To me, each Ao Dai is intricately woven with a momentous event in a woman's life. Take, for instance, my meticulously crafted white Ao Dai adorned with resplendent golden phoenixes. I personally tailored it back in 1981, during my sojourn in France for academic pursuits. Whenever I donned that exquisite attire, an air of exhilaration would sweep over my French acquaintances, who would inquisitively inquire, "Oh, why is the Vietnamese Ao Dai so remarkably captivating?"
Each Ao Dai is also tied to family and friends' events, even professional events like conferences. I always wear Ao Dai and receive affection from those around me. It stands as a testament to the triumphant accomplishments of my students, who have ascended to the ranks of esteemed masters and scholars, all of whom have presented me with their own meticulously tailored Ao Dai. Adorned in those captivating creations, I bask in a profound sense of pride, knowing that I have nurtured such immensely successful individuals in their chosen paths.
Throughout my illustrious career, there have been two particular moments where donning the Ao Dai etched indelible memories in my heart. The first occurred during my attendance at the prestigious Global French Teachers Conference held in Atlanta, USA. Among the participants, there were only two Vietnamese, who proudly showcased our Ao Dai. Immediately after the grand inauguration, delegations from other countries flocked to me, eagerly requesting, "Please allow our delegation the honor of capturing this remarkable moment with you, for the splendor of the Vietnamese Ao Dai is truly awe-inspiring!" It is a memory that I shall forever cherish, an emblem of pride.
The second account stems from the time when the esteemed organization OIF (Organisation internationale de la francophonie) convened a momentous conference in the enchanting city of Paris, celebrating the global reach of the French language. On this momentous occasion, I, too, graced the gathering swathed in the regal allure of my Ao Dai. Post-conference, an overwhelming chorus of admiration erupted, as countless individuals hastened to extol the resplendence of my Ao Dai. However, the pinnacle of my pride came in the form of a heartfelt letter, penned by one of my students from Peru, in which she shared, "In the 1970s, I took to the streets in solidarity with the valiant struggle of the Vietnamese people against the mighty forces of the United States. Reuniting with you, Nguyen Van Dung, from the esteemed National University of Hanoi during the OIF conference, was a moment brimming with elation. Your impassioned speech celebrating the Vietnamese Ao Dai left an indelible imprint upon my soul."
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