Tet 2010

Tet 2010

Unfortunately we couldn't go back to Thao's hometown this year, because the baby is due any day now. But there was lots to see around Hanoi, and it was a completely different experience for me this year.

 

 

 

 

 

We went out too early, so this was just the performers practicing. It was raining that night, so we decided that we shouldn't stay out to see the fireworks. Better to just watch it on tv!

When we came home, we saw that the neighbors made some very nice altars outside their doors to prepare for midnight.

Very colorful paper animal to burn, lots of fruit, whole chicken, and sticky rice

Nice roses, and notice the graceful looking chicken with the rose in its mouth!

Ohhh wait... This is ours, the most simple looking one! Poor me, my wife is a bad Buddhist and wasn't prepared LOL! Ok, she says it was the first time she stayed in Hanoi for Tet, so she didn't know about that...

At midnight it was a very inspiring sight, to see everyone in the entire apartment building praying outside their doors, with fireworks blasting in the background and bells ringing.

Don't worry, inside is much better. Our altar is very full with everything you need for Tet!

 

The peach tree branch is the most recognized symbol of Tet. I think Thao spent about 3 days looking to get a good price heheh

 

Thao's project is making new curtains. She's an old grandma already!

We couldn't go back to Ba Vi to celebrate Tet, so the party came to us! (also Anton and Thao's Mom came, who are not in the picture) Of course they brought so much food, a whole chicken, baby bamboo, lots and lots of eggs, banh tet, more cake.

You can see the red bag that Tom is holding, that is the lucky money that you give to children for Tet.

 

Here is the piggy bank for Katie, already she got a lot of money from Tet! :)