeat the competitors.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">On the momentum of victory, in 1912 Bach Thai Buoi started to open new ship routes from Nam Dinh to Hai Phong - a route with enormous potential development. During that time, the world was experiencing many changes, which had direct impacts on the business throughout colonial countries. The Second World War caused a number of French and Chinese traders to go bankrupt. Taking advantage of such opportunities, Bach Thai Buoi acquired the fleets of Marty d'Abbadie company and Desch Wander company. The names of ships defeated and bought by Bach Thai Buoi were posted publicly on the walls of his office.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1915, with his broad vision, Bach Thai Buoi decided to buy the ship repairing and building factory of AR Marty company, one of the first shipyards in Hai Phong. After 11 years of doing business on rivers, Bach Thai Buoi had created a complete business cycle from running to building and repairing ships and branches were located in many places. His transportation team was up to 20 passenger ships or cargos for renting to run all over river routes in the Northern and the Central parts.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">In 1916, Bach Thai Buoi moved his headquarters from Nam Dinh to Hai Phong where he founded the maritime company named Giang Hai Luan Bach Thai Buoi. He used new Vietnamese names such as Lac Long, Hong Bang, Trung Trac, Dinh Tien Hoang, Le Loi and Ham Nghi for the ships bought from foreign competitors. In an economic conference, due to his advocacy for the rights of local people in colonial countries, Bach Thai Buoi made French officers frustrated and they threatened him. Resident Superior of the Northern Vietnam René Robin cursed that <em>“Wherever there is Robin, there will be no Bach Thai Buoi”.</em>He chivalrously responded that “This nation exists Bach Thai Buoi then Robin no longer exists”.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">With his great successes in business, Bach Thai Buoi was well-known as "North River Lord" or "King of ships." He set up branches everywhere in Nam Dinh, Hai Phong, Vinh and Hanoi. Bach Thai Buoi’s company began to expand its business throughout Indochina and other neighboring countries like Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapore and the Philippines.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The early years of the 20<sup>th</sup> century were the most prosperous period of Bach Thai Buoi’s company. He increased promotion for his company by publishing schedules or using Nom poetry to advertise on Nam Phong magazine and Khai Hoa newspaper. During this period, Bach Thai Buoi company had over 40 ships and barges running in all routes of the Northern Vietnam to neighboring countries and territories with as many as 2,500 people working on the fleets and at the shipyards under the control of a manager named Nguyen Van Phuc, a confidant of Bach Thai Buoi.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">The most glorious period of Bach Thai Buoi’s company was when he won the bid for the ship Anbe Sarraut. Owning this ship, he considered that "Saigon to be taken as the headquarters for rice ships and cargos to the Philippines and unloading there, then putting American groceries of the native country to sell in Huong Cang and Shanghai. These goods to be loaded and brought to Haiphong, and later to the South through the Far East area, wiping out all risks of leaving the ships running empty”. His consideration was so thorough that “every benefit from rivers belongs to the Bach family”.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Along with his transportation business and repairing facilities, Bach Thai Buoi conducted regular maintenance, refurbished worn-out ships, built a lot of sea-river ships, and organized the building of sea ships with the participation of Vietnamese workers and engineers.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">On September 7, 1919 Bach Thai Buoi’s company launched Binh Chuan ship in Cua Cam (Hai Phong), which was completely designed and constructed by Vietnamese people. Binh Chuan was 42m long, 7.2m wide and 3.6m high, with a tonnage of 600 tons using a compound 450-horsepower engine, steam capacity of 8m3 and a velocity of 8 knots/hr. Binh Chuan ship ran the first trip from Hai Phong to Saigon seaport on September 17, 1920 at the warmly welcome of Saigon’s traders. This event was considered the symbol of "the movement to promote the industry and commerce" of Vietnamese bourgeois at that time.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">From 1926, due to the incident that An Nam ship carrying 150 tons of cement sank and cost 60,000 <em>dong</em> in damage, Bach Thai Buoi’s business activities started deteriorating. In 1929, the world economic crisis began to have strong impacts on Bach Thai Buoi’s business. He had to demolish the entire ship repairing facilities, and then his company declared bankruptcy. Therefore his marine business ended. He sought to invest in coal mining areas. However, the business was not thriving.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Through Bach Thai Buoi’s enrichment aspirations, the competition and discontent of Vietnamese people against foreign powers can be clearly seen. Despite of regular contact with French people and efforts to learn advanced techniques of Western countries, Bach Thai Buoi always showed the national spirits in his business activities.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Perhaps Bach Thai Buoi’s second most important contribution to the maritime business was the culture business. He invested in establishing “Bach Thai Buoi printing and publishing company " (later named Dong Kinh printing shop). In 1921, Bach Thai Buoi launched a daily newspaper called <em>Khai Hoa Daily News</em> with the principle "The first thing is to help our people self-civilize and teach one another ... opening ways of developing industry and commerce. Second is to present practical and legitimate requirements of residential people to the protected Government. Third is to express ideas, benefits and bad effects of what the Government is doing...". <em>Khai Hoa Daily News </em>had<em> </em>rolled out 22 daily issues before it was banned. The ultimate goal of the industry and commerce movement launched and encouraged by Bach Thai Buoi was to make local people become rich "because only if the residents are rich, the nation can be better-off”.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">Bach Thai Buoi also nurtured various great plans as building a rice grinding mill in Nam Dinh with advanced equipment bought from Hamburg (Germany), establishing sewage systems, constructing water supply plants and power plant for Nam Dinh city, and building Nam Dinh - Hai Phong railway routes... However, he was not able to realize these plans. Bach Thai Buoi passed away on July 22, 1932 in Hai Phong after a heart attack when he was 58 years old.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">It can be asserted that Bach Thai Buoi was a shining example of businessmen in Vietnam. These strict principles in the market such as "commodity association", "commercial partnership", "real credit," "being patient”, "being determined", “being focused”, "commercial study", "communications”, "savings" and "respecting domestic goods" was assessed to cover 10 fundamental defects of Vietnamese firms that Luong Van Can had indicated.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 6pt; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><span style="color: black;">When judging him, Khai Tri Tien Duc Association considered Bach Thai Buoi a great person in the North, a hero on the marketplace with his life worth to be showed nationwide and his career a mirror for traders to follow. In an article in Dong Thanh magazine, Ung Hoe Nguyen Van To in the Association of Vietnamese script popularization honored Bach Thai Buoi as the first hero in the national economy.</span></span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-54991666052666127122011-03-07T21:14:00.001-08:002011-03-07T21:14:48.262-08:00Craftsman Nguyen Ba Muu: Who brings dried flowers to artIn Ha Noi capital, when talking about flowers and decorative plants, people always think about well-known flower villages, such as Ngoc Ha, Nhat Tan, Tay Tuu and Me Linh. But in the field of making dried flower, only name was mentioned. He is the craftsman Nguyen Ba Muu. He is the vanguard in making dried flowers and using them to create vivid and colorful pictures.<br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>Self-made man</strong></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Nguyen Ba Muu became an orphan when he was a child, so at the beginning, his business was not as smooth as that of other recent prosperous people. Graduating from the Department of Cultivation, Agricultural University, he had much experience in plants and flowers, which helped him a lot in his later work.</span></span></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;"><img border="0" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/image001.jpg" /></div><div align="center" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><em>Craftsman Nguyễn Bá Mưu, photo by Ngọc Linh</em></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The idea of drying flowers and using them to create pictures came to him unexpectedly. Nearly 40 years ago, several Japanese clients asked him to help them import Vietnamese dried flowers. After a long time searching for materials, an audacious idea came to him that should he build up a dried-flower firm in Vietnam to supply for not only domestic but also foreign market. Since then, he himself studied and researched how to dry flowers and leaves, and then merged them into nice pictures. After more than 20 years studying from 1972 to 1996, he mastered the technique of making dried flowers. He and his family decided to establish a dried-flowers firm in Vietnam. He collected materials from everywhere and turn his house at number 9, Alley 67, Hoàng Văn Thụ Ward, Hoàng Mai District, Hanoi into a flower-processing workshop. To have a completed dried-flowers picture, various stages of drying, dying, conserving, shaping and then creating need to be done. In 1997, he successfully made the first products from dried flowers whose prices were as approximately as a third of imported ones. Since then, he continuously brought into market artworks with various topics including Vietnamese villages, Hanoi old quaters, Đông Hồ folk paintings as well as famous paintings in the world, etc. Craftsman Nguyen Ba Muu believed that besides the decorativeness and high taste of art, these pictures are completely new to everyone so they can attract many customers.