tet in saigon


This is the first year that I've spent Tet in Saigon. When you're not around family, there is not that much to do this time of year. Most of the shops and resturants are closed, since everyone has taken the holiday off to spend some quality time with the family. I've been out and about, roaming the streets of Nguyen Hue, which has been decorated with thousands of flowering blooms, lights, and statues of rats. (Will post pictures soon) Along the way, I met Hoai Linh, a famous Vietnamese comic who has a tendency to dress in drag for his skits. Bumped into a few photographer friends and spent Tet Eve chatting with them about their work.

One the first, my landlady invited me to have breakfast with her family. She's been very nice and sees me as part of the family. I just don't like imposing. Later, a friend asked me to have dinner at his grandmother's place. She is a sweet eighty year old grandmother who just can't sit still and will always comment if she thinks you're doing something improper.

As I am bending down to get something from my bag, she stares at my chest and says "You really need to wear more so you don't get sick..." Ummm... I was also wearing a jacket... Instead of a tank in this hot weather, I guess I should really be wearing a turtleneck. Sigh...grandmothers.... My friend found it extremely amusing.

I should be used to it by now....comments about my chest and bum...since all the other vietnamese women here are skinny sticks. Eat people, eat!!! There is so much food here, why don't they gain weight?