It's hard to believe, that like so many things this year, we realize that this is our fifth year celebrating Tet in Viet Nam. Tet is the lunar new year--similar to the celebration in China, it is an important time to clear out the old and make preparations for a prosperous new year. Every family buys lots of food, snacks, cleans the house, and prepares envelopes of "lucky money" to give to children and retired people. As part of the preparation of the house, most families buy a peach blossom branch or a
kumquat tree. This year, we decided to skip the kumquat (our children liked picking them off the tree too much) and opted for the peach blossom branch. Ours has blossomed beautifully.
Today, I made sure our house was clean--less for the superstition and more because it will be a busy few days and I want to make sure it is clean for any guests we may have. I went to the market tonight for a few last minute things, like q-tips, which we ran out of today, and founds only one small shop in the alleys near our house still open. I was fortunate that the lady did sell q-tips, as well as candy coated peanuts (a Tet favorite), and the last 4 eggs available. We may not have any fruit or vegetables for the next few days, but hey, at least we can make pancakes!
I think after 5 years, I seem to enjoy it the most this year. Like many things, I feel I am just finding my groove and thriving this year. Even the funny Tet foods seem normal now!
