IMAGINARY AUTHORS CAPE HEARTACHE

I don’t know when, Cape Heartache is the scent that is always present in my backpack every trip to Da Lat. I wonder if everyone is like me? Da Lat always captivates me for no reason at all. It can be a gentle softness from sandalwood mixed with a bit of sharpness from cedar wood, the smell of morning dew gradually appears, followed by the greenness of pine needles. The characteristic Da Lat wild strawberry flavor lingers on the lips accompanied by smooth, sweet Vanilla. I can feel everything, everything of Da Lat from the city to the forest, to the top of the hill suddenly rushing back, everything is just right, very Da Lat, very Cape Heartache.

Early in the morning in Saigon, when I no longer have to struggle to check emails, quickly brew a cup of coffee, and grab a few slices of bread to finish the morning, I suddenly realize, I have missed things right in this house, that I had to travel far to get before. Open the window, a bit of Cape Heartache lingers on your skin, it seems like the whole Da Lat is slowly appearing. I sat down, realized I was too used to rushed mornings, and reopened the dusty old album. Page after page, page after page of photos, the memories and feelings that I had forgotten for a long time appeared more and more clearly. Close my eyes, take a deep breath and I’m back in Da Lat with the most beautiful days, I’m not depressed, I’m not lonely anymore, I can be me again, in the place that makes me happiest.