It does not feel like Christmas here in Vietnam. There are very few decorations as most locals are Buddhists, however we did see many children dressed up as Santa Claus tonight - rather surreal.
When we went to Florida for Christmas twice, I was worried we were depriving our kids of a "normal" Christmas even though they still got to celebrate with family in Haliburton before we left and my Mom and Johnny joined us there. But that worry doesn't compared to how I feel now. George seems okay with missing a traditional Christmas, but Molly is feeling more sentimental about the lack of turkey and Nanaimo bars...and baking, and snow, and a big tree and mostly her extended family. I pray tomorrow isn't a disaster that spoils her childhood and passion for Christmas. We've tried to set the bar really low, but I can't predict how she'll feel about the lack of "normal" and abundant gifts here. Time will tell.
Today I did do some shopping while the rest of the gang went to the beach where they had a lot of fun. Lorry actually commented that the ocean was a bit too warm! I can't believe it.
The city was hot - about 31 degrees today so shopping was intense. The market here sells mostly locally made things plus a lot of North Face products; not sure why. I had a good time shopping but was unable to find most of what I was searching for, particularly snorkel, goggle and flipper sets for the kids ....but I did get a two-foot tall tree already decorated.
We attended the full moon lantern festival tonight where lanterns are set adrift on the river. As Stephen Taylor, our Canadian friend we visited with today, said, it's rather environmentally unfriendly, but it was quite pretty. The photos didn't work out, so I can't show you how it looked.
It's Christmas eve so I'd like to wish everyone who reads this a fabulous Christmas.
Much love, Ursula
P.S. Ted posted a video on Facebook of us trying to cross the street amidst the local traffic - check it out!
P.P.S. George's back has still not be found by the airline.
When we went to Florida for Christmas twice, I was worried we were depriving our kids of a "normal" Christmas even though they still got to celebrate with family in Haliburton before we left and my Mom and Johnny joined us there. But that worry doesn't compared to how I feel now. George seems okay with missing a traditional Christmas, but Molly is feeling more sentimental about the lack of turkey and Nanaimo bars...and baking, and snow, and a big tree and mostly her extended family. I pray tomorrow isn't a disaster that spoils her childhood and passion for Christmas. We've tried to set the bar really low, but I can't predict how she'll feel about the lack of "normal" and abundant gifts here. Time will tell.
Today I did do some shopping while the rest of the gang went to the beach where they had a lot of fun. Lorry actually commented that the ocean was a bit too warm! I can't believe it.
The city was hot - about 31 degrees today so shopping was intense. The market here sells mostly locally made things plus a lot of North Face products; not sure why. I had a good time shopping but was unable to find most of what I was searching for, particularly snorkel, goggle and flipper sets for the kids ....but I did get a two-foot tall tree already decorated.
We attended the full moon lantern festival tonight where lanterns are set adrift on the river. As Stephen Taylor, our Canadian friend we visited with today, said, it's rather environmentally unfriendly, but it was quite pretty. The photos didn't work out, so I can't show you how it looked.
It's Christmas eve so I'd like to wish everyone who reads this a fabulous Christmas.
Much love, Ursula
P.S. Ted posted a video on Facebook of us trying to cross the street amidst the local traffic - check it out!
P.P.S. George's back has still not be found by the airline.
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