Narrating a Countryside Visit

Topic: Narrate a Countryside Visit

I. Outline: A Countryside Visit
 

1. Introduction

- Introduce key details about the countryside visit: When did it happen? Who did you go with? Was it to your native village or elsewhere?
- Express your general feelings and thoughts about the trip.
 

2. Body

- Describe your feelings and emotions before the trip, during the journey, and upon arrival.
- Narrate the firsthand observations of changes in the landscape of your homeland.
- Recount the scene of visiting ancestral graves; meeting relatives, family, and villagers.
- Detail your activities during the days spent visiting the countryside.
- Reflect on your emotions when bidding farewell to loved ones and returning to the city...
 

3. Conclusion

- Express your thoughts and feelings about that countryside visit.

II. Sample Essay: A Sixth Grade Countryside Visit
 

1. Sample Essay #1: A Countryside Visit (Standard)

My family lives in Hanoi, but my mother is originally from the Central region, with roots in Hue. Every year, our family only visits the countryside once or twice, but each visit is always joyful.

I remember it was in fourth grade, on the occasion of my late grandfather's death anniversary, my mother and I arranged to visit the countryside. It took us over 6 hours by coach to reach Hue, and despite the fatigue, the warm welcome from everyone made both me and my mother forget about the exhaustion.

Everyone gathered to prepare a meal and catch up after a long time apart. There were stories about distant relatives, about the neighbor's plans, and even discussions about the future plans of the children in the family.

After dinner, my mother and I took a stroll around the streets. Hue, as always when I visit, seemed to carry a sense of contemplation, as if bearing some hidden sorrow. The trees began to shed their golden leaves, scattering them on the enchanting streets. Trang Tien Bridge stood gracefully over the Perfume River on a tranquil late autumn evening. The river, like a Hue lady, was gentle, serene, and alluring. Its gentle ripples caressed the banks, evoking an indescribable longing. We visited Phu Xuan bookstore, bustling with people yet strangely quiet, with only the occasional sound of flipping pages breaking the silence. The impressive thing here perhaps was the elegance and refinement of our homeland's people.

My mother and I returned to my grandmother's house as the evening began to fall. Dinner was already prepared, with all our favorite dishes meticulously crafted by my grandmother and aunt. It felt like a gift for us. Afterwards, we gathered around the warm TV, and I nestled into my grandmother's embrace, holding her frail hands, feeling immense love for her. I said to her, 'Granny, you should come to Hanoi and visit me sometime.' She chuckled gently and looked at me lovingly, saying,

'I'm old, dear. I can't travel far. You and your mother and children should make time to visit me more often.' I hugged her tiny frail frame, and though no words were spoken, perhaps both of us understood the love and appreciation I had for her.

The next day, on my grandfather's anniversary, everyone gathered early to prepare. After finishing our tasks, my mother and I bid farewell to everyone and headed back to Hanoi. Despite being small, the gifts from our countryside folks were filled with heartfelt warmth.

Farewell beloved Hue, my heart reluctant to part, accepting the separation with the promise of reunion, the day we meet again with loved ones and family.

2. Sample Essay 2: A Visit to the Countryside

After nine months of diligent study, we finally have our summer break. When summer arrives, my parents often take me to water parks or zoos. But what I love most is visiting my grandparents in the countryside.

As usual, at the beginning of summer, my family spends about 3 to 4 days together in the countryside. It's beautiful there. Driving on the rocky dirt road, looking out of the car window, I see vast green rice fields stretching into the distance. In the distance, some cows are grazing peacefully. A few boys are chasing each other to catch the kite soaring high in the vast blue sky. Occasionally, a flock of birds races through the sky.

My grandparents' house is located on a small road, inaccessible by car. Their house has a red-tiled roof, adorned with the ancient mossy charm. In front of the house is a small garden where they grow vegetables and raise chickens. Next to it is a pond full of fish. When they see me and my parents arrive, they are very excited. Grandpa hugs me tightly and then takes me to the garden to play before grabbing a fishing rod and teaching me how to fish. We chat animatedly, with Grandpa asking about my studies and sharing many stories with me. Seeing us having a good time, Grandma takes my parents inside to prepare tea.

