Greetings from Vietnam!!
Here’s a quick little update from Vietnam. After a 16 hour flight, I arrived just in time to spend NYE with some family. After I settled in of course!! The trip didn’t really start off on the best note. It rained non-stop once I arrived in Saigon. At one point, I guess too much water accumulated on the roof and something was wrong with the drainage so it flooded the upstairs at my aunt’s house. There was water everywhere and we spent a couple of hours pitching in and draining the water the best we could. Eventually we stopped the leak and cleared out the water. I was finally able to get some sleep!
The next day was the day before New Year and that evening a bunch of us gathered together and headed out to a popular night spot, called the Volcano!! The weather was nice so my niece and I went for a walk around the city to see all the beautiful lights and decorations before heading out for the 2009 countdown. Tina’s husband Hoa reserved the best table/section in the house, right above the dance floor and DJ booth. We stayed until about 2am and I celebrated my first official NYE in Vietnam.
The next day I had to do some shopping for a more traditional looking Vietnamese dress for my niece Tina’s wedding. I found some great material in this soft green color and I had a dressmaker follow a set of designs I had. The dress came out beautifully and I was pleased. Unfortunately this day didn’t end quite as smoothly either because I dropped my blackberry into a puddle of water. The phone worked fine but the trackball couldn’t scroll up or down so the phone was pretty much useless. I couldn’t get to any of my applications or my address book. So, I went out and spent $300 for a new phone which didn’t work either because it wasn’t compatible with my service provider. Argh!
Finally, the day of my nieces wedding arrived and it was a great wedding and ceremony. My niece is marrying a very kind and generous man. He is also quite wealthy and the reception was very beautiful. There were more than 700 guests invited to the reception at the Rex Hotel and I can only imagine how much the whole event cost. I was able to spend some time with the groom, Hao and his family and they are very respectful and kind people. I am so happy that my niece found a good man who loves her and will take care of her.
I am in Vietnam for a couple more weeks before heading off to the Philippines. I will continue to visit the temple my Dad is placed at and visit with my half brother and sister in the upcoming week. For now, I am with my aunt, cousin, and nephew in Saigon. I plan to do some charity work as well and travel all over Vietnam. I will keep everyone posted as soon as I can. I am not exactly sure how much I plan to blog while I am travelling but I will do the best I can. I hope everyone had a great New Year and 2009 brings everyone cheer and joy!!
Tags: asia, family, lifestyle, liz lieu, new years eve, saigon, temple, valcano nightclub, vietnam, wedding
January 6th, 2009 at 2:08 am
Hei Liz
Thank You for updates. I had also lately argh-situation with my phone.
But I wanted forward all best wishes to You for New Year!
Regards, Marko from Tallinn
January 6th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Great to hear from you-Hope you get the cellphone problems fixed.
Cheers!
Wendy
January 6th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Glad you got the phone fixed I knew you would be going crazy without it, hope you get some time on the charity front because I know how much that means to you.
Your blogs are great and always a brilliant read, heartfealt and I know the many people can really relate to them.
All the very best Liz,
M
January 8th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Sounds like it has been a great trip minus the blackberry swan dive. I hope the trip north has gone well. I look forward to your posts about the Philippines as well. Been a couple years since I’ve been there. Say hello to it for me.