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Same House: Saltwater

I remember when I was a child, every time I went to the sea, I was able to play freely. At that time, the sea was full of excitement for a kid who just loved to have fun. A little older, standing in front of the vast ocean, my heart rose the waves of passion to explore the world. To the age that is still not an adult but no longer a child, the sea had the taste of ambition.


Then came the days of a busy life with lots of pressure and heavy thoughts. I found myself back in the sea again. The blue patches and the sound of waves, bringing the taste of healing, had this magic to make my soul calm and peaceful.


(Photo by Tài Phạm)


The child has now been able to explore the world and was arranged by fate to visit Phu Quoc. Having the opportunity to stay here for a few days, watching the daily life of the locals, I realized that the sea does taste salty, not only because of salt, but also because of the sweat and tears of the islanders.


Phu Quoc cannot avoid the "wave" of marine waste like plastic bags or beverage bottles, along with cigarette filters and food wrappers. The blue sea here witnesses the people growing up, but also sees the drops of sweat on their foreheads when they had to collect the garbage. It also has to witness the tears rolling down fishermen’s not-so-full cheeks when they can't get a good harvest. Sea pollution does not only directly affect the lives of islanders, but also makes the sea taste more "salty" because of these unspeakable feelings.


The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest; it is the one thing all of us share. Let's reduce plastic waste, and protect the marine environment together. So somehow the life of the locals here can taste less bitter, and the sea can be a little more “sweet”.


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