In the evening, Grandma and Mom prepare a 'garden home-cooked meal': braised fish, boiled meat, and sour soup - all made from vegetables and meat raised in the garden pond. Perhaps that's why the meal tastes so delicious to me. After dinner, I lie on the hammock in the garden and fall asleep without even realizing it.

As time flies by and it's time for my parents to go back to work and for me to prepare for the new school year. Before we part ways, Grandpa gives me his fishing rod and says, 'Whenever you're free, come back here and play with me.'

3. Sample Essay 3: A Visit to the Countryside

Last Sunday, I went with my parents to visit my grandmother in the countryside. It's a place with lush green rice fields, just the smell alone makes it incredibly refreshing.

After a period of exhausting exams, I finally got to unwind. The countryside is where I always look forward to visiting. I miss my grandmother, my cousins, and relatives there.

My grandmother's village is a peaceful, tranquil place, unlike the hustle and bustle of Hanoi city. Throughout the journey, I was always eager and excited. It's been a long time since I last visited my grandmother. Along the way to her house, the rice fields on both sides were lush green, with the fragrance of ripening rice in the air! In the distance, you could see the silhouettes of cows and buffalo grazing diligently. The farmers were resting by the roadside, all wearing bright smiles despite the sweat on their foreheads. Whenever we met someone, my dad warmly greeted them. Everyone seemed like they were from the countryside, so they were all very friendly and familiar!

Upon arriving at my grandmother's house, she was already waiting at the gate. Seeing us tired, she had already prepared a mat on the porch for the whole family to rest. But I didn't feel tired at all, even though the journey was a bit long. I still felt very energetic! Seeing my grandmother getting older day by day, I felt a lot of love for her! Her hair has turned completely gray, with only a few strands of black left. She gently stroked my hair, asking about my health, studies, and giving me caring advice.

Taking a short break, I hurried to help grandma pick fruits in the garden. Wow, grandma's garden is full of delicious fruits! There are custard apples, guavas, star fruits, and more. So many fruits for me to choose from. I helped grandma pick a little of each to bring home. The fruits grown by grandma's hands are different. They're incredibly delicious and refreshing!

Grandma has a very cute cat. I played with it for a long time without getting bored. In the evening, I helped grandma pick vegetables for dinner. That evening, the whole family gathered together for dinner. Seeing grandma's happy smile, my heart was filled with emotion. I love grandma very much, I begged her to come and live with us but she refused. Grandma said she's used to living in the countryside, she doesn't want to live anywhere else.

The next day, saying goodbye to grandma, my heart felt so sad. I only hope that summer comes quickly so I can visit grandma for a longer time.

4. Sample Essay 4: A Visit to the Countryside

Last summer, my parents sent me to the countryside to visit my grandparents and aunt. The trip lasted only 10 days, but I have many unforgettable memories from that meaningful visit.

Last year, I went to the countryside alone to visit, as my parents were busy with work. The countryside is very peaceful, my grandparents' house is next to vast rice fields. It was during the rice harvest season, so the fields were covered in golden yellow. The neighbors around my grandparents' house woke up early and took their buffaloes and ox carts to the fields to start harvesting rice.

I asked my aunt to let me accompany her to herd the buffalo with Tèo. My aunt let me sit on the ox cart and we set off to the fields. It was my first time riding an ox cart, and I loved it. The cart moved slowly but very safely. Every rice field was full of ripe grains, and everyone was laughing and joking happily. It seemed to be a bumper crop season.

My grandmother knew I liked eating leaf cakes, so whenever she went to the market, she would buy two for me. The afternoons in the countryside were truly beautiful, cool, and fresh. My grandfather made a big kite for me and Tèo, and when the wind blew, we would take it out to fly. Watching the kite soar in the vast sky made me feel thrilled and relaxed.

Although there aren't many candies or cars in the countryside like in the city, people here are very friendly and live affectionately with each other. Even when I visit my grandparents' house, the neighbors still come over to play and give me cake gifts. I love them dearly.

