Van Mieu- The Temple of Literature

Well, holiday is coming, and this will be the forth one since I first set foot outside of Vietnam. Due to my limitted fundind, I don't get to go home very often. However, this is the first Christmas I will actually have to be alone. About three more days before Christmas Eve, my friends have already left campus long ago, and I am no where close to be ready for Santa. This time of the year, especially being by myself, I have the time to remember the past, to go back in time and recall my childhood. It is one of the best way for me to enjoy my peace.
This time, the images come to my mind are that of the Temple of Literature, known as Van Mieu in Vietnamese. The temple locates at the heart of Hanoi, and has now become the simbol of the city. For its thousand-years history and being the first university of Vietnam, it well deserves the tittle. As you can see in the image which I borrows from this website , the place looks simple and peaceful. The picture was taken during the Frech colonization in Vietnam late 19th century. In comparison with the new version of it, which I believe was taken in more of less same view, the place hasn't changed much. Few details were upgraded, few new things were built, but if we excuse the major change in photographing technology, the place hasn't changed much. One of the best feature of the place can be seen in the left hand side of the pictures. Those are stones, with names of people who earned doctorate degrees engarved on. They are the simbol of respect, which the society pay them. They'll live on for as long as the stones last.

Well, why Van Mieu, you might wonder. Why, out of all places, do I recall this images at this moment? Because about half a mile to the east of Van Mieu, there was my home. I grew up at this place.
At that time, I remember, Van Mieu was one of the children most favorite places to play. We could run, we could hide, we could scream and nobody even bothered. The place (even now) was usually empty, except for the holiday. Around days like that, people from everywhere would come here and pray. They would pray for luck, for happiness, for a lot of things; but the main prayers are due to education.
My best memory at this temple would be the Tet's holiday (New Year's Eve equivalent) ten years ago. My father took me there, led me to one of the stones, pointed at one of the names (which are all written in old style) and said: "Son, this is your grandfather's name! Your duty is to live up to it! Remember that!" And yes, father, I remember!
-nxh