The over 200-page book recounts the summer of Vu Hai Truong, a business administration master's graduate with a passion for travel. The idea for the trip arose spontaneously while he was pursuing a study program in Boston, USA. While casually browsing a world map, his eyes landed on Cuba, "a country both distant and strangely familiar to Vietnam."
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Vu Hai Truong's book, published by The Gioi Publishers. Photo: Mochibooks |
Vu Hai Truong's book, published by The Gioi Publishers. Photo: Mochibooks
Truong says that despite having traveled extensively, only Cuba evoked a sense of familiarity and emotion. Upon arriving, through an acquaintance, he was offered free lodging in the finest room of Mrs. Merch's house, a woman over 60 years old.
On his first day exploring Havana, Truong struggled to navigate without wifi. Lost in a square, he encountered a Cuban couple. Without many questions, they smiled and offered, "Let us take you there." When he asked why they were so helpful to a tourist, the husband replied, "Because you are from Vietnam. Vietnam and Cuba are brothers." Truong simply smiled, enjoying the feeling of "being treated like family in a foreign city."
* Excerpt from the article "Bring me a few things from Vietnam, okay?"
Along the way, he turned onto small cobblestone streets, visited ancient buildings with peeling walls, and heard salsa music drifting from second-floor apartments. "Children played soccer in the streets, no one rushed or got angry about traffic jams or pollution. Everything was slow and peaceful, as if nothing in the world was worth hurrying for," he said.
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A glimpse of Cuba through the author's lens. Photo: Vu Hai Truong |
A glimpse of Cuba through the author's lens. Photo: Vu Hai Truong
According to Truong, Cuba attracts two types of people: those interested in history and revolution, and those drawn to the sunny Caribbean beaches and rainforests. Villages and buildings rich with stories are nestled amidst vast natural landscapes. "Cuba gives me the feeling of an eternal summer, a nascent endless summer," he shared.
Through conversations with locals, he gained insight into their unrealized dreams. He notes that not everyone dares to backpack to Cuba, and even fewer truly understand the locals' aspirations. These might be the dream of becoming a dancer for a poor young man or a waiter with a master's degree who had to abandon his education to work in tourism to make ends meet.
The author employs a gentle tone to narrate snippets of history, culture, and people. He focuses on personal experiences, hoping to help readers see Cuba through a different lens, thereby envisioning a vibrant picture of local life. The book, published at the end of August, commemorates the 65th anniversary of Vietnam-Cuba diplomatic relations (1960-2025).
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Vu Hai Truong introduces his debut book, "Cuba: Lost in a friendly embrace." Photo: Provided by the author |
Vu Hai Truong introduces his debut book, "Cuba: Lost in a friendly embrace." Photo: Provided by the author
Born in 1992 in Bao Loc, Lam Dong, Vu Hai Truong is a speaker for various youth leadership training programs. He holds master's degrees in Public Policy, specializing in Leadership and Management, and Business Administration from the University of Hong Kong. He has extensive experience in education and sustainable development.
Mai Nhat
