Gardening is one of the most relaxing and rewarding hobbies people can enjoy. It allows us to connect with nature, breathe fresh air, and grow our own food. Many people say gardening helps reduce stress and brings happiness. Even a small garden can teach patience and responsibility, as plants need care and attention to grow. Flowers make our surroundings beautiful, while vegetables and herbs provide healthy meals. Whether in a big yard or on a small balcony, gardening reminds us to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.

Last weekend, my friends Linda, Jack, Daisy, and I decided to go on a short trip to the seaside. We had been very busy with schoolwork, so we were all excited to relax and spend some time together. Early Saturday morning, we caught a bus to a small coastal town about three hours away from our city. During the journey, we sang songs, shared snacks, and talked happily about our plans for the summer holiday.

When we arrived, the weather was perfect. The sky was bright and clear, and the sea looked calm and blue. After checking into a small guesthouse, we went straight to the beach. Jack and I played volleyball while Linda and Daisy collected seashells along the shore. Later, we swam in the cool water and took lots of photos to remember the day. In the evening, we had delicious seafood at a local restaurant and watched the sunset together. The orange and pink colors of the sky made me feel peaceful and thankful.

The next morning, we visited a nearby market to buy some souvenirs before going home. Although the trip was short, it was full of laughter and beautiful memories. I realized that spending time with my friends is one of the best ways to relax and feel alive. I promised myself that we would plan another trip soon.

Last Sunday morning, hundreds of volunteers gathered at Sunrise Beach to take part in a cleanup event organized by 15-year-old Tom Nguyen, a student at Greenfield Secondary School. The event, called “Clean Wave Day,” aimed to raise awareness about ocean pollution and encourage young people to protect the environment.

Tom came up with the idea after visiting the beach with his family last month. “I saw so much plastic waste buried in the sand and floating in the water,” he said. “It made me feel sad, so I decided to do something about it.” With the help of his teachers, friends, and local authorities, Tom spent three weeks planning the activity.

On the day of the event, volunteers arrived as early as 6:30 a.m. Armed with gloves, trash bags, and cheerful smiles, they spread out across the beach. Some collected plastic bottles and food wrappers, while others picked up glass, old fishing nets, and even broken toys. By noon, the team had filled over 150 large bags of rubbish. The collected waste was later sorted and sent to a recycling center in the city.

Many people praised Tom for his leadership and effort. Mrs. Le, his English teacher, said, “Tom has shown that young people can make a big difference when they care about their community.” Tom hopes to continue organizing similar projects in the future. “Cleaning the beach once is not enough,” he said. “We need to change our habits and stop littering in the first place.”

The local government announced that it will support Tom’s next event, expected to take place later this year in another coastal area.

In today’s fast-changing world, many people worry that traditional customs are slowly disappearing. However, in the small village of Hoa Son, located in northern Vietnam, the local community has found a way to keep its traditions alive while still welcoming modern life. Every year, during the Lunar New Year, villagers gather to celebrate the “Fire Dance Festival,” a tradition that has been passed down for more than 200 years.

According to local elders, the festival began as a way to thank the gods for protecting the village and bringing a good harvest. It usually takes place on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. The highlight of the event is a performance where young men dance barefoot on burning charcoal. It may look dangerous, but the dancers believe that their courage will bring luck and happiness to their families. The performance is accompanied by drums, gongs, and traditional songs, creating a lively and powerful atmosphere.

What makes this festival special is not only the exciting performance but also the spirit of unity it brings to the community. Before the big day, villagers work together to clean the temple, decorate the streets, and prepare traditional dishes like sticky rice cakes and sweet rice balls. Even those who have moved to the city return home to take part in the festival. For them, it’s more than just a celebration—it’s a time to remember their roots and reconnect with their hometown.

In recent years, local schools have also joined the effort to preserve this tradition. Teachers organize lessons about the history of the festival, and students help by performing folk dances and making handmade decorations. As one teacher said, “Traditions are like the soul of our culture. If we don’t protect them, we will forget who we are.”

Thanks to the dedication of the people of Hoa Son, the Fire Dance Festival continues to burn brightly—just like the flames that light up the night sky every New Year.