Many days, Tèo takes me to herd the buffalo together, from afternoon until evening, only returning home when the moon rises high. Children in this village are all diligent in herding buffalo like this. I enjoy following them to the fields, watching them catch fish in the long winding ditch.

Here, I experienced my first time swimming in the pond, but I had to stand on the bank while my grandparents watched before I dared to step into the water. Being immersed in the cool, gentle, green water of the countryside pond, I felt delighted.

Although I only spent ten days in the countryside, I have many unforgettable memories here. I hope my parents will let me come back to the countryside this summer so I can have fun without any worries.

5. Sample Essay 5: Recounting a Visit to the Countryside (Standard)

'Homeland is a cluster of sweet persimmons
For children to climb and pick every day
Homeland is the road to school
Returning home covered in golden shadows'

It feels like just yesterday when I left my hometown, yet it's been nearly seven years now. Back then, being young, I didn't have many impressions of my hometown. I followed my parents to the city to establish our lives. For seven long years, I haven't had the opportunity to return to the countryside due to our family's unstable finances. This year, our entire family decided to go back to the countryside to celebrate Tet with our grandparents.

On that day, after preparing gifts and cakes for the relatives in the countryside, we got into the car and headed home. On the way, emotions were overwhelming, and the anticipation was indescribable. As we approached our homeland, I was surprised by the changes. In my young mind back then were images of rugged gravel roads, with potholes and large bumps, but now it's different. Instead, there are concrete roads, wide and straight. As it was nearing Tet, the roads were adorned with bright red national flags. The houses in the village were gradually springing up. Despite many changes, the soul of the countryside remains the same. There are still vast green fields, with herds of white storks gracefully wandering around. Baby calves follow their mothers leisurely grazing on the tender shoots of grass along the embankment, and as the sun gradually sets, it creates a peaceful evening scene over the homeland.

Arriving at my grandparents' house, we were warmly welcomed by everyone, filled with joy and happiness at our reunion. Grandpa seemed to have aged a lot, which made me deeply affectionate. His hair was more than half gray, and his hands wrinkled with age. Seeing him like that touched me deeply. He looked at me and said, 'You've grown so much, Lan, you were just a little baby, and now you're all grown up.' Then everyone prepared dinner for tonight's gathering, excitedly catching up on each other's lives and experiences over the past time. After the feast, my mom gave everyone small gifts from those who returned from afar.

Feeling tired from the journey, I went to bed early, sharing a bed with my grandfather. Being in his embrace, feeling his warmth, I felt so happy. It had been a long time since I heard my grandfather's voice again, listened to the stories from the past, and lay on the straw mat bed. Though times may change, the bonds of family remain, always staying by our side.

The next morning, I went for a walk around the neighborhood with my mother and grandmother. The atmosphere was so refreshing, unlike the dusty streets of the city. Every garden was filled with lush green vegetables, nurtured by the hands of the farmers. Dewdrops on the leaves and the sound of birds welcoming the new day made the scene even more delightful. Some women had already gone to the Tet market early in the morning, selling vegetables and flowers to earn some money for Tet. The village market was always bustling, buyers and sellers crowded, especially nearing Tet, with various goods on display, perhaps the most abundant being candies and children's clothes.

Then the Tet days in the countryside were the happiest. I and my friends in the neighborhood put on new clothes to celebrate Tet and received lucky money from everyone. My parents also went to wish our neighbors a happy Tet, spreading joy and excitement.

That was it, a trip back to my hometown filled with joy and warmth. Being far from home, I deeply regretted it, wishing I had more time to return to my homeland.

Details of the Tell the story of the first time I went on a trip away from home to prepare well for this lesson. Additionally, Recall a time when I did something well is an important lesson in the 6th-grade Literature program that students need to pay special attention to.

III. Sample essay: Recounting a trip to the countryside in 8th grade

1. Sample essay number 1: Recounting a trip to the countryside (Standard)

My love for my homeland is like my love for my mother, my father. My homeland is a part of my blood and flesh, so whenever I mention it, my heart cannot help but feel emotional and excited. Although I rarely have the opportunity to visit my hometown, every trip back makes me feel affectionate and incredibly happy.

