HA NOI — Friends gathering for a cup of coffee is the theme of a writing and photography contest dubbed Coffee on a Winter's Morning, which opened yesterday for coffee lovers and artists alike.

When winter brings its piercing cold, a fragrant cup of coffee can inspire people to start the day, as it inspired competition organisers.

Although the contest focuses on coffee, contestants are expected to express their emotions and memories about enjoying coffee, rather than simply describing a cup of coffee, Viet Nam News' photographer Nguyen Viet Thanh, who heads the competition's jury, said.

"When we want to hang out with friends, we often say ‘let's coffee', it's something simple but very popular in life," he said.

"Many stories, initiatives, meetings and exchanges start from a cup of coffee. Now, entrants can bring this familiar image into their artwork."

The contest is jointly organised by the Vietnam News Agency's The Thao&Van Hoa (Sports & Culture) newspaper and Nestle Viet Nam.

Both Vietnamese and foreign contestants can send photos and stories about their coffee experiences in Viet Nam and abroad to the organising board via www.khoanhkhac.thethaovanhoa.vn before February 5.

The award ceremony and photography exhibition will take place on February 15. — VNS