Everything is gearing up for TET holiday. (Remember the TET offensive of 1968). The Communist forces – Vietminh/Vietcong – attacked multiple targets in the south simultaneously. Militarily it was a disaster, nothing was gained and they were beaten back by the South Vietnamese AKA the Americans. However psychologically it was a success and became a pivotal point in the the American public’s perception and disillusionment with the war in Vietnam.
Flowers! Flowers! and more flowers, most pavements or parcels of unused land suddenly become garden centers as people buy flowers and small (Cumquat) trees for their houses. ( a bit like our Christmas tree tradition).
The main tradition with TET is the giving of ‘Lucky Money’, money given to children and young people in red envelopes. they don’t really do ‘presents’ or ‘gifts’. Birthdays aren’t really celebrated either but that – like a lot of western culture – is creeping in more and more.
They also believe that you shouldn’t drink coconut water in the evening/night. I’ve no idea why!
OK. That’s it for this week. Got to go shopping in the market, I’ll leave you with one image. What are they? Take care out there. J
Frogs legs. Or some poor birds legs. They eat anything.
frogs with no heads