We have survived our first Christmas here, made more tolerable with technology playing a big part in us also enjoying a touch of Christmas from home.
When we first arrived here we were led to believe that Christmas was a non-event. Apart from the fact that it was a normal working day, the Vietnamese still celebrate the season. On visits to the centre of town it was evident that there is a big business here in styrene foam. Whole buildings were transformed to a winter wonderland with a wrapping of foam, window sills dripping and snowmen on the footpath. Most of the displays were devoid of any hint of Christianity, lots of Christmas trees, Santas and elves but no nativities. Shop windows were also lit up but there wasn't the big commercial push to buy.
At night the electricity meter spins around with the roads becoming a tunnel of fairy lights, strung across from tree to tree and becoming an attraction for millions of people cruising on their bikes. It was literally curb to curb bikes and on Christmas eve apparently one of the main streets was closed to all but pedestrians. The atmosphere was fantastic with the place just pulsing with humanity, everyone happy and laughing and flowing along together. Children were balanced between parents on bikes as the family took in the sights.
Christmas Day was much more relaxing than at home, nothing more than sitting up in the roof garden reading a book through the day. In the evening we joined 230 other people for dinner at the Sheraton. Our group of friends settled in to feast on a very impressive buffet with everything from sushi to the traditional roast. Carolers provided entertainment and "We Wish You A Merry Christmas" in Vietnamese still has the same feeling. A huge tree in the hotel foyer sat next to a real gingerbread house. I can't describe it as anything but perfect, obviously a lot of thought and effort put into make the night very memorable. We finished up in the nightclub and by the time our taxi headed toward home, the roads were deserted and just about everyone else were tucked up in bed.
The day was really great fun, something very different, though not quite the same without family and friends to share it with. We missed the excitement of unwrapping presents under the tree, the delight of watching the kids play with toys and the big build up for that one day. But our new friends helped to make it a memorable day and I don't regret being here to do something so different from home.