I remember it was the summer when I was in the fourth grade, I was taken by my grandparents to visit our village. My village has a small river flowing gently, ripe golden rice fields laden with grains. My village has a village road shaded by green bamboo, a banyan tree at the village entrance. And my village has young birds, white storks flying across the sky as dusk falls. Everything is so beautiful. The beauty of the countryside is undeniable, but the affection for the homeland is even more beautiful, deeply ingrained in the thoughts and lives of the people here.

I returned to the loving embrace of my grandparents and the warm welcome of aunts, uncles, neighbors, and the neighborhood children. Aunt Năm asked about my family, praising how much I had grown up lately, becoming so lovely. Aunt Mai said that my mom had raised me well, just recently I was a little girl and now almost a young lady, then everyone inquired about my mother's work, telling me about Sister Hai's son Tuấn who just got a master's degree, cousin Lan's daughter Hà is about to enter first grade,... conversations filled the house, everyone welcomed and cared for me, making me feel very special.

Early the next morning, I had the chance to wake up early with my grandma to go to the garden. Now I had time to admire my grandma's beloved house. The four-sided house was quite spacious, painted in the color of the sea, bright red tiled roof, a spacious and clean yard. In the garden, there were lush green vegetables and rows of fruits like pomelo, mango, and guava. The fragrance of ripe fruits mingled with the scent of guava flowers carried by the gentle breeze was extremely pleasant. Flocks of birds chirped cheerfully on the bamboo bushes at the end of the garden, adding to the lively natural symphony. Some farmers went to the fields early to avoid the scorching noon sun. Grandma and I watered the vegetables and took the opportunity to pick some for lunch. The two of us worked and chatted happily.

Neighborhood kids took the opportunity to come over and play with me. We played games like tag, dodgeball,... playing with my friends was fantastic, it's been a long time since I felt so comfortable. Then in the evening, we went to the fields to hunt for snails, that was the most exciting activity for me. Around the ditch banks, rice fields, we searched for and caught snails that were dozing off, then brought them back. We kids were delighted with the fragrant pot of snails seasoned with lemongrass and lime leaves, while sharing stories from school, from class for each other to listen to.

It feels like just yesterday, but it's been over a week staying in the countryside, I have to say goodbye to everyone and return to the city. Although there's still plenty of summer vacation time, I have to go back to help my mom take care of my siblings, tidy up the house. Everyone bid farewell with endless affection, aunties gave me a hen, some even a dozen eggs, a bit of homegrown vegetables as a family gesture. That's it, these gifts may not be grand, but they are simple yet warm gestures of hometown affection. That's why no matter where I go, I could never forget my homeland.

You can also check out more sample essays about recounting your own experiences to enhance your vocabulary and get more ideas for writing about experiences, visiting the countryside.

More: Recounting Your Own Experience

2. Sample Essay #2: Recounting a Visit to the Countryside

My hometown is far from the city, so I rarely get the chance to visit. Even though I'm already twelve years old, I've only visited my grandparents' village once. It's been so long that I hardly remember anything from back then. However, thanks to my dad's days off last week, I got the opportunity to visit.

Dad gave us the good news three days in advance. Three days seemed like an eternity to wait in excitement. Finally, the time came to board the train. The train ride was crowded and noisy. It felt like everyone was heading to the countryside. As the train rolled out of the station, there was an indescribable joy in the air. The train journey lasted almost a whole day, but I didn't want to sleep. The scenery outside was just too captivating. From villages to fields, then hills and vast expanses of land. On both sides of the tracks, there were lush greenery, and bustling towns when the train passed through markets. Lost in thought, I was snapped back to reality when the train arrived at the station.

