I really like having a second chance at the New Year and resolutions and such. It's like the month of January is a test run for any difficult resolutions you attempt to live out.
I must say, I was not thrilled at the prospect of staying in HCM City for Tet. Most people I know are off in delightful places like Cambodia, Malaysia, and Bali. But, I have managed to enjoy myself a good deal. Having quite a relaxing holiday here, complete with lazy days and late-ish nights, and plenty of time to experience Tet.
Saigon puts on an amazing Flower show each Tet, and it takes up an entire large city street, which they close off to everything but foot traffic. It's beautiful and amazing, with tons of flowers in all kinds of designs and sculptures, complete with lights and music and so many people that at times walking down the street feels more like waiting in line for the good roller coasters at Cedar Point. There are also dozens of sculptures of cats (as this is the year of the cat), in a bunch of different art styles. It sounds creepy when I explain it, but it's actually pretty cool.
The new year is rung in by fireworks at midnight, as well as processions of people dressed in those iconic dragon-like costumes, with 2-4 people in each costume. They are actually not dragons, but more like lions, though I'm told they are mythical creatures nonetheless. The people in the processions are amazing martial artists, and create all kinds of cool figures by standing on top of each other, etc. (think Chinese New Year-they are very similar affairs)There are also lots of drums. Now, I am a huge fan of loud noises, don't get me wrong, but I have been woken up every morning by random processions of new-year-wishing people with their costumes and insanely loud drums.
Other Tet pastimes include firecrackers, which have been outlawed in Vietnam so no one can use them anymore. People also give out money to friends and children in little red envelopes, something I can totally get behind. Most people spend Tet visiting and spending time with Family, and eating lots of food together. Much like our Thanksgiving, but drawn out into 5 days. Over the past few days, I've had some pretty good food. Interesting highlights include dove (actually a very tasty bird), homemade rice wine (nice, but white in color and also quite grainy), snails, and hot pot with octopus tentacles in it.
I got a singing job offer, in a nice restaurant/bar type place. Now I just need to learn some Vietnamese songs to sing there, and I will be able to start. I'm actually looking forward to learning Vietnamese, and I feel fine about the fact that I will probably be a gimmick, being a white chick who sings in Vietnamese.
Quite enjoying Tet, but also looking forward to being able to go grocery shopping soon (everything is closed for the holiday).
Happy Lunar New Year!
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