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>The virtue and “3h”</strong></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">According to craftsman Nguyen Ba Muu, a person can only be a good dried-flower maker if he has virtue and “3h” including hoa (flower), hóa (chemical), họa (drawing). “Hoa” is the material of the picture. “Hóa” is using technology in cleverly mixing colors to create the most natural colors. “Họa” is the combination between the thought, brain and the craftsman’s artistic sense. Having been through more than a half of lifetime, he always wants to transmit this career to the next generations by operating vocational training courses, in which most students are disabled children. After graduation, many students have opened private shops or become distributors of dried-leave pictures for domestic and foreign markets.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/image002.jpg" /></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>An art picture made from dried flowers. Photo by Ngọc Linh</em></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Dried-flower pictures of Craftsman Nguyen Ba Muu have been taken part in many large-scale domestic exhibitions as well as international ones such as in Korea, France, etc. And they all have received many compliments, especially the ones about Hanoi Capital. In his opinion, this is an interesting topic that only those who have deep love and close connection with the Capital can turn all special features of Hanoi into a picture. That is the reason why the beauty spots and quintessence of Trang An have been described in his pictures lively. Towards the exhibition of the 1000 year anniversary of Thăng Long - Hanoi, craftsman Nguyen Ba Muu will introduce the special and impressive artworks like Cầu Thê Húc (Thê Húc Bridge -1884), Phố Hàng Bạc (Hàng Bạc Street 1919), etc. to help the viewers having deep thought about a thousand-year-old capital. Those pictures will also be the artworks enduring his reputation.</span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-41142255181022708022011-03-07T21:12:00.001-08:002011-03-07T21:12:35.783-08:00The youth of Hanoi today<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Mentioning Hanoi, people immediately thinks of a thousand-year cultural quintessence with the values which were recognized, honored and became the symbol of Vietnam. They are the thirty six antique streets, One-Pillar pagoda, Quoc Tu Giam Temple of literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, etc.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>The youth of Hanoi today…</strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Mentioning Hanoi, people immediately thinks of a thousand-year cultural quintessence with the values which were recognized, honored and became the symbol of Vietnam. They are the thirty six antique streets, One-Pillar pagoda, Quoc Tu Giam Temple of literature, Hoan Kiem Lake, etc. as well as traditional festivals, customs, antique villages’ regulations and the cuisine culture with hundreds of wonderful taste. However, beside the traditional values, the young generation in “The peaceful city” is forming new cultural values and helping deepen the Thang Long Hanoi cultural and human character.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>* <em>The sacred moment</em></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">One night in October, at 21 o’clock, hundreds of people who almost belong to the 7x, 8x and 9x generations, and foreign tourists gathered at Ba Dinh Square – the heart of Hanoi, where Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence founding the Democratic Republic of Vietnam – and concentrated on the team in spotlessly white suits stepping stately from Ho Chi Minh museum side to the flagpole to hold the flag-strike ceremony.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">When the signature tune of the National anthem resounded strongly, it was noiseless at the wide Square. The anthem ended when the red flag with yellow star had been struck, folded neatly and laid formally in the tray. The team walked in measured tread to return to their starting position. This sacred moment was recorded with cameras or mobile phones. There was a young couple running after the team when they almost came back to the left of the museum just to photograph.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><img border="0" height="336" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/image0011.jpg" width="510" /></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Guom</em><em> Lake</em><em>. Picture: Internet</em></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">It has become a familiar scene in Hanoi for 10 recent years. After dark, many Hanoi’s youngsters eagerly gather together at Ba Dinh Square. This person calls for another person, this group call for another one to watch the flag-strike ceremony. Directly witnessing the moment has become a part of their cultural life. “When looking at the national flag and singing the anthem with people around me, I’m so proud of our nation. I love our country, love Hanoi from these images” said Nguyen Hang Nga, a 21 years old student of Hanoi Open University. It was different to Nguyen Hai Yen, a 12 grade student living on Bach Mai street, Hai Ba Trung district because that was the first time she had watched the ceremony. Could not explain her feelings, all she knew was that it was the first time she had sung the anthem with indescribable feeling…</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong>* <em>Contemplating the capital from the middle of Hanoi</em></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In the speedy life, Long Bien bridge has suddenly become an unexpected destination of Hanoi’s youngsters. Until when we standing on the bridge which went through three centuries, we are amazed by the density of people presenting at the two side edges of the bridge from the sunset until nightfall.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">We received many different answers for the question “Why do you like sitting on Long Bien bridge?” Many people said that they liked standing on the side edge of the bridge to enjoy the sparkling city at night silently, to mix with the immense space of waterways together with the nature’s verdant in the Red river’s middle bank. They want to live more slowly to love their life more after eight hours of hard working and to get rid of daily jumbled worry. There were also many people like Tran Trung Dung, 27, living on Le Trong Tan Street, having driven onto Long Bien bridge to watch trains running across, listen to the rumble of the wheels. “From here, the space is very wide and not under compulsion of the walls any more. Moreover, at night, the bridge is like gold-inlaid by the streetlights so it seems to be prettier and more resplendent than in the daytime”, confided him.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">However, to engaged couples in Hanoi, Long Bien bridge is also “a world” of peaceful and romantic moments, a good place for them to take picture eagerly. Like that, “do you want to go to the bridge?” – The first words of young people – has become a trend, a unique cultural feature of Hanoians.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><strong><em>* Finding feeling at the Opera-house</em></strong></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Young people in Hanoi often sit in front of the Opera-house to enjoy the sweet taste of Trang Tien ice-creams, the acrid taste of ice tea and to contemplate the streets, people and vehicles. Almost of these people are no longer interested in “drifting with” the urgent life; they want to sit leisurely in the middle of the sparkling capital and chat.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">However, the one hundred year old beauty of the place which constructed in European classical architectural style is also an ideal place for Quach Ngoc, a student of the University of Industrial Arts to patronize to paint. Each time she works with a new topic, Quach Ngoc often drives there, listens to the sounds and enjoys the colors of life until her inspiration sublimates, her spirit gets cheery the most, and then she opens the Toile de lin and starts painting. Not just Ngoc, many artists also often come to this typical area to find inspiration. Nguyen Van Manh, 29, “photographer” of a Studio on Hang Bai Street said excitedly: “There is nothing more beautiful than photographing wedding fashion in front of the Opera-house. I have taken dozens of albums from here. This is really an ideal place for the emotion to overflow”.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Watching the flag-strike ceremony, contemplating the city at night from Long Bien Street or go to the Opera-house to talk, to have a heart-to-heart with other people or to find the emotion for creating are only three of many new features in the capital’s culture. That is also a way in which Hanoi’s youngsters express their love and reason for living for Hanoi in the face of society’s dark side. Is it true that Thang Long – Hanoi became everlasting thanks to those simple things?</span></span></div></span>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-20950626703699148892011-03-07T21:10:00.000-08:002011-03-07T21:10:19.744-08:00The one-thousand-year civilized landThree eras of cilvilization * Land and people * Who is Hanoi’s famous person? * Nearly 1000 years of National University * Education Center and famous teachers who are worshipped by their students * Literature – Art center * Access to sciences * The career built by human beings<br />
<div><a name='more'></a><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">From the dawn of the country, the area of T-junction between To River and Nhi River was the heart of the Red River civilization. Many cultural vestiges of Phung Nguyen, Dong Son were here. Bronze drums, bronze arrows, bronze sickles were found in earth’swomb of Co Loa, Ngoc Ha, Trung Mau, Thong Pagoda… The trophy of metallurgy is the presence and the contribution of Hanoi people to the country history. The ancient Co Loa citadel – the heart of Au Lac, was a military architectural monument, which brought fame to the Red River Civilization era in the country-founding period.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/images42074_thanh_coloa.jpg" /></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Co Loa Citadel, the place where King An Duong Vuong founded Au Lac. Picture from documentation</em></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">During the Ly-Tran-Le Dynasties, Thang Long – Dong Do Capital of Dai Viet had become the country political, economic and cultural centre. The Thang Long culture represented for Dai Viet civilizational era from the 11<sup>th</sup> to the 15<sup>th</sup> century. Thang Long both converged all the cultural quintessences in the country and spreaded its cultural affects to country. After thousands of years being dominated by the North empire, Vietnamese people had regained the independence and the unification. Thang Long (Flying Dragon) city strongly rose up in the restoring and developing culture. We can say that the nation intelligence had been tempered for Hanoi and Hanoi intelligence was the flower of all understandings in the whole country. Hanoi has trained many talents for our country been the place where famous people can bring into play their career building talent in the civilized capital land.