Our grandparents' house was less than half a mile from the station, so Dad decided we should walk. Walking on the gravel road, the stones and rocks underfoot made a crunching sound, and I felt something incredibly strange. It was a feeling I had never experienced before. Before I knew it, we had reached my grandma's gate. The old bamboo gate partially covered by a vine of bitter gourd laden with fruit inside. Seeing the whole family at the gate, my grandma came out to greet us joyfully. I don't know why, but at that moment, I dropped my bag on the ground and rushed into my grandma's arms, bursting into tears. That evening passed in a peaceful sleep beside my grandma.

Grandma woke me up early the next morning, and it seemed like I didn't want to be lazy and sleep in like in the city. Now, I could carefully observe my grandparents' house. The three-room house, weathered by the elements, had turned to a silvery brown hue over time. Yet inside, it still exuded warmth, sanctity, and immense coziness. During breakfast, I tried to match the mental images with the actual sight of my grandparents. They seemed younger than I had imagined. Despite being over seventy, grandpa was still robust and vigorous. Grandma's hair was grayer, but she was still quite nimble.

After breakfast, I began to enjoy the fascinating sensations of the countryside. While grandpa, grandma, my parents, and uncles chatted over betel nuts, I was invited by my older cousins to the field. Today, I was the center of attention, so everyone took turns looking after me, the city kid. Oh! The days in the countryside had taught me so much. Perhaps the most enjoyable were the games played by the village kids. It was my first time flying a kite, and my older brother even gave me a new string to play with. Then there were games like cricket fighting, playing with tops, and kicking a football made of dried pomelo... and the hilarious experience of herding buffaloes. Just a few days, and I made so many new friends. The strange thing was, everyone was easygoing, easy to play with, and quickly became close, unlike in the city.

The days in the countryside rushed by in my regret for leaving most games unfinished. On the day of departure, grandma gave me many gifts. She hugged me, tears welling up in her eyes but not falling. She said, 'You're a good grandchild! Remember to study hard in the city, next time you come back, you'll surely be all grown up.' I didn't cry as I did when I first arrived, just felt a bit sad. In grandma's embrace, I felt the countryside was warm, sacred, noble, and yet so close and comforting.

3. Sample Essay #3: Recounting a Visit to the Countryside

My childhood is closely tied to the bustling city, with its skyscrapers and crowded streets. So, every summer vacation back to the countryside brings me immense joy. Last year, I was awarded as an excellent student, so my parents allowed me to spend a month in the countryside with my grandparents.

The road to the countryside was long and bumpy. I vividly remember Dế Mèn's words when he returned home to visit his mother and brothers. Mèn didn't mind the hardships but felt happy to return to his homeland. I felt just as enthusiastic as Mèn. Despite the long journey, I didn't feel tired; instead, I was filled with excitement.

In the countryside, I lived in a refreshing and pleasant environment, so different from the cramped city streets. When I visited, my grandparents were delighted. They loved me dearly, their distant grandchild who didn't often receive their care. Therefore, I was pampered by them. In the countryside, it wasn't just my grandparents; I also had many uncles and aunts. As soon as I arrived home, my cousins rushed over to take me out. Everywhere we went, they eagerly introduced me as the niece from Hanoi, making me feel embarrassed. When I visited my uncles and aunts, everyone praised how much I had grown and how pretty I looked. The villagers were so honest, living modestly and sincerely.

During my days in the countryside, each day was filled with exciting plans made by my cousins. Every morning, I went shrimp fishing with them. The shrimps in the basket jumped around. At noon, instead of napping, we played in the garden, played traditional games like 'ô ăn quan' (a Vietnamese board game), shuttlecock kicking, or hide and seek. In the afternoon, we went to the windy riverbank. The evening breeze was cool and refreshing. Some buffaloes and cows lazily grazed on grass. The tranquil scenery was so serene. We even organized a kite-flying competition. Colorful kites soared in the sky, swaying gracefully. I wished I were one of those kites so I could fly back to my hometown anytime. Besides, my friends' kites flew just as high. They even taught me how to make a kite. It's simple but requires patience and diligence.

