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The Tet holiday has come and gone. Weeks of build up, three days of public holiday with longer breaks for many then gradually returning to work. Pre Tet saw shopping, cleaning and partying. Post Tet saw visiting and more partying. During the three days people visited ancestors' graves, home villages and family - then teachers, friends, neighbors, colleagues. We had a string of visits from neighbors, colleagues and a class of students - and were taken on many visits to see university staff and friends. Visits were often brief, sometimes not more than five minutes. A tiny glass of wine, cup of tea, watermelon seeds, sugared ginger, biscuits, sweets. A few toasts then off to the next house. I learnt to have the kettle constantly on the boil and nibbles ready to rush to the table the minute someone appeared outside the gate.
Even after work resumed much of the time was spent in workplace visits and parties. Shops and businesses were often seen with tables set up and staff eating and drinking busily. The university was off for a couple of weeks during which we were invited to many meals and parties. It was hard to tell exactly when the break began and ended, but I think everyone's back down to work by now.
The Vietnamese are quite superstitious. During Tet, no haircuts (not sure why), new clothes on the day, no sweeping (good fortune will be swept out the door), the first visitor to cross the doorstep is important (they should be of a compatible star sign to bring good fortune) - what happens during Tet, good or bad, sets you up for the coming year. Compliance to the various customs varied quite a bit, which added to the confusion and uncertainty for us, but I think we managed to do mostly the right thing.
I'm aware I didn't report on our pre-Tet party. It seemed to go pretty well. Got off to a chaotic start with the caterers arriving late and some confusion over the "blessing" of the house. The delay meant instead of visitors coming in for a sip of tea then finding a seat at a table people started banking up inside the house and we soon ran out of teacups. Then when the caterers finally got under way the power went out - and candles were promptly added to the shopping list. Fortunately the blackout didn't last long and when it came the food was delicious.
It had been suggested that I make an Australian dish for starters. I wasn't sure about this - what is an "Australian" dish?, would the Vietnamese like it anyway? Having said I'd make something, I eventually decided on mini meatballs. A staple party food, foolproof, and they can be dipped into spicy sauces which might make them more appealing to the locals. Not surprisingly a few people liked them and tucked in, but most ate one or two to be polite. It's lucky spaghetti and meatballs is one of our favourites.
We were a bit overwhelmed to receive many gifts. We're not sure if they related to the house-washing or Tet, but the university gave us a big hamper, the university Party branch gave us beautiful potted chrysanthemums, and we also received wine, beer, biscuits, flowers and the traditional food for the Tet period. We're really enjoying the food here and I'm trying to collect some recipes so I can make some of the dishes after we return home.
- comments
Zig Hi Avenel,Enjoyed reading about all the partying and customs.....I'll expect the kettle to be on and a few nibbles on hand when we drop in to visit you at William St on your return! The photos are great and remind us of the time we were there.Take care. Zig x
Darryl Stock That is one hell of a pot plant!
Maree Avenel.. Thank you for painting such a wonderful "picture" of the life you are now living. Mind you it sounds quite hectic!! I love the dilemma of cooking an Australian dish!! Lamb Chops and mashed potatoes is my main course, Pav for desert..NZ might complain about that! Entree is very hard, have to go for seafood.. I think meat balls were a good choice. Well done.. It all sounds very exciting. I think you should have a cooking classes and have all the ladies cook "their favorite dish" and you take notes. Then when you get back you can teach "all your friends".. Keep up your wonderful Blog!!
avenel Yes, we had two and they were beautiful.
avenel William St seems a long way away. I constantly ask about the dishes we eat - and get vague instructions about how to make them - so gradually getting there. One of the classes gave me a notebook and I think I'll use it as a recipe scrapbook.
Frank What great photos! Loved the Balloons and the fireworks shot. Are you really there to work? It sounds like one great holiday. The people there appear to be far more generous than Australians would be to newcomers - or is that because we are used to newcomers and they aren't where you are located? Anyway, it has made me rethink how we should treat newcomers to our street, regardless of nationality. I will try to remember to download a photo of the last Runners' Breakfast to send to you. Not sure if the others have said we went to a novel venue for the breakfast - Waldeck's Nursery. They have a small cafe, "The Blue Tulip" that has an excellent breakfast, is quiet and has a pleasant outlook. We did taost absent friends.Cheers for now.
Rajni All that partying and hosting seems like creating an even more competent host and chef/cook! I miss your impromptou coffee get-togethers at Lanzhou!