We were shopping at Hai Ba Trung's Blue Exchange when Công Vinh scored the decisive goal and materialized the dream that Vietnam has been dreaming for 49 years. There was like an outburst of voices as every single person within the area yelled in their uttermost excitement. We did win. We did create a miracle at the very last minute of the match, when all hopes seemed gone. We have spent half a century waiting for today, when the cup is finally ours.

And I saw smiles. I saw it on Prime Minister Nguyễn Tấn Dũng's face as he rose from his seat. It was not the diplomatic kind he often wears as seen on TV, but a real happy one. I saw it as I came across people on my way home whose voices were filled with joy and eyes with happiness. I even saw it on the old poor beggar at the crossroad of Võ Thị Sáu and Hai Bà Trưng and am pretty sure this is quite luxurious in her days.

And I also saw tears. Công Vinh burst out seconds after his goal and so did his teammates. Spectators hugged each other crying. A young man used the red flag to wipe up tears on his fellow's cheeks. We have witnessed people weeping together many times in this country, but rarely do those tears bring so blissful a feeling like tonight.

And I saw red. Red was everywhere. It filled the streets as motor riders passed by with national flag waving above them. Even those who could not join the march managed to get a flag for their own and kept waving and yelling from their gates, their doors and their windows. A kid holding his tiny yellow starred red flag jumped in gladness on the pavement of Tân Định church, though I very much doubt that he had little idea what he was cheering for.

This is the night to be remembered years later. When we smiled at people we have never known before, when we shook hands with strangers crossing our path, when we handed flags of our Country around the marching crowd, we came to realize what it means to be a Vietnamese. Even those who have no taste for soccer, like me, would surely feel the spirit.

'Cuz it took my precious 2-hour time to hear that guy at ILA Vietnam babble about American Idol and Disney Channel's teenstars and the like, about which, frankly, I don't give a damn.

And I just didn't know how to make him go away.

He gave like a non-stop speech, giving me even no time to make comments. Well, o.k , that was good, since I had no comment to make anyway. In fact, the only 3 phrases I used to reply to him during that 2 hours are "Uh huh!", "Really?" and "That's great!" (plus a that-is-so-interesting smile that I tried my best to make). It would be easier were he a Vietnamese. But this one is an American teacher, and I simply have no wish to start among the teachers such rumours like "That's T.A is rude and impolite and annoying and blah blah blah" during my second month at ILA.

Recently the only music I actually listen to is ones from Enya, Secret Garden and Enigma and some others - those that give you spiritual feeling upon hearing. And I have just discovered that Stratovarius has some good pieces, too. American Idol's songs are not bad, really, but they rarely leave any footprint once over. As for Disney's teenstars, it's not worth mentioning. I meant, they might sound exciting at first but trust me, there are songs worthier of your time out there.

I wish to write more 'bout my taste for music, but it should perhaps be put off until these exams are over. Tiime isn't here for wasting. :D