Fond memories of childhood before smartphones

Before the era of smartphones, childhood was filled with imaginative games and vibrant community interactions, as vividly recalled by the author. The piece centers on memories of a sugarcane pressing season in a small neighborhood, a time when children and adults alike were deeply involved in the process.

The narrative paints a picture of a bustling scene around a sugarcane press. Children would gather, mimicking adult activities like schooling or playing house, while adults toiled under the sun. The air was thick with the sweet aroma of boiling sugar, a scent that drew everyone together. The communal effort involved preparing the sugarcane, operating the press, and boiling the juice into sugar, a process that brought the neighborhood alive.

This communal sugarcane pressing season, lasting over half a month, created a unique atmosphere. Families with sugarcane crops eagerly awaited the sugar, while others joined in the festive spirit. Once the season ended, the communal space would fall quiet, and the children would return to their own games within the 'bụi trẩy' – a familiar gathering spot. The author contrasts this rich, interactive childhood with today's reality, where technology has reshaped how children play and connect.