New Years sure came in a hurry. There was a flurry of activity each day leading up to the 28th of Feb (New Years Eve). Most of the family took about 4 days off at the start of the New Year celebration and it was really busy around the house. We got to help in some of the preparation, but were mainly spectating at best, as we did not have to lift a finger from morning, noon to night. We spent News Year Eve day relaxing, eating, playing with the kids and visiting with well wishers who came by the house to wish the family a Happy New Year (There were quite a few before the New Year as well as after).Derek, Krista, Rav, my cousins Le and her Sister Chi and I all went out for a bike ride around the city in the afternoon. It was quite the experience for Rav and Krista as it was there first time maneuvering through the streets of Hai Phong on a bike. Not only do we have pictures but we got tidbits loaded on video as well which we will try to download if we can. Neither of these does it justice though, you have to be HERE to really experience it.
Like most night the dining table extended into the main entrance of the house with 4 large tables set up to accommodate majority of the people. This night on the other hand we did not have enough room as there was well over 60 people over for diner. The food was to die for and the drinks lots of it (even if it was room temperature beer… you get used to it after about two). There was always more than enough, and the number of dishes was overwhelming.
That evening we went to see the fireworks at the center of town and came home to warm reception with more food and booze, let's rephrase that: lots and lots of booze.We went from house to house wishing everyone prosperity, happiness and luck for the New Year. Hugs and kisses were accompanied by shots of beer, wine, and whisky. The energy in each house hold was electrifying and the noise, well it was pretty loud with the noise makers, the music, laughter and the cheers. There was a huge celebration, singing and dancing and of course drinking...the party ended around 4:00am as everyone was just too tired. On the first day of the new year more people came to wish the family a Chuc Mung Nam Moi (Happy New Year) and we ate and ate and ate. And ate... I am storing food for the next six months of the trip. What a night…only 3 more full days of this to go. Hope we can last through it all.
1 comment:
Great to see the belly is now an international sign of "how-ya-doin".
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