– Vo Thi Nhu Mai
Some places surprise us not because they are entirely unfamiliar but because they awaken something deeply familiar within us. That was exactly how I felt when I arrived in Shillong, the beautiful hill capital of Meghalaya.
From the very beginning, Shillong reminded me of Da Lat, the highland city in Vietnam where I was born. Both places share a rare charm of rolling hills, cool weather, pine trees, mist-covered mornings, and winding roads that seem to carry stories of generations past.
But more than the landscape, it was the people who touched me deeply. The people of Shillong felt very much like the people from Vietnam’s highlands, warm, humble, gentle, and sincere. There is a kindness in the way they speak and welcome others. In every interaction, I sensed authenticity and grace.
During my stay, I found myself drawn to the natural beauty of Meghalaya and to its rich cultural soul.
One of the most memorable parts of my journey was learning about Shad Suk Mynsiem, one of the most important festivals of the Khasi people.
Known as the “Dance of the Joyful Heart,” this sacred celebration is a powerful expression of faith, gratitude, and cultural identity. Men and women dressed in magnificent traditional attire perform ceremonial dances with elegance and dignity, accompanied by rhythmic drums and traditional music.
This is a living tradition, a sacred expression of peace, purity, thanksgiving, and community. What moved me most was witnessing how strongly the Khasi people preserve their cultural heritage. In Meghalaya, culture remains vibrant and alive in rituals, dances, music, language, and daily life. Watching and learning about this festival filled me with admiration.
As someone born in the highlands of Vietnam, I felt an immediate connection to this spirit. Mountain communities often share something profound, a deep respect for land, tradition, ancestry, and community. Though separated by geography, the emotional connection felt surprisingly close.
Shillong also offered beautiful moments of stillness. The cool air, drifting clouds, and peaceful hills created a sense of calm that felt restorative. Mornings were especially magical, with mist moving softly through the hills as the city slowly awakened.
Food became another memorable part of my experience. The local cuisine was delicious and comforting, full of flavour and character. Every meal felt like another way of understanding the people and culture of this remarkable place. Beyond its beauty, Meghalaya also revealed something deeper: the strength of communities working quietly to preserve both culture and nature.
I was inspired by the dedication of people committed to protecting the ecological significance of the Greater Barak Valley Flyway, stretching from the Barail Wildlife Sanctuary Important Bird Area through Bangladesh, Tripura, and Mizoram. Their work reflects a profound understanding that protecting landscapes also means protecting life, heritage, and future generations.
This journey reminded me that home can sometimes be found in unexpected places.
Shillong may be far from where I was born, yet it felt strangely familiar. In its hills, people, traditions, and quiet beauty, I found echoes of home.
I found the spirit of Da Lat. I found kindness. I found cultural pride. And above all, I found hope. Some journeys end when we return. Others remain in our hearts long after we leave. Shillong will remain with me.
(Võ Thị Như Mai is a Vietnamese poet, translator, editor, critic, and Senior Teacher based in Perth, Western Australia)
