“Vietnam is the friendliest country that I have ever been to”
Xayyakhan VATHI came to Vietnam in 2020. Before joining the military journalism class, he learned Vietnamese at Unit 871 of the General Department of Political Affairs of the Vietnam People's Army for a year.
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Warrant Officer Xayyakhan VATHI |
Xayyakhan shared that on the first days, he felt homesick as this was the first time he had visited Hanoi. He was also unfamiliar with Vietnamese food and weather. With the encouragement and enthusiastic help from Vietnamese teachers and cadets, he overcame all difficulties and studied hard. The unit's dorm is fully equipped with necessary facilities and he also received a monthly allowance, thereby he and other Lao cadets could quickly stabilize their lives and catch up with the school’s activities.
After finishing the Vietnamese class at Unit 871, he joined the course on military journalism at the Military University of Culture and Arts. Although he was confronted by a number of difficulties, he tried to study, looked up documents, read books, and actively participated in team learning with his classmates.
During his time in Vietnam, Xayyakhan gradually got into the swing of the Vietnamese people’s lifestyle. “Wherever I go in Hanoi and say I am Lao, Vietnamese people are all very friendly and welcoming. Many times when going to a cafe, I get a free drink from the owner. He told me that Vietnam and Laos were good brothers so drinks were free. I was truly touched by that,” Xayyakhan VATHI said.
Vietnam is second homeland
During four years in Vietnam, Xayyakhan has visited many famous tourist destinations in Hanoi. Particularly, he is fond of Hoan Kiem (Sword) Lake because the scenery is so beautiful and the pedestrian street has a series of interesting activities. He can meet and talk with many Vietnamese people.
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Teacher Dieu Ngan and Lao cadets of the class on military journalism for Lao cadets at the Military University of Culture and Arts |
Mentioning the cuisine, Xayyakhan said that he really likes Vietnamese food as it is delicious and diverse. He also revealed that he can cook some Vietnamese dishes.
“I consider Vietnam my second homeland because I feel comfortable when living in this country and my Vietnamese friends love us. Every time I return home, I tell my relatives and friends about Vietnam - a beautiful country, especially the special sentiments of the Vietnamese people towards the Lao people," Xayyakhan underlined.
He also expressed sincere thanks to Vietnam’s Government and Ministry of National Defense, and leaders and teachers of the Military University of Culture and Arts for creating conditions for him to study at the university. Over the past 4 years, he has fallen in love with the Vietnamese language, the country and people. “Vietnamese students are like members of my family. We have learned together and jointly taken part in many activities. I enjoy living here in Vietnam,” shared Xayyakhan
Kay Not LETNAKHONE
Translated by Quynh Oanh