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The Imperial University in Thang Long was the first university of Vietnam. It was established in 1076 and was the talents training center as well. Not to mention the Ly, Tran Dynasties, in Le Dynasty only, there were 124 second-degree examinations (thi hội) held in Thang Long. From the doctoral stelae appeared for the first time in the year of the dog (1442) to the last examination in the year of the mouse (1780), 2248 people were regconized as doctors and their names are still there on the 82 stelae left in the Temple of Literature.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Many of them became pillars of the court, clearsighted kings who could create a peaceful country, good writers, genius politicians, and outstanding teachers.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">However, some of them became flies in the ointment, extortioners, opportunist, and treacherous people.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Thang Long also has a shool, which trained martial arts, studied the art of war, selected soldiers and generals and held martial art exams each three years. Giang Vo martial arts school established on the South-West of the Royal Citadel was operating during the 11<sup>th</sup> to the 15<sup>th</sup> century. In Post-Le Dynasty, Lord Trinh opened martial arts school and martial arts examination compound in Khuong Thuong hamlet. The first martial arts examination was held in the year of the cat (1723) with 572 candidates; just 14 of them passed. In 1724, the regulations were completed. After three tests of war manuals, martial art skills and battle strategy, 11 people became tạo sĩ out of 329. The last martial arts exam in Khương Thượng was held in 1787 under the reign of King Le Chieu Thong.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Capital Thang Long was the place which generated:</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Civil mandarins who used their pens to rule the country</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Military mandarins who used their swords to make peace and prosperity.</em></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Along with the Temple of Literature, which was the literature center of the country and represented the national culture, Hanoi was the place where many famous teachers, poets and writers from provinces came to establish schools.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Tao Đan poets’ circle with Hong Đuc could brighten the literature of Le Dynasty. Ngo Thi Literary school with many great works was a dream of all families.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Besides Hanoi’s writers and poets such as Phan Phu Tien (Ve village, Tu Liem), Dang Tran Con (Moc Village, Tu Liem), Nguyen Huy Luong, Cao Ba Quat (Phu Thi Village - Gia Lam), Nguyen Van Sieu (Lu village, Thanh Tri), Thanh Quan district chief’s wife (Nghi Tam, Tu Liem), Ly Van Phuc (Ho village, Ba Dinh)…, we also have many stars from other provinces: Nguyen Du, Ho Xuan Huong, Phan Huy Ich who were originated from Nghe province, Le Quy Don from Thai Binh province, Truong Han Sieu from Ninh Binh, Pham Dinh Ho, Nguyen Binh Khiem from Hai Dong, Ngo Si Lien, Nguyen Trai from Son Nam…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">How can we not count them whose lives and works connected closely to Thang Long – Hanoi into the list of cultural people of Hanoi? Great generals such as Tran Quoc Tuan (Nam Dinh) Ngo Van So (Quy Nhon), Nguyen Hue (Binh Dinh), Le Loi (Thanh Hoa) were from other provinces but their careers and feats were majority occurred in capital land. In addition, the two general officers of Hanoi Citadel: Nguyen Tri Phuong (Thua Thien), Hoang Dieu (Quang Nam), they died out of loyalty for this land, so are not they Hanoi’s historic personages?</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The famous school, which was capital wide famous before the Temple of Literature was Bai An school of the renowned scholar Ly Cong An. The student Ngo Tuan living in Thai Hoa district had studied here and became the hero Ly Thuong Kiet, the author of the first national manifesto “<em>The country from the South belongs to the King from the South</em>”.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In the 14<sup>th </sup>century, Chu Van An from Thanh Liet opened Huynh Cung school (Thanh Tri). In the 15<sup>th </sup>century, Bui Xuong Trach taught in Thinh Liet (Thanh Trì), Ngô Chi Lan, Phù Thúc Hoành taught in Phu Lo, Phu Xa (Sóc Sơn). In the 16<sup>th</sup> century, Le Duc Mao became a teacher in Dong Ngac(Tu Liem), Ngo Thi Tran, Ngo Thi Uc in Ta Thanh Oai (Thanh Trì). In the late 17<sup>th</sup> century, the school of Vu Thanh from the Hao Thien precint, Hao Nam stood out. In the 18<sup>th </sup>century, Doan Lenh Phuong, whose aunt was Doan Thi Diem established a school in Ha Khau (Hang Buom); Hoa Duong Pham Quy Thich who was from Hai Duong opened one in Bao Thien; Nguyen An from Du Lam (Dong Anh) established his school near the Sword Lake (Ho Guom). Poetess Ho Xuan Huong established her own school in Khan Xuan. The 19<sup>th</sup><a href="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=458:the-one-thousand-year-civilized-land&catid=37:heros&Itemid=61#_ftn1" style="color: black; text-decoration: none;">(1)</a>.</span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">century was full of private schools. In the year of national exam or during the time of literary comments in National University, students were crowded on all the streets. During 1850’s – 1870’s, Hanoi had the nice “scolars’ tradition” and strong “scholar’s sense of honour”</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In the first 20 years of the 19<sup>th</sup> century, there was Duong Am school of teacher Pham Hoi teacher in Hang Trong Street, later moved to Chan Cam street. It always had 200 students. The students were taught to value ethics and meanings, be upright in writing style, and write honest words. Among his 3000 students, many gained top ranks in examinations. His honest and upright life was a great example to students. When he died, his students set up a house of worship for him at the school. In the middle of the century, Nguyen Van Sieu’s Phuong Dinh school locating in the T-junction area where To River aparts from Red River, near Gao Market was very famous. Its name meant a square Communal House, which it was. Being famous for his talent in literature, the named “Genie Sieu”, and his righteousness and generosity, so many students came and studied with him and packed the communal house of the Thanh Ha precint. Besides, we also had Trung Tu school of Nguyen Van Ly with sucessful students like: Hoang Tuong Hiep…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In Tu Thap hamlet (Hang Trong), students of doctor Vu Tong Phan’s Ho Dinh school were mainly taught with the “candidate” method, so many of them passed the exams with flying colors and became bigwigs in the court. The teacher’s upright writing and the school tradition generated two excellent teachers: bachelor Nguyen Huy Duc with Vu Thach school in Trang Thi and bachelor Ngo Van Dang from Ta Thanh Oai (Thanh Tri) with Tien Song school in Kim Co, Hang Hai (at the beginning of Hang Bong). The small difference from the school in Tu Thap was the the “competition-examination” ideology in this school had decreased and been more ibullient and more suitable to social conditions. Kim Co School had two well-known students Luong Van Can and Nguyen Van Giai, the authors of <em>Hanoi</em><em> Citadel Indomitable spririt song.</em> Le Dinh Dien from Moc village who had been a student of Ho Dinh school resigned his provincial education officer position to open the Cuc Hien school at at 39 Hang Dau. He had a lot of students. When French traders camt to Hanoi and kept a convetous eye on the streets with dubious intention, students and teachers of Cuc Hien school and other schools in Kim Co and Tu Thap held a meeting to find out the way to suppress them. They hathered in the Temple of Literature to set a group of 300 self-denying people, set an ambush arrested some French soldiers who were harassing people. In two times when the French invaders attack Hanoi Citadel, students from these schools participated in the war beside Hanoi people. Some of them were arrested or killed.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In suburban areas, teacher Doan Huyen from Huu village (Thanh Tri), taught in Tay Mo; “Saint Quat” – Cao Ba Quat had established a school in his hometown Phu Thi before becoming a district education officer of Quoc Oai and rose up in arms at My Luong.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In the 20<sup>th</sup> century, there were Trung Tu school of Nguyen Huu Can and Dong Ngac school of Hoang Tang Bi in Hanoi. However, in 1907, emerging like a modernist and advanced movement was Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc school of the bachelor Luong Van Can at 10 Dao Street (Hang Dao). With popular literary style, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc school had encouraged the patriotism and the indomitable will in Hanoi. Many sudents of the school had entered the country independence restoring movements. Therefore, the enemy forced to close the school, arrested the principal Luong Van Can and exiled him to Cao Mien after the bombardment in the hotel of <em>Vietnam</em></span> Restoration League (1913).</span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Afterwards, perhaps there are fewer students setting houses of worship for their teachers than students of this period did. In Hanoi only, there are four memorial monuments of the love between teachers and students: the house at 1 Hang Trong street where used to be Duong An school is the house of worship of teacher Pham Hoi, teachers of Phuong Dinh School are worshiped at 12 Nguyen Sieu, teachers of Cuc Hien school are worshiped at 39 Hang Đau, and the doctorate Tu Thac was in Bach Mai.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Ha Noi is also the place for talents developing of scientists such as Luong The Vinh (mathematician), Dang Lo (astronomer), Hai Thuong Lan Ong (Medical researcher), Vu Nhu To (architect), Vu Quynh (historian)…and many first doctoral candidates such as Mac Dinh Chi, Nguyen Hien…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Hence, referring to famous people of the a-thousand-year civilized land, we mentioned not only to original Hanoians who settled in the capital Hanoi a long time ago but also to those who lived in Thang Long and devoted their lives and careers in this apital land.. Because they were the majority – national heroes with brilliant names recorded in the history, famous people of culture and examinations whose works enriched the Thang Long – Hanoi cultural treasure, as well as the Viet Nam folk cultural treasure.