chúc mừng năm mới

A new year in the states has already started but here in Vietnam, a new year is yet to begin. Tet is the Vietnamese version of Chinese New Year and trumps any New Year celebration we have back in the states. We drop a ball and celebrate one night...the Vietnamese prepare for weeks and celebrate for three days! We have not had our New Year celebration yet but our city has been completely transformed. Our river walk is lined with statues and flowers and on every street you will see yellow flowers or orange trees for sale. Aside from the new scenery, there is a new business all around the city...the people have multiplied and the streets are overflowing with motorbikes.


Because I was not here for Tet last year, I am taking it all in and I am not really minding the days off of work. Over the past few days, we have been taking full advantage of a break and everything the city has to offer. Saturday night kicked things off when Lily, our friend Mel and I went to listen to some live music at our favorite french bakery.



Sunday was filled with church which was almost eerie since NO ONE was there, an early movie followed and a photo shoot by the river.



Monday morning started early with a Skype date with the rents and then a pumpkin pancake breakfast. After taking our afternoon nap, a group of us went to an open air market that was FULL of flowers. I have never seen so many flowers and orange trees (in one place) in my life.





We had a blast taking pictures and talking to people on the street. I have been here for five months but it still amazes me how many people are so fascinated by us. After our time in the flowers we ate and came back and played cards. Reflecting on the weekend, we really didn't do a whole lot but it was fun all the same. Tomorrow the actual holiday starts and I am so excited to be a part of it!

This picture was taken on our New Years