One of my fondest memories is playing in the rain. On that day, there was a heavy rainstorm that lasted for hours. The neighborhood kids ran out to splash around. I stayed inside, watching the rain, which seemed like a white curtain covering the entire space. When the rain stopped, we rushed out to the fields to catch shrimp and crayfish. But to get to the other side of the field, we had to cross a small bridge. I wasn't used to it, so I was afraid to step across. My friends cheered me on, and I took the risk. Suddenly, I slipped and fell into the canal below. The kids pulled me out, laughing loudly. Despite my wet clothes, we roamed the fields together. Everywhere we went, we caught shrimp and crayfish. The feeling of catching those tiny fish and crabs for the first time made me so happy, as if I were a real laborer. Then, I slipped again due to the slippery ground. The kids laughed, calling me the biggest frog of our 'hunting' trip. Embarrassed and soaked, I laughed along.

A month of summer passed by quickly. It was time for me to return to the city, back to studying literature, math, and music... My parents came to pick me up, but suddenly I didn't want to leave anymore. I felt a sense of regret, as if I had to part with something I cherished... My aunts and uncles gave me so many gifts. My younger siblings all held my hand, reluctant to let go, and even the neighbors came to say goodbye. They gave me many more gifts. I still keep those presents until now.

'Homeland is like a cluster of sweet jujubes, allowing children to pick every day....' These beloved lines always remind me of my grandparents, of the time I visited the countryside with so many memories. And at that moment, I wish I were a kite to fly back to my homeland.

4. Sample Essay #4: A Visit to the Countryside

My parents got married in the city, so naturally, I was born and raised there. However, they always reminded me to remember our homeland. But my hometown is too far away. It wasn't until I reached sixth grade that my parents allowed me to visit and stay with my grandmother for a while.

Needless to say, I was thrilled and excited beyond measure when my parents granted me permission to visit our homeland. On the day of our journey to my grandmother's house, my parents gave me all sorts of reminders to behave well, to obey my grandmother, and not to make her sad. I nodded eagerly.

After half a day on the train and several hours by car, my grandmother's hometown appeared before my eyes. It was a midland region with rolling hills and palm forests spreading their wide canopies like umbrellas.

My grandmother's house nestled at the foot of a hill, and to enter the house, one had to cross a bamboo bridge over a small stream. Her house was not multi-story like the ones in the city, but a five-room tiled-roof house with many windows, surrounded by lush green trees and a variety of vegetable gardens. Everything was covered in a refreshing green hue. Therefore, the first feeling when stepping into my grandmother's house was a cool, peaceful sensation of a countryside in the midland region.

Looking out from my grandmother's house, I see low hills adorned with lush greenery, intertwined with tall, slender palm trees. In the afternoon, as the sun begins to set, I hear the distant sound of cattle returning home, accompanied by the laughter of children herding buffalo. Flocks of birds soar through the sky. The rural afternoons are serene and beautiful, making me wish I could wander with the local children on those hills and verdant fields. After a long day's journey, I drift into a peaceful sleep within my grandmother's embrace. Amidst my slumber, I suddenly hear the melodious chirping of birds nearby, awakening to their sweet song, akin to a morning symphony. Outside, the mother hen and her chicks cluck as they search for food, while two playful puppies frolic in the yard. Oh, the mornings here are truly splendid.

I rush out to the yard to admire the scenery. The sun peeks over the eastern horizon, casting its golden rays. Banana trees sway in the wind, and in the pond, fish frolic freely, occasionally darting to the bottom as if playing hide-and-seek. Breakfast in the countryside is simple, consisting of boiled sweet potatoes. My grandmother knows I love this dish, so she prepared it in advance. The sweet potatoes from my grandmother's hometown may not be large, but they are deliciously sweet. I happily eat until full. After breakfast, my grandmother and I head to the tea plantation. Tea is considered the signature crop of my grandmother's village. The gently sloping hills behind my grandmother's house are adorned with lush green tea bushes. Though elderly, my grandmother deftly plucks the tea leaves. We chat and laugh as we work, surrounded by the tranquil greenery.