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Due to the Northland- Southland division from the middle of Le Mac dynasty to the Post-Le and the beginning of the Nguyen dynasty in the 16<sup>th</sup> century, the Vietnam feudal regime was in degradation. The Nguyen Dynasty moved the capital to Phu Xuan so Thang Long was deprived of the capital position and became Ha Noi province. Over threes centuries, the main part of Thang Long “city” had seen many dissolution but the “business town” of its citizens still developed following the existing impetus. The socio-cultural life had changed thanks to external relationships. In the economic aspect, the 17<sup>th</sup>-18<sup>th</sup> centuries were considered as the prosperous period of the medieval Thang Long. Until the middle of the 19<sup>th</sup> century, the whole country was sunk in the disgrace of loosing our country and in the grip and the exploitation of French colonialism. Being a colonial city, Hanoi was changed into a capitalistic city; beside the old quarters was new European-styled quarters of office and commerce with. Hanoi was the metropolis of the North. The penetration of French to Vietnam had covered Hanoi with some miscellaneous features and some affection of the colonial culture. But in the heart of the city, there was always a seething wave of struggle to preserve the national culture and the liberation movements against the chains of the slavery were taken placed incessantly in blood and tears.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Following the ancestors’ tradition, the next generations still found many great examples who devoted their youth to the revolutionary struggles and followed ardently the Party banner like young Party members: Nguyen Phong Sac, Nguyen Hoang Ton, Do Ngoc Du, Tran Hai Ke…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Hanoi people still remember the revolutionary predecessors who devoted their lives to the capital such as Hoang Van Thu, Tran Phu, Nguyen Luong Bang, Hoang Quoc Viet…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Only when the August Revolution was successful and the Democratic Republic of Viet nam was established, did the new Hanoi revive and restore its center position of the country. As it had just started, French colonists came back to invade. After going through the misery in eight more years, Hanoi welcomed the victory troops coming to liberate the capital on 10<sup>th</sup> Octorber 1954.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="393" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/images42075_dien_bien_phu_tren_khong.jpg" width="443" /></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #333399;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>The combat group of the 57<sup>th</sup> missile battalion participating in the 12- day and night-Ha Noi – Dien Bien Phu on air campaign. Picture: Documentation</em></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Having just defeated the old colonialism, Hanoi as well as the whole country had to face with the neocolonialism, the American. The solution to force the American to go away at that time was the “Dien Bien Phu on air” campaign. Then the grand victory in the spring of 1975 overthrown the puppet regime, ended the 30 years of war, and led the history of Vietnam to a new era of independence, freedom and socialism to build a civilizational and wealthy country. This was the third era in the national history: the Viet Nam civilizational era.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">On the resistance roads, Hanoi history had recorded golden names for its beloved sons, who had died for the homeland survival and future: Bui Ngoc Duong, Ngo Xuan Quang, Le Huu Tuu, Le Minh Truong, Ta Dong Trung…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In the field of culture and science, there were many talents in Hanoi. When the writers before revolution movement such as Ngô Tất Tố, Vũ Trọng Phụng, Nguyễn Huy Tưởng, Nguyễn Tuân, Doãn Kế Thiện, Phan Kế Bình…pasted away, two new generations of writers appeared on the literary circle: one is in the anti-French period and the other is in the anti-American period. We had the great pianist Dang Thai Son with his moving pianistic notes. The music of Van Cao, Do Nhuan has attracted many people.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">After the previous people of culture like Nguyen Van Hieu, Hoang Minh Giam, Hanoi also gave strength to scientists to achieve worldly miracle successes like Ton That Tùng, Nguyen Tai Thu, Nguyen Trong Nhan, Nguyen Van Hieu…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The fondness of learning spirit and the scientific passion of Hanoian have been proved by many generations of students who had won the top prizes in national and international contests, writing beautiful pages on the history of Hanoi young talents. Intellectuals who were trained and grown in the old as well as new regimes have been serving in the leading sectors of technology and sciences. The grey matter inherited from the knowledge treasure of Bac Ha scholars has been developed.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The a-thousand-year civilized land has helped to create many generations of great people, and they have beautified to the heart of the homeland in order to make it more and more typical for the culture of Vietnam.</span></span></div></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-10649294235502937882011-03-07T21:07:00.000-08:002011-03-07T21:07:02.098-08:00Sowing the Trang An elegance in every familyWe all know and are proud that Hanoi is the thousand-year civilized Thang Long land strip; Hanoi is a heroic capital in struggling to protect the country and in creating and labor; Hanoi is the city for peace, the center of politic, culture, science… Mentioning Hanoi, we cannot help emphasizing that this is the elegant Trang An land strip.<br />
<a name='more'></a><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In the task of industrialization and modernization, we did many efforts to boost the economic development and improve the face of the capital every day.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">However, the elegant lifestyle has recently been complained to downgrade. This is so alarming that some people required government to apply sanctions to people who race, furtively dispose of garbage, and shamelessly pass water on the streets. People also asked the government to set up a custom police unit to patrol and timely warn people who use bad language and strip to the waist on the streets, and disable the “concrete drilling and cutting” phone line, which smear the streets…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Some other people said that the elegance standards of Hanoi are abstract and simulative. In the “digitalized” time, elegance is required to have specific standards like 1, 2, 3, 4...and be quantified and qualified so that we can apply to town management reality.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="575" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/images45107_gia%20dinh%20hanh%20phuc.jpg" width="406" /></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>A happy family. Picture: Nhan Dan Newspaper</em></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">It was not by chance that our ancestors had chosen elegance to be standard and typical for the style of Hanoi people.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">It was not easy for elegance to be Hanoi’s style character after thousands of years.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">In a simple way, “thanh” means purity and nobleness and refers to people’s beautiful morality, culture, and lifestyle.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">“Lich” is sophistication and politeness, which mean being competent, wide association, being advanced, and being up-to-date.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Therefore, elegance contains culture and morals in it. Agitating people to effectuate elegant lifestyle is also a progress to cultivate morality, encourage studying, improve knowledge to live in a civilized way and integrate into community.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Elegance really indicates “something” relating to Hanoi manner, quality, and soul which are hard to explain like a researcher’ anxiety. It was the sparkle, flexibility, and smoothness, which are hard to catch, that stay in Hanoi people’s smile, statement, and walk, and make the elegant lifestyle Hanoi everlasting.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Moreover, since this is the lifestyle and the manners, we mainly agitate, convince, set an example and advice each other to improve it and bring it into play. Let us see how our ancestors taught their children so that after many wheels of life, the elegant Trang An lifestyle still remains and now becomes needs, a motivation for innovation.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">From the old days, respectable families focused on teaching their children to follow family orders and respect family ethics and traditions. Adults were a model; children study their brothers and sisters to get used to family’s ways of living, thinking and behaving, which they were taught every day. The elegant character came to people naturally. There was a treasure of morality: respect the elders, love the children; look before you leap, courtesy costs nothing; cleanliness is next to godliness… brought to Hanoi by people from everywhere and brought to everywhere from Hanoi.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Reading memoirs of natives of Hanoi like Luong Van Can, Professor Nguyen Lan, and Professor Mai Phuong…, we all see that those were typical Hanoi families and in these families, growing and teaching children were especially concerned. Recently, through Dr. Dang Thuy Tram’s diary, we also see that together with heroism, people can feel her love, grace, ardency and thoughtfulness, which she was taught by her parents. Another typical example is the martyr professor Duong Quang Ham’s family.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Being born in a Confucianism family, but soon acquiring Western culture, teacher Duong Quang Ham paid attention to educate his children to be polite (saluting, respectfully talking, table manners…); be dutiful and honest (to obey adults, not to tell a lie, to confess when doing something wrong); be clean (keeping their teeth, mouth, arms and legs, and body clean)… These were also, what they were taught at school. Moreover, he taught them to understand and fulfill their duty to the family, the country and school (hard studying, teachers respecting, friends loving)…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/images45109_giadinh12.jpg" /></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>The family meal. Picture: Nhan Dan Newspaper</em></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The professor’s family has a habit to get together at dinner. It is the time when he teaches his children the good things after listening to their stories about what they had been through on that day. Studying time comes after dinner. In a room, there is a big desk arranged next to a small one in T-shape. The father works at the small desk while his children sit around the big one. It is quiet in the room. Blackboard, maps, bookcase, and bookshelf… are arranged around the room. Despite his low salary, teacher Duong Quang Ham spends an amount of money on subscribing Hoc sinh newspaper and Tuoi Hong book for his children.