Sa Pa town in Lao Cai province is an ideal tourist destination in July. (photo: Internet)

B: Sanil Deep of India told us that in the city of Calicut, India, the monsoon usually starts during the first week of July and ends during the middle of August. But this year the monsoon season started late and now they are getting plentiful rain. In between there are one or two low pressure depressions forming in the Bay of Bengal. As of now their climate seems to be pleasant.

A: Well, although the normal weather pattern has changed and the monsoon started late, congratulation for the pleasant weather you’re experiencing. Our Indian listeners told us that last month a vicious combination of extreme heat and punishing pre-monsoon humidity blanketed the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

B: Here in Vietnam, we have experienced several hot days. The average temperature in Hanoi at noon has stood between 37 and 39 degrees Celsius since last week. The central provinces such as Nghe An and Ha Tinh reported the highest temperature at 39 or 40 degree Celsius without a drop of rain for several days.

A:  Yes, it’s summer. And these places are normally hot at this time of year. But not this hot and for this long. I hope it will rain soon.

B: The National Hydrometeorological Center forecasts that the current heat wave will last until mid-July. Usually in the second half of this month, the temperature tends to reduce and the heat is less intense in August and September.

A: Since last Wednesday, Ashik Eqbal Tokon of Bangladesh sent us five reception reports and shared his opinions on our broadcast. He was particularly interested in the “Society” segment which highlights the results of the loans provided by Lai Chau province’s Farmers’ Associations and the Farmers’ Support Fund.

B: The report shed light on the transformative impact of these loans on the lives of local farmers, enabling them to escape poverty and develop their household economy. Personal stories by individuals such as Ly A Phu and Giang A Chay showed the tangible benefits these financial resources bring and the determination of the farmers to improve their livelihoods.

A: Ashik Eqbal Tokon said, “It is quite inspiring to learn that the Farmers’ Association is actively involved in supporting various projects like buffalo and horse breeding. I applaud the Voice of Vietnam’s English Service for bringing stories like these to the fore. By showcasing the positive impact of these loans and development models, you have not only raised awareness but also inspired listeners like me to appreciate the resilience and resourcefulness of farmers.”

B: The segment “Colorful Vietnam – Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic Groups” featuring Soc Trang’s Khmer Culture effectively highlighted various aspects of Khmer culture, said Sanil Deep. He came to know about Khmer theatrical art, costumes, and pagodas, which are serving as venues for religious practices, festivals, and cultural events, and playing a central role in the lives of the Khmer people.

A: Ashik Eqbal Tokon said, “The radio program provided an exceptional overview of the Khmer community’s cultural richness and contributions to the diverse tapestry of Vietnam.”

B: Thank you, Ashik Eqbal Tokon, for your attentive listening to our programs and detailed feedback. The show “Colorful Vietnam – Vietnam’s 54 Ethnic Groups” is on air every Monday, bringing you stories with captivating content about Vietnam’s cultural diversity.

A: Muhammad Aqeel Bashir, a member of the Pak Listeners Club in Pakistan, said he listens to VOV’s English program on a daily basis. In an email on July 8^th, he wrote, “The high quality news and commentary you deliver every day is commendable. Your team is dedicated to presenting unbiased information, allowing listeners to form their own opinions based on well-rounded reporting.”

B: He went on, “I would like to commend your radio station for being a bridge between Vietnam and the whole world. Your platform plays a crucial role in connecting people, fostering cultural exchange, and promoting understanding across borders. It is through your broadcasts that individuals from various backgrounds can gain insights into Vietnam’s rich culture and vice versa.”

A: Thank you very much for your compliment on our program and support for shortwave broadcast. VOV is always open for our listeners to discuss various global issues. Feel free to send us your feedback and comments on any issue you’re interested in.

B: Later in the show, we’ll talk about the Ho Guom Opera which was just inaugurated in downtown Hanoi. Now we’re going to play a song to cheer you up. It’s summer, the season of school break and vacation, so I have chosen “Vietnam’s Journeys” by Vicky Nhung.

A: The music video of the song “Vietnam’s Journeys” features beautiful destinations across Vietnam from the mountains and forests, to the beaches and islands. We urge you to see the MV which will inspire you to pack your bags and travel to Vietnam.

B: A major cultural event in Vietnam last week was the inauguration of the Ho Guom Opera House in downtown Hanoi. The modern and international-level building includes a 900-seat theater, a second 500-seat auditorium, an exhibition space, rooms for conferences and workshops, and a multi-functional area, among other facilities.

B: The theater is capable of hosting different art forms, such as opera, chamber symphony, musicals, ballet, and modern music festivals. It will also be an international convention center for political and social events.        

A: You’re listening to the symphony of Romanian folk music by composer Bela Bartok, performed by the Sun Symphony Orchestra and led by French conductor Olivier Ochanine at the grand opening ceremony last Sunday.

B: The new Ho Guom Theater is impressive with its neoclassical architectural style. The 18-meter high columns at the front were imported from Spain, creating a bold European beauty in harmony with Vietnamese traditional cultural motifs on the ceiling and throughout the building. These include images from the Dong Son culture, crane patterns, ethnic musical instruments, and images of the golden turtle.

A: As a new cultural space for both modern and traditional art, Ho Guom Opera House links with historical and architectural relic sites surrounding Hoan Kiem Lake to form a cultural complex. The Ho Guom Opera House’s cultural offering is expected to draw visitors to the capital city.

B: By the way, the Ho Guom Opera House is very close to VOV World’s office at 45 Ba Trieu street, Hanoi, Vietnam. You’re welcome to visit us any time.

A: If you have feedback or questions, email us at englishsection@vov.vn. You can hear us on the Internet at vovworld.vn, with both live and recorded programs.

A: Check out our VOV Media App, available on both the IOS and Android platform, to hear our broadcasts. We look forward to your feedback on the mobile version of vovworld.vn. Once again, thank you all for listening. Goodbye!