Vietnamese woman passionate about exploring mysterious highlands

Ms. Binh went to strange lands that few people had set foot on. — Ms. Binh went to strange lands that not many people have set foot on.

That is the sharing of Ms. Le Thi Thanh Binh, born in 1980, living and working in Hanoi. She has just returned from a journey of discovery from Mongolia to Siberia (Russia). With a passion for traveling, 8 years ago, she started long journeys to all over the world , going to strange lands that not many people have set foot on.

The joy of living in childhood stories

During her two recent trips, Ms. Binh had the opportunity to set foot in Central Asian lands. One trip lasted 18 days through places like Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan,... Another trip lasted about 10 days through Xinjiang (China) along the Silk Road. The roads were arduous, but together with her friends, her group had impressive experiences.

“Although I could see the pictures online, the actual scenery was much more majestic. The terrain and landscape were stunning, and spring was filled with blooming flowers everywhere. Not only that, but the people also surprised me with their friendliness and kindness. In remote places that I had thought were unsafe, I met very hospitable people. They invited me into their gardens to pick the first fruits of the season.”

Her group of friends also got to enjoy local cuisine , although it might not be familiar to Vietnamese tastes, making it difficult for long trips.

Talking about her passion for choosing routes and places that few people have been to, Ms. Binh said that each place has its own special features that she had heard about in stories and read since childhood but never had the opportunity to experience.

“For example, in places like Uzbekistan, they still keep the old markets from the time when traders used to ride camels through the roads. I go and experience the same roads that they used to take. Living in the stories that have been imprinted in my memory since I was a child is the most meaningful thing.”

Ms. Binh was moved not only by the landscapes she explored but also by the new people she met and interacted with. And the emotion also came from her fellow travelers. Those were extremely memorable trips.

“I still remember the occasion when I went to Krasnoyarsk, Russia and climbed the tower of the Paraskeva Pyatnitsa Chapel – the place printed on the Russian 10 ruble note. We arrived there at sunset, the time when Russia was preparing to celebrate the victory day of May 9, everywhere there was the atmosphere of rehearsal for the parade. We accidentally met a couple practicing the Russian song “Blue Scarf”.

Together with the sunset, the music and the atmosphere next to a symbolic tower, that moment left an indescribable impression on us. Afterwards, we took pictures and interacted with them, feeling how close Russia was.”

Her group always tries to arrange their own schedule, travel by themselves instead of following a tour, eat what the locals eat, do what they do, to feel like they are part of that land. The journey is not always smooth. Moving through many regions sometimes causes her difficulties with immigration procedures, visas, and transportation. But what she receives, especially the closeness to nature and people, always makes her feel it is worth it.

Women should find a way to compromise and have their own space.

Ms. Binh shared that she is still a traditional woman, the most important thing to her is still family, then work and third are personal desires.

“If I can arrange to balance my desires with my family and work, that's best. If not, I still prioritize family and work.”

Ms. Binh’s long trips started 8 years ago. Before that, she also went on short trips with her family. Since her children were young, she often had to go on business trips, so her family was used to arranging and supporting her for long trips.

“At times like these, my husband and grandparents also help me arrange work and take care of the two children. My parents and husband also support me when they know how meaningful the trips are to me. My husband also gives me advice on choosing the destination and route. He supports my trips to special places that not many people go to, such as Israel, Egypt or Russia...”.

Ms. Binh supports the view that women should also live for themselves, especially sometimes in life when having private spaces will help each person to relieve stress. For her, the trips also help her realize many things about her own life, about how she should live or treat the people around her.

Ms. Binh at the base camp area on the way to explore Mount Everest. (Photo: NVCC) — Ms. Binh at the base camp area on the way to explore Mount Everest

“Even though women take care of their family and work, they should also manage to have their own space. Each person has a different choice of space, some read books, some chat with friends, some do sports like jogging, for example. For me, it is like a saying that I really like, "read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles, listen to ten thousand stories of life".

Sharing about her future travel plans, Ms. Binh said that if possible, she hopes to visit countries in ancient Mesopotamia (a historical region in West Asia, including present-day Iraq), or Central America, South America, India, places with other ancient civilizations.

TN (according to VTC News)

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