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Obviously, in a respectable family, adults must live modally and purely first. Mr. and Mrs. Duong Quang Ham have a habit of drinking tea together every morning. He opens the daily newspaper, which still remains the smell of ink to read, comment and explain his wife the local and international news. The scene in which the professor, cultural researcher, alias Uyen Toan sitting by his rustic wife, who only can read and write national language, is so beautiful. It is both a classical image “mutual respect like a guest of honor” and a new and advanced symbol of parity. His children, thanks to that origin have now been successful.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The reality shows that family plays a key role in building human beings’ personality. Recently, Ministry of Culture – Sport – Tourism of Hanoi city has opened the exhibition “Hanoi family cultural space”. It is an initiative in education. Exhibition viewers could deeply feel the family habit, family education and family ethics in every family.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Agitation and propaganda for elegant lifestyle building need to penetrate into each individual, each person…All who come to live in Hanoi, especially youngsters want to quickly be Hanoi people, having the brand name: Hanoian. That is a big advantage for the movement of elegant lifestyle agitation and education.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">I hope that directors and organizers care more about the effect and decrease vague and overlapping slogans. Would the agitation to improve the culture of Hanoi people be identical with the elegant and civilized Hanoi people movement and the modern, civilized and elegant Hanoi people? Still, there is an agitation to build cultural family with many kinds of overlapping standards: civilized lifestyle, family planning, population declaration, fire prevention, anti-drug, anti-prostitution, tree and environment protection…, not to mention particular movements of each profession “Hanoi women: elegant, responsible, and faithful”, “Hanoi veterans: elegant, faithful, and brave”…</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Each area has typical and interesting features. Besides the modern and civilized life like those of other cities in Vietnam, Hanoi is always sparkling of the character, quintessence and manners of people and land of the thousand-year civilized Thang long.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Respecting, preserving and improving that character are a process that requires cooperation of many generations of origin Hanoi people, “old” Hanoi people and “new” Hanoi people from yesterday to today and tomorrow.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Hopefully, in 2010, visitors to Hanoi can recognize the beauty of elegant streets and districts and elegant Hanoi people. This is a great effort, a brilliant achievement and a wonderful offering to present to the grand anniversary of thousand-year Thang Long – Dong Do – Hanoi.</span></span></div>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-71162457364244359812011-03-07T20:59:00.000-08:002011-03-07T20:59:02.078-08:00Skillfulness<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Bringing the quintessence to Hanoi * Business villages, streets, guilds * Not only have brains and hands * The qualification of workers ‘conscience * Business town specialized street</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Since becoming capital, Thang Long attracted many talented workers to serve the construction of walls, palaces and residences citadels, castles and palaces for the King and mandarins. Thang Long architecture used to be had been famous with lot lots of arcs palaces, sanctuaries and shrines in Royal citadels and Forbidden Citadel. Many magnificent royal belvederes with wooden poles were carved meticulously by stones and green and yellow tiled roof. Furthermore, we have typical cultural works of Bao Thien Tower, One Pole Pagoda (Chua Mot Cot)…, which were brought to our literature. Besides magnificent royal belvederes with meticulously carved wooden or stone pillars and colorful tiles, there were typical cultural works like Bao Thien tower, One Pillar pagoda… which were written about in many literary works Beside “city”, we have “business town” of citizens with 61 streets and guilds in Tran Dynasty and 36 streets and guilds in Le Dynasty…Villages, guilds and farms were interspersed with each other. There were handicraft guilds, agricultural & silkworm farm villages. Guilds had two functions of production and goods consumption. The highly focused on single-line business had made the names of 36 streets and guilds: Hang Gai (Hemp Street), Hang Đường (Sugar Street), Hang Bạc (Silver Street), Hang Đồng (Bronze Street), Hang Mã (Street selling false money & effigy objects for the death) , Hang Trống (Drum Street), Hang Giấy (Paper Street), Hang Nón (Hat street), Bat Đàn…</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/image1.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Siver Street in the early of 20’s Picture: from Documentation</em></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">These guilds were on the East of citadel, which had Ha Khau turning point to To Lich River. In each guild, we have a group of Thang Long workers, the rest were many groups from other province. Many of them were relatives or from the same villages to keep their professional secrecy. The connection between guilds and original villages was communal houses in the villages, which was worshipped their ancestors of founders at hometown (where their career ancestors were worshiped). Those who came to Thang Long were foremen, skillful workers who had enough talent to meet the market requirements of highly qualification and delicated products. The delicate quality in handicraft products initially depended on the needs of feudal government with huge officials system and ambassadors from other countries to the capital for trading.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Bringing the quintessence of their profession into the capital with the advanced demands here; the artisans had to train themselves to attain both of “fine” and “artful” qualities, which were very important to the capital workers. That is why we could recognize the products from capital were always more delicated and artful than hometown products.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">From the beginning, each group of workers had worked by seasons, and then they settled and established guilds as new villages and lived forever in Thang Long to becoming Hanoian with the odds of this land.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">As mentioned to the traditional profession of original Thang Long, we have to account the two textures and paper business in Buoi region. Legend telling about the ancestor of the paper-making as following: people had not known the real name of paper –making founder either where he was from. Firstly, he had came to Thuong Yen Quyết village to teach them how make a paper. Because some of these guys had not good behaviors, he had just taught them to make coarse papers for wrap page. This place became a Village of Paper (Giay Village), even the bridge nearby that people used that as the area of paper-drying and paper market was called Paper Bridge.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">He later moved to Ho Khau, taught people there how to make inferior tissue paper. To Dong Xa, he taught the skills to make tissue paper (made from bark of a thymelacaceous plant) and litmus paper, which were slender and tough. In Yen Thai, he left the tips in making good paper for royal. Finally, he set his foot on Nghia Do, taught the Lai family the profession of making chromatography papers, the highest quality paper for royal decrees. This kind of paper must have been to be struck, using a big mallet to strike paper on a smoothie stone. It would be strong and tough for thousand years. Therefore, the whole area of Buoi had the traditional profession of paper with all kinds of specialized papers, served for a capital of officials, scholars and students from all over the country.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">From long time ago, the texture of this area had been famous with silk weaving that satin made in Buoi Village was a specialty. People said that the founder whose name was Thai initially had brought this texture to Bai An villagers, and then moved to Tan, Nghe, Dau village of Nghia Do district. Some small fabric weaving businesses were focused in Thuy Chuong and Nghi Tam guilds. Phan Thi Ngoc Do, the queen of satin texture, was in Trich Sai village, at the edge of Ho Tay(West Lake). She was from Chăm Pa and one of King Le Thanh Tong’s concubines. She was granted a great farm in this village for training local people weaving to serve for the court demands. There was another texture village named Truc village (at the East of Ho Tay), where had many small bamboos. In the reign of Lord Trinh Giang (the 18<sup>th</sup> century), Truc Lam Vien was built for holidays. Later it was the place to detain delinquent imperial maid, who must make living by weaving raw silk. The famous silk in Truc village had been popular in capital.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Mieu Nha, Dai Mo villages were the ancient areas of texture in suburban from long time ago. The coarse silk texture in Trieu Khuc did not exist anymore. The silk strap was used for the palm hat which was the indispensable fashion of Thang Long people. In the previous time, we had only made the palm hats, the straps were bought from China. Until the 18<sup>th</sup> century, a man named Vu Uy, in one time of being sent to China as King’s envoy, had learned the secret method to make the coarse silk. From the skill of coarse silk texture, villagers created others flat tassel, lamp wick, .and brocatelle. All of these skills were created from Nguyen Van Di, the most talented weaver had studied the methods of weaving, enframing the loom and everlasting dyeing to propagate to Đơ villagers.