Christmas Day

December 25, 2008
Christmas in Vietnam was enjoyable. Our friends, Bert and Sherri, and their daughters Lauren and Ashley, arrived on Christmas Eve. They had spent a few days at Mui Ne, a beach resort south of Ho Chi Minh City. Downstairs in the kitchen we all sat chatting while we waited for pizza to arrive. Upstairs, a soccer game was being aired on TV: Vietnam v. Thailand in the Suzuki Cup. A roar from the city streets outside our windows indicated that Vietnam just did some thing amazing. We run up to check and discover that the team had just scored a goal. A few minutes later the only other goal was made, which led to Vietnam's 2-0 victory over Thailand. For the semi-final we witnessed people flying the Vietnam flag from the back of motorbikes, racing up and down the streets of the city. This victory was even more celebrated!

Christmas day was peaceful. We got a late start and spent the late morning at the Jade Pagoda. The pagoda is a gem in the rough, so to speak, located very close to the HCMC house. It is being renovated, but it is a well-used, well-loved temple with beautiful wooden carvings and colorful statues. The photos this entry are from the temple.

In the evening, our friends Duc, his wife Tao, and their son Beo stopped by for a bit to celebrate with us. I spent my time watching Tom and Jerry with Beo, who is 6 years old. We had a great time talking about what would happen next to silly old Tom and Jerry mixed and drank crazy potions in his mouse-hole in the wall.

I wish everyone a happy holiday!
Love,
Lisa