As noon approaches and the sun begins to cast its warm glow across the tea plantation, my grandmother and I return home. My grandmother's figure seems to sway with the shadows, and I can't help but feel a pang of affection for her. She's old, yet still toils tirelessly. She smiles warmly, saying, 'Hard work is second nature to me, dear. It keeps one healthy.' In the afternoon, as the scorching sun begins to relent, I stand on the bridge, gazing at the clear, flowing water, so transparent that I can see the stones and sand at the bottom. Occasionally, a school of fish leisurely swims by, and with the slightest disturbance, they vanish from sight.

In just a few days spent in my grandmother's village, I've gained many genuine friends, honest and sincere, who hold me in high regard. They often invite me to play and introduce me to the unique aspects of rural life. My favorite time is when, during midday, we climb the coconut hill. There, the scorching sun is nowhere to be found, only a cool breeze and the shade of palm trees. We sit beneath the palm fronds, listening to the rustling of leaves in the wind, the entire coconut grove swaying to the rhythm of the breeze, like a countryside symphony. Amidst the tranquil atmosphere, I feel as if I've wandered to a faraway place. Isn't my grandmother's village beautiful, my friends? Time flies, and it's time for me to leave my grandmother's village and return to the city. On the day of departure, tears fill my grandmother's eyes as she bids me farewell, wishing me success in my studies and hoping I'll return to visit her next year. The neighbors also come to say goodbye. Boarding the vehicle, my heart is heavy with regret, as my grandmother's village gradually fades into the distance. I silently vow to study hard so that I can return to visit my grandmother next year. In my heart, my grandmother's village feels remarkably close and beloved.

5. Sample story 5: A Visit to the Countryside

At the beginning of the school year, my dad promised that if I achieved the title of Excellent Student, he would take me back to our hometown during the summer. I worked hard to excel in my studies, and my dad kept his promise.

On a beautiful morning, my dad and I woke up early, preparing meticulously for our trip. The Honda was cleaned and fueled up. The gifts for my grandparents, prepared by my mom the night before, were carefully packed. My mom bid us farewell at the gate, holding my hand and saying:

'Tell your grandparents that I send my regards! Wishing you and dad a pleasant journey!'

The motorbike glides gracefully on the smooth, wide asphalt road. Trees and houses blur past as the gentle breeze fills me with excitement. Holding onto my dad tightly, I happily sing:

'Homeland is the cluster of sweet kumquats
For me to climb and pick every day
Homeland is the path to school
I return, covered in golden butterflies' flight...'

My hometown is in Thuận Thành district, Bắc Ninh province, a land renowned for the Lim festival, the sweet melodies of Quan Họ folk songs, and the famous Đông Hồ paintings. My dad was born and raised in a quaint village along the Đuống river. When away from home, he often reminisces about childhood memories tied to banyan trees, riverbanks, and village communal houses...

After over an hour's journey, my dad and I arrive at the village gate. A group of people, with hoes and baskets, are heading to the fields for the rice harvest. My dad greets them, and the warm responses from the villagers fill my heart with affection for my beloved homeland.

There is the house of my grandparents! A five-compartment tiled roof house surrounded by a lush fruit tree garden. Tall betel nut trees line the pathway adorned with fruit-laden clusters. The betel vine near the well remains as verdant as ever. Under the orange tree, my mom and the chickens are busy preening...

Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and elder siblings come out to greet us. Some lead the way, some carry bags... Laughter and chatter fill the entire courtyard.

Grandpa takes my hand and leads me into the house. He chuckles, his silvery beard trembling:

- Cu Thuận, son of Thành, how have you been doing in school this year? Tell grandpa all about it!

I quietly whispered that I had achieved the title of Excellent Student, Grandpa was thrilled, patting my head and praising:

- You're very clever, my child! In a few months, you'll be in 7th grade, you have to study even harder, understood?

The whole family burst into laughter. I felt embarrassed and ran to hide behind Grandma.

During my days in the countryside, I was taken to visit all our relatives; I got to play at But Thap Pagoda, and went with my older siblings to the fields to see the rice harvest...

The most enjoyable time was during the full moon night when Anh Tien, my cousin, took me to the village courtyard to play with other kids. We played games like 'dragon soaring to the clouds', 'hide and seek in the dark', and 'picking flowers'. We ran and jumped on the golden straw mat. The scent of fresh straw filled the air under the bright moonlight. The scenery of my hometown was truly enchanting under the moonlight.