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Coming along with weaving is dyeing; Dong Lam village at Kim Lien gate has the profession of brown dyeing. Black dyeing was in Bich Luu guild, of which the workers from Lieu Xa, Lieu Xuyen and Van Hoang villages. That was why Hanoi was named Dying Street under the French domination time. The most famous Hang Dao (Silk Street) with red dyeing. In early 15<sup>th</sup><sup>th</sup> century, there appeared many other colors such as white, bloody red; black and yellow. Mixed colors were light blue, peach, very blue, dark green…</span> <span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">century, names of streets of dyeing were indicated in Nguyen Trai’s treatise book on geography. The dyeing which was brought by people in Dan Loan (a place of Hai Duong province) was focusing on the red, peach color. However, in the 18</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The bullion trade was in Dong Cac guild, and then Silver Street (Hang Bac). It had three different kinds: sliver, money exchange, and goldsmith. Trau Khe people (Hai Duong) ran silver and money exchange. The one who started his silver career in Thang Long was Luu Xuan Tin who was the Minister of Personnel at that time. He was allowed to establish the sliver workshop in Thang Long citadel under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong (the late 15<sup>th</sup> century).</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Jewellery had three sectors: carving<em> </em>- displaying patterns, decorating on silver and golden products, drawing<em> </em>– stretching gold and silver bars, then designing them with the shapes of flowers or leaf to attach to jewelries, smoothening<em> </em>- just smooth gold and silver glossily. Original Hanoian who ran the bullion trade was from Dinh Cong Thuong village. This profession existed from the 6<sup>th</sup> century of Pre-Ly Dynasty with founders were three brothers of Tran Hoa, Tran Dien and Tran Điền. Workers in Dinh Cong village specialized in making jewelries. Those from Dong Sam village (Thai Binh province) focused on carving silver products. Their products were silver bowls, plates, pots and cups, vases, bracelets, necklaces…with delicated carving patterns for upper class.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Another profession was gold lamination, which was used for lacquere. This profession was belonged to Kieu Ky people (in Gia Lam district). The worker used a small wooden hamper to laminate gold into pieces which was as thin as it can be thrown up by just a light breath. Laminated gold has made the worshipped objects and Buddha statues more magnificent and splendid.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/image2.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>The performance of molding bronze drum of Ngu Xa villagers. Picture: my.opera.com</em></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Mould in Thang Long was well-known with Ngu Xa village. Foundry-workers were from Sieu Loai village to set up their career from the 17<sup>th</sup> -18<sup>th</sup> century. Many famous statues in our country and in Thang Long were made in Ngu Xa, namely Thanh Tran Vu blister copper statue at Quan Thanh Temple near Ho Tay, Di Da statue in Than Quang pagoda which has been the biggest bronze statue in the North.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Thang Long also had a mint called Bao Tuyen located in Cuu Lau hamlet, now is Trang Tien Street, and a bronze foundry near Lang Yen gate, so later named Lo Duc. This guild was of Duc Bac and Kinh Bac villagers from the middle of 19<sup>th</sup> century. Villagers from Cau Nom (in Hung Yen province) came & lived in Yen Phu hamlet, making money from selling bronze products like trays, pots, pans and worshipping objects and then created a street which today has name Bronze street (Hang Dong).</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/image3.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Lo Ren Street Picture: : Vietbao.vn</em></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Smithery was brought to Thang Long from the people of two suburban villages of smith. Hoe Thi villagers (Tu Liem) opened the workshop making tools for farming in Tan Khai hamlet and to become Lo Ren Street at present. Later they started an other one in Sinh Tu, which was well-known with Sinh Tu scissors and woodworks. Da Hoi people in Dong Anh district moved to Trang Lau hamlet to make living of producing swords, knives, scissors, drifts, plows and hoes…now is called Lo Su Street. In this guild, the carpentry had been developing for over 200 years with workers from Lieu Vien, Phuong Duc (Thuong Tin), later spreaded to the next street, now is Nguyen Huu Huan. The woodturning was from Nhi Khe workers (Ha Dong). It firstly was in Hang Hanh, then spreading to To Tich Street and Hang Gai (Hemp Street). The founder was Doan Tai, from Khanh Van village, opposite to Nhi Khe village at the other side of To River. They also learning the sculpture of Lieu Chang workers (Hai Duong) at Hang Gai, specialized in board sculpture and expanded to xylography of brands and seals… The painting work was in Hang Hom Street, from Ha Vi people (Thuong Tin). They purchased painting caskets, black cases, trunks…The founder Tran Lu was from Bang village (Thuong Tin), attained the Doctoral Laureate under the reign of King le Hien Tong at the beginning of 16<sup>th</sup> century. Had been a good doctor with many chances to go to the North country, he learned the painting work and propagated to the villagers in the South of capital like Binh Vong, Dong Phu. Dong Phu (Lang Nhot village of Dong My Commune – Thanh Tri) with traditional lacquering and painting. Their products were popular in capital and purchased at hang Khay street with clam mosaic and marquetry of Chuon village (Phu Xuyen). The high quality wood mosaic products of wooden bed, cupboard, chairs, tables, traps, couches …were made here. Nguyen Kim is the founder of marquetry.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Hanoi has Hang Quat Street with all kinds of hand-fans from many regions. A special kind of fan having name “Lu” (Thanh Tri) which was made with well-boiled bamboo laths, reddish paper and attached patterns of flowers and butterflies or loosing silk instead with laths of woods bones, horns and ivory brought users a feeling of secretive and elegant. The bride can use this silk fan to contemplate her groom in a polite way.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">The fans named Hoi (named after a place in Hung Yen Province) was made by small bamboo laths, fans Vac (Thanh Oai) displayed the decoration with small points and round small copper pieces. Other favorite and popular one was paper fans of Dao Xa village (in Hung Yen). The fan workers came to the fan street from the beginning of Nguyen Dynasty.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">There were paddy fans and bamboo fans of Vo village (Gia Lam), bamboo fans in shape of fig leaf of Ve village (Tu Liem), bamboo fans in peepal leaf shape made from white stork feathers or goose feathers of Do village (Thanh Tri)…</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Bringing the footwear work to the capital was Chăm villagers (Hai Duong) who started Hai Tuong (Shoemaker) hamlet, now are Hang Giay Street and Hai Thuong, to Ta Khanh hamlet (Hang Hanh) near Ho Guom (Sword Lake). They made shoes, sandals and leather products. There also were some other shops (now at Hang Bong) made shoes with confetti embroidery and beading for worship only. In the beginning of the 20<sup>th</sup> century, Nành villagers (Gia Lam) moved to Ha Trung Street, Tram Alley to start the new footwear work as making shoes with European-style, horse-harness, soccer balls,…Hang Dep street (at the intersection of Hang Bo and Hang Dao) focused on sandals with different types and kinds of decorations.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/image4.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Craftsman in Bat Trang ceramics village Picture: from Documentation</em></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Ha Noi has Dinh market in Yen Thai street, where had well-known with embroidery products owned by Quat Dong villagers (from Thuong Tin district) who opened their shops fistly at Hang Trong Street with the history of more than 600 years. The guild of these embroiders had the beginning name as Bach Tho (White Land). Legend has it that They were Bo Nat villagers (Ninh Binh) moved to Thang Long.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Together with the craftworks and the farming, Thang Long had also other distinguishable features. No places had so many flower villages like such this capital, namely some of them as Ngọc Hà village, Hữu Tiệp village, võng Thị village, Nghi Tàm village, Quảng Bá village, Tây Hồ village, Nhật Tân village …The Lang area of vegetable planting was well-known in capital, the herbs garden Dai Yen with 13 farms…</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Other specialties of green rice flakes of Vòng village, rice of Me Tri village, Mo soya curds made by Mo village, rice-rolls made in Thanh Tri village, Trem pork roll…. were popular untill now.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://english.thanglonghanoi.gov.vn/images/stories/Thang_long_qua_cac_thoi_ky/image5.jpg" /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: navy;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;"><em>Hanoi</em><em> sticky rice Picture:</em> <em>thugian.com.vn</em></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Hanoians have been good at food processing. Hanoi noshes has the special taste. Just a sticky rice corns, fried onions packed within the lotus leaf, it can become a delicious and enjoyful food speciality.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Talent, sophistication, virtuosity of workmanship has to go together with honesty to keep credibility with consumers. To remain a good feeling in each customer is considered as a criteria to judge the consciences of businessmen in Hanoi maket. Quality goods represents a part of human ethics.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">From the tradition of skillfulness of ancestors and all of the country to Hanoi, it has been still expanded in the new age. Beside the old ones, Hanoi has May village (Sewing), May Street: Co Nhuế, Khâm Thiên; Thiết Ha Marquetry village, new flower village; Dong Vien mulberry village, Xuân Đỉnh biscuits & candy village, Phú Do rice noodles village, Phù Đổng, Trung Mau dairy farm village, Giang Biên, Văn Đức fish village, Bắc Sơn, Đa Tốn forestry village … Ceramics was not only exclusive in Bat Trang but also in surround areas with Thanh Tri porcelain. Hanoi has stepped to the highly-focus and single-line street. Hanoi almost has all kinds of businesses. The advantages of Hanoi workers are intelligence and speedy-acceptance.</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', times;">Intelligence and creativeness is the strength of the workers in Hanoi. That was one of the "substance" Hanoi that we deserve respect, preserve and promote. It is also the capital Hanoi Dragon takeoff.