Mohammed Yasin

Ripudaman Bansal

Title: A Journey of Dreams to Vietnam For as long as I can remember, Vietnam has been more than a pin on the map—it has been a destination etched in my heart. The tales of lush rice paddies, timeless traditions, and aromatic streets filled with sizzling street food have captivated my imagination. Each time I read about Vietnam's history or saw its natural beauty flash across a screen, my longing grew stronger. The spark was ignited during a college project when I first learned about Hội An. The images of its ancient town—golden walls illuminated by lanterns and colorful boats drifting along the Thu Bồn River—stayed with me. It was a place suspended in time, a harmonious blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. This fascination only deepened as I read about Vietnam's history: a land that has risen from its challenges, resilient and vibrant. My dream to visit Vietnam isn't just about sightseeing. It's about immersing myself in its culture, tasting every nuance of its way of life. I imagine starting my day in Hanoi, sipping a steaming cup of cà phê trứng—Vietnamese egg coffee—as the hum of the city's scooters fills the air. Wandering through the bustling Old Quarter, I’d lose myself in its maze-like streets, each one dedicated to a specific trade. The thought of eating a freshly-made bánh mì on a street corner makes me smile. A must on my journey would be exploring Halong Bay, its emerald waters dotted with towering limestone islands. As I sail through the bay, I imagine feeling a deep connection to nature. The tales of ancient dragons carving out the bay’s breathtaking landscape would make the experience even more magical. Central Vietnam would beckon next, with Huế offering me glimpses of its imperial past. Walking through the gates of the Imperial City, I’d sense the grandeur of a bygone era. At Hội An, I’d join a lantern-making workshop, crafting my own symbol of light and hope. Then there’s the South. The bustling city of Ho Chi Minh would offer a contrast—a fusion of modernity and history. The Cu Chi Tunnels would remind me of the resilience of the Vietnamese people, while the floating markets of the Mekong Delta would transport me to a world where life revolves around rivers. But above all, what calls me most to Vietnam is its people. Through books and videos, I’ve seen their warm smiles, heard stories of their kindness, and felt their enduring spirit. I want to learn from them, to listen to their stories, and to share my own. This dream isn't just mine anymore; it has become a part of who I am. I know that the memories I’d create in Vietnam wouldn’t just be souvenirs but treasures I’d carry in my heart forever. If given the opportunity to turn this dream into reality, I will be thankful to VietJetAir for making it possible.

Avinash Bamania (Associate Professor - Food Production, IHM Oshiwara)

As an eager young apprentice, you walked into the bustling kitchens of the Oberoi hotels, nerves mixed with excitement. The clang of pots, the rhythmic chopping of vegetables, and the aroma of spices created a symphony you longed to master. Under the sharp-eyed guidance of seasoned chefs, you honed your skills—perfecting the art of tempering curries, mastering delicate pastries, and learning to respect every ingredient. Yet, as your skills grew, so did your dreams. The world outside the Oberoi kitchens beckoned with its endless array of flavors and culinary traditions. You found yourself drawn to books on global cuisines and conversations with international travelers, each story igniting a new spark of curiosity. You dreamed of crafting delicate sushi in a Tokyo kitchen, experimenting with mole in Mexico, and creating aromatic tagines beneath Morocco’s starry skies. One day, you made a choice: to take your well-honed skills and set out on a culinary adventure. With your knives packed and heart open to new flavors, you embarked on a journey to explore the cuisines of the world, ready to taste, learn, and bring diverse flavors together in your own unique way.

Niranjan Bansal

A Wanderer’s Dream As a lifelong wanderer with a passion for uncovering hidden gems, Vietnam has always been at the top of my travel bucket list. The allure of its natural beauty, from the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay to the rugged peaks of Sapa, calls to the adventurer in me. I long to explore the intricate temples of Hue, cycle through the lush rice terraces, and lose myself in the vibrant streets of Hanoi. For someone like me, driven by wanderlust and curiosity, this free round-trip flight is a gateway to the rich traditions, art, and history that Vietnam has to offer. It’s not just about the destination; it’s about the cultural exchange, the flavors, the people, and the stories I’ll bring back. This journey represents the ultimate dream - to explore, to connect, and to be inspired by the beauty and soul of Vietnam.