On the way back to the city, I whispered to my dad:

- Dad, I really like living in the countryside! This Tet, can you take Mom, me, and Hoa to our hometown to celebrate?

Dad chuckled:

- That's a great idea, my son!

6. Sample essay number 6: A visit to the countryside

Tonight, as the mid-week moon hung over the Ba Vi mountain peak, my mother and my siblings arrived at my grandparents' house in Bon Dong village, a cultural village of 84 Muong ethnic families in Ba Vi, Son Tay, now part of Hanoi.

My grandparents, now in their eighties, are still strong and healthy. They have six children, four sons and two daughters. My mother is the youngest of them, married to a Kinh ethnic man from the lowlands. Currently, my grandparents live with Uncle Cong, their third son.

Following the storm in 1981, my grandparents' stilt house was completely destroyed, necessitating the construction of a new four-room house, nestled against the hillside at the foot of Ba Vi mountain.

The village of Bon Dong stretches out over vast rolling hills, with lush, verdant vegetation. The Bon stream flows crystal clear, revealing golden pebbles beneath its surface; during the rainy season, it roars and rushes incessantly day and night.

Crossing the wooden bridge over the Bon stream leads into the alleyway, the courtyard, and my grandparents' house. The spacious courtyard is paved with smooth cement, while the house floor is adorned with clean, shiny tiles.

It was my third visit to my grandparents' house, Uncle Cong's house. The scenery here astonished me. In the lowlands, my mother is an elementary school teacher, and my father is a military doctor, yet our household items are quite simple. However, at my grandparents' and uncle's house, it is truly opulent and luxurious.

The backyard features a spacious fish pond spanning over 400 square meters, stocked with carp and catfish. Along the pond's edge, there are more than ten guava trees, cultivated for selling, eating, and feeding the fish. In the distance lies the livestock area, housing pigsties, cattle sheds, and poultry coops. There are pens for breeding sows, meat pigs, cows, and also for raising chickens and ducks. The farm boasts three black buffalo, five cows, two calves, and a pair of Dutch dairy cows. On the plum tree rack in front of the yard, Uncle Cong has erected two pigeon coops, each with three tiers and twelve compartments, resembling a miniature fortress on a painting.

The beds and wardrobes inside the house are all made of precious wood. Modern amenities such as television, refrigerator, and high-end motorcycles are commonplace, akin to many affluent families in my hometown. Despite their wealth, my grandparents remain actively involved in farming and animal husbandry alongside their children and grandchildren. Despite toiling day and night, two times a month, Uncle Cong and his wife indulge in the delicacy of pigeon soup with lotus seeds. With annual revenues from selling fresh milk and VAC economic income reaching up to 50 million VND, my mother remarks, 'Uncle Cong is a millionaire farmer.'

Although the study materials are still rudimentary, the study corner of my elder brother Thuan, who is in 9th grade, and my sister Hoa, who is in 6th grade, is neatly arranged. Balancing school and labor alongside our parents, both Thuan and Hoa excel academically. My parents have gifted them with fashionable clothes and beautiful school bags.

In the following days, Thuan and Hoa took their 'Kinh ethnic guests' to admire the scenery of Bon Dong, visiting some of Thuan and Hoa's friends' families. Each household they visited was elegant and spacious, and my siblings were warmly welcomed and treated with hospitality. The highlight was wading in streams and hiking along the Son Tinh trail.

Miss Nhuong ascended to the pavilion, admiring the carp and catfish, playing with the moonlight, and plucking ripe guavas by the pond. Enjoying a refreshing dip in the stream.

Accompanying grandma to the market. Going into the forest to pick wildflowers...

Five days passed swiftly. My sisters and I returned home with mom. Grandma, Uncle Cong, wanted to keep us for more fun..., but mom promised: 'Next year, my husband, children, and I will come and stay for a long time...'

A trip to the countryside filled with beautiful memories that will stay with me forever.

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