</span></span></div></span>Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-89818851284594713862011-03-04T02:35:00.000-08:002011-03-04T02:35:41.179-08:001,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi: Hanoi introduces five tours to craft villages<a href="http://thanglonghanoi1000years.blogspot.com/2010/08/hanoi-introduces-five-tours-to-craft.html?spref=bl">1,000th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi: Hanoi introduces five tours to craft villages</a>: "Hanoi’s Department of Industry and Trade is putting together five tours of the city’s traditional craft villages to mark the 1,000th annive..."Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-74974469255668459592010-08-10T03:25:00.001-07:002010-08-10T03:25:52.807-07:00Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">1. Foundation Date: <br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The University was founded on September 3rd, 1965 with the initial name as the National Fine Arts Junior College and on November 18th, 1984, it was renamed as Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a>2. Mandate: <br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />To provide higher education in industrial design and related fields through its bachelor training programs on industrial fine arts science. Besides theoretical instruction, research and technology transfer are carried out and extended from basic to strategic and applied programs, focusing on increasing public awareness of the industrial design, increasing aesthetics and functions of industrial art objects, preserving traditional culture, craft villages and applying modern techniques, etc.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />3. Degrees and Training Programs<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />3.1. Undergraduate Education<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Bachelor of Industrial Design (in 13 specialties).<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />3.2. Postgraduate Education<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Master of Industrial Design: 2 years.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />4. Academic Faculties, Centers & Workshop<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Faculties:<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Faculty of Fundamental Sciences<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Faculty of Basic Fine Arts<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Faculty of Industrial Design<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Graphic Faculty<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Faculty of Interior & Exterior Decoration<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Faculty of Traditional Fine Arts.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Centers:<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Center of Regular Training (its functions are to organize and manage teaching activities such as in-service training courses, short-term courses, and preparation course for preparing students with special abilities of fine arts for entrance examinations in universities, colleges and professional schools, etc.)<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Applied Fine Arts Research & Development Center<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Workshop:<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Research & Experimentation Workshop.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />5. Teachers & Students<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The teaching staff of 114, including 1 Associate Professors, 4 Doctors, 4 Masters and remaining being Bachelors.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Total enrollment: 1,357, including<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Full-time students: 409<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Part-time students (in-service system, special courses): 557<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Postgraduate: 30<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Junior college system: 361<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />6. International Relations<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />University of Industrial Fine Arts has cooperated and exchanged relations on science and art information on various domains of industrial design with regional and international countries. The University has close relations with<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Stroganobk – Moscow Industrial Design University<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Halle – Burg Giebichenstein – German Industrial Design University<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Institute of Central Industrial Fine Arts of China<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Guangxi (China) Aesthetic Academy<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Japan’s Association of Designers<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Finland’s Polytechnic University etc.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In addition, the University has cooperated with various international organizations and agencies of different countries, including Laos, Cuba, Russia, France, Mongolia, Thailand, Korea and USA./.Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-49701942802764289352010-08-10T03:22:00.001-07:002010-08-10T03:22:43.281-07:00University of Commerce<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">1. Foundation Date: The University was founded in 1960.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />2. Mandate: <br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />To provide higher education in commerce, economics and tourism and related fields through its bachelor training program. Beside theoretical instruction, the University has the mission of conducting scientific research, carrying out and applying the achievements of science and technology in the fields of commerce and tourism.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a>3. Degrees and Programs<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />3.1. Undergraduate Education<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Bachelor''''s degree: 4 years<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Junior bachelor''''s degree: 3 years<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />3.2. Postgraduate Education<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Master''''s degree: 2 years<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Doctoral degree: 2 years for a Master''''s degree holder<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /> 4 years for a Bachelor''''s degree holder<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />4. Academic Faculties<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Finance and Accounting<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Business Administration<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Business and Commerce<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Hospitality - Tourism<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- International Trade<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Economics<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Postgraduate Training<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Part-time Training<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />5. The Executive Departments<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Training Management and Student Affairs<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Personnel Organization and General Administration<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Scientific Research Management and International Relations<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Financial Accounting<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Political Affairs<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Managing Student Hostels<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Library<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Centers:<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Health Service Center<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Applied Informatics Center<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Center for Research and Development of Trade Technology<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Center for Research and Development of Food Stuff<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />6. Faculty and Students<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Working staff of 430 includes 275 lecturers in which there are 6 Honored Teachers, 9 Professors, 66 Doctors and 115 Masters.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Student number:<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Full-time: 8,000<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />- Part-time: 12,000<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />7. International Relations<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The University has established relationship and is now <br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />co-operating with many organizations such as SEAMEO, AUF, HUMAP, etc. and has signed bilateral co-operation agreements in the field of training and scientific research with some overseas universities such as Marseille II University, Dunkerque (France); Saxion University (the Netherlands); Kwansei Gakuin University (Japan); Jonkoping University (Sweden).<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The University recognizes and highly appreciates the invaluable contributions and co-operations of organizations, firms, sponsors and foreign universities. It is also willing to develop collaboration with domestic and foreign institutions in areas of education training, scientific research and development of training, tourism and service technology./.Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-71321815946286525722010-08-10T03:18:00.001-07:002010-08-10T03:18:38.811-07:00Yen Thai Village Rhamnoneuron (Poonah)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">The famous rhamnoneuron (poonah) paper village of Yen Thai, also called Buoi Village, was located to the north west of Hanoi. </span><br />
<a name='more'></a>Paper making has started here since the 15th century, which was mentioned in “Du Dia Chi” written in 1435 by Nguyen Trai. Yen Thai guild in Thang Long specialized in producing different kinds of paper, such as edict paper (to write royal edicts) and order paper (to write orders from the King). In the past, Yen Thai guild resounded with the sound of rhamnoneuron-pounding pestle. This sound mentioned in folk songs has brought a source of inspiration for a lot of artists and poets for many centuries.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />However, in order to produce such kind of paper, a few people can understand the hardship of paper makers.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The traditional production of poonah paper in Yen Thai, as well as in some other places, soon became specialized because the paper production had to go through different steps using rather complex techniques, and requiring experienced and skillful workers at every stage. It is right to say that every step in the production is very hard, from striping the skin of poonah to washing, pounding and refining it, then packing the paper and taking it to the market. In the past the paper production was made mainly manual. It requires a lot of clean water to produce paper and fire to burn the kiln for boiling paper pulp. <br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Once upon a time, in Yen Thai Village, To Lich river bank was chosen as a place for manufacturing, pounding, refining and boiling poonah. Big pots for boiling poonah paper were placed o n soil kilns along the river bank. There is a deep well with pure water which was very famous in Thang Long capital. The arrangement and organization of paper-making place is very suitable. The kiln is 5 meters high, o n which is a big pot with the diameter of 2 meters. The skin of poonah is boiled in bain-marie. When it is well-done, it will be picked up, soaked in lime water and pounded by hand. <br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The process of soaking paper pulp in the refining tank of Yen Thai Village is similar to that of other villages, which creates vicous water made from the resin of “mo” tree. It is a kind of fermenter to dissolve the poonah paper, produce paper and deal with the stickiness.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The traditional production of poonah paper in Yen Thai Village is mainly tissue paper used for printing books and writing Han scripts or printing folk paintings. Moreover, rice paper or alum paper is o nly used for packaging./.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />VietnamPlus/HanoiTimesTruong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-82872844546975822752010-08-08T22:15:00.002-07:002010-08-08T22:15:30.513-07:00Fansland Cinema in Hanoi<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Hanoi the capital of Vietnam is rich in culture and history. It remained the center of politics of Vietnam till 1802. In time it also became the administrative hub of the country.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a>Less modern and smaller than Ho Cho Minh, Hanoi has a lot to offer to its tourists and natives alike. The city has witnessed a flourishing economy of late. A host of shopping malls, restaurants and pubs indicate a booming economy.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />A range of cinema halls and theatres have added to the entertainment scene of Hanoi. Apart from visiting the major attractions of the city, you can indulge in cushioned comfort in the cinemas of Hanoi. If you have a taste for both classic and contemporary movies, Fansland Cinema in Hanoi is the right place for you.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><strong>Features of Fansland Cinema in Hanoi:<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></strong> - You can sit back and enjoy well made multi-lingual classics. <br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /> - Both classics and contemporary movies are screened at this hall.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /> - The movies shown are shown in their original languages with English and Vietnamese subtitles.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /> - Most of the movies are American with Vietnamese subtitles.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /> - You can check the show timings between Wednesday to Sunday. <br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /> - The hall offers an ultimate haven of comfort in its cracking-leather seats which takes you back about USD1./.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Fast Facts of Fansland Cinema in Hanoi:</strong><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><em>Address</em>: 84 Pho Ly Thuong Kiet<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Hoan Kiem District<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Hanoi<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><em>Telephone Number:</em> +84 4 942 4484</span><div align="justify" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em>Opening Hours:</em> From Monday to Friday- from 5pm to 11 pm, </span></div><span style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Saturday and Sunday- From 10 am to 11pm</span><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Vietnamplus/asiarooms.comTruong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5988086370310175137.post-74642259452811468122010-08-08T22:15:00.000-07:002010-08-08T22:15:04.691-07:00Satisfy your bucolic yearnings<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">Duong Lam Village in Son Tay Town , 60km west of Hanoi has become increasingly popular half-day trip for weekend travellers.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Ha Nguyen Huyen, owner of the 163-year-old house in the village, has welcomed tourists since 2005 when it was recognised as a National Cultural and Historical Relic.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a>The 51-year-old man, who is the ninth generation of his family to live in the 1846-built house, said he provides different options for tourists who wish to stay longer.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />It takes one-and-a-half hours by car from Hanoi to reach the village, which is home to hundreds of old houses.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Visiting the villages gives tourists a good overview of rural life. It’s the reason I maintain a stove that burns firewood and keep farming tools in my house,” Huyen explained.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Duong Lam Village , which sits on Son Tay Town ring road, is an ideal half-day trip.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Road 32 has bus links between Hanoi and Son Tay Town , but it takes an additional 15 minutes to get to the village by motorbike taxi.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />But don’t despair if you don’t like independent travelling, travel agencies throughout the north offer package trips to the old village.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“It’s amazing. After just an hour’s journey from hectic Hanoi , the village seems to be from another time. There is no noise, no traffic jam and so fresh,” said Nguyen Thi Thanh Phuong, who is a second-year student at Hanoi Social Science and Humanities College .<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Phuong said she was impressed by the main entrance of the village – which is sandwiched by a 300-year-old banyan tree and a lotus pond.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The 20-year-old student was also surprised about gates to the old houses because there lack doorbells, instead they just have a small wooden handle.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“It’s very special. I was wondering how to get into one of the old houses when I turned the handle. It made a clacking and the owner opened the door to invite me in,” Phuong explained.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Despite the increased levels of urbanisation, most of the families inhabiting the old houses have retained the lifestyles of their ancestors.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Villagers nowadays use gas stoves, but Huyen reserves a firewood oven to either cook or give demonstrations when he hosts tourists.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />He says his family alone has more than 1,000 visitors annually, of whom 70 per cent are foreign tourists.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Soya sauce is a job that helps Huyen’s family lure tourists.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Visitors can see how soya sauce is made at my house. It’s not only a food, but a treasure,” Huyen explained.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Huyen’s house has become a favourite choice for big travel companies.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“It’s because the house has charming architecture, while the host is very hospitable. The owner has taken the time to preserve two-century-old house’s original features,” said Focus Travel deputy director Nguyen Viet Trinh.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />He also said his company will list the half day trip in Duong Lam Village as a new tour.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“A half day tour to the village provides a break from Hanoi ’s city life before touring Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province or Tam Coc-Bich Dong in Ninh Binh Province.” he said.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Huyen rents bicycles to visitors for 50,000 VND (2.7 USD), tourists can then explore the village themselves at their own pace.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Most tourists like going by bicycle around the village rather than using motorbikes, it’s more likely that they’ll make more stop-offs,” said the old house owner Nguyen Thi Vuot.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The 46-year-old woman also said she cooks ordinary foods such as morning glory and fried tofu and soy.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />“Tofu and spring rolls are the popular dishes with visitors. They sometimes can make them themselves. Vegetable and tofu are eaten with soya sauce. Fresh water crab soup and fish are also included for lunch.”<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Conical hats displaying on bamboo stalls, peanut sweets and molasses cakes are village specialties.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Harvesting in the fifth lunar month is the best time to catch the farmers working in the fields.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Mong Phu commune house, which was built in 1684, and series of old house are main destinations for tourists. Mia Pagoda and the tombs of King Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen are other sites worth a visit.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />The village is the birthplace of Vietnam ’s first two kings – Phung Hung (791-802) and Ngo Quyen (939-944) – who were famous for their struggle for Vietnamese independence.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Duong Lam Village is also the birth place of 17th-century scholar Giang Van Minh (1573-1637), who has a Hanoi street named after him.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />Mia Pagoda has 286 Buddha statues made of bronze, jack fruit wood and clay lacquered dating back from the 18th century.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />In recent years, the village has become a favourite location for wedding photographs, artwork and film making.<br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /><br style="margin-bottom: 3px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" />More information can be found at www.focusvietnam.com , or by emailing infor@ focustravel.com.vn./.Truong Manh Dunghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14346766374472392173noreply@blogger.com0