Thao and the kids are visiting grandparents in Vietnam. My parents are also going with them on this trip to Vietnam. So I am home alone. As much as I enjoy my quiet and alone time for myself, I admit I miss the kids, and their playful noises. The bed is cold when I slip in, missing her warmness. It’s got very very quiet when I lay there trying to sleep. I also overslept because ‘no one’ there to wake me up. Excuses… I know! It’s been only few days and I miss them already. I spoke on the phone with Thao yesterday and they got home safely. Benjamin was well-behaved on the plane, during the long flights, 18+ hours. Grace adapts well. Luggage all came in, nothing lost. So everything is good. Praise the Lord!
Thao told me, at the custom check, there was this lady who rudely demanded to be tipped because it was a Vietnamese New Year, after she failed to wrongfully enforce Thao to pay an unknown “tax” on her personal laptop. When Thao questioned her what kind of tax is it that imposed on personal belonging, the custom lady quickly said: it’s OK, but then asked Thao to give her an ‘red envelope’ (**) to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year. Thao just wanted to move on quickly, so she didn’t argue further so she gave the money. Apparently, a $5 makes that custom lady happy. If it were me, I probably would stay right there, tell her no to her face, ask for her name, and demand to speak to her manager. This silly event caught me upset, and the whole demanding money is just so wrong. It’s not because I want to keep my money, or 5 buck, it’s her malicious scheme demanding for petty money is what gets me. Have some manner, lady!
** It’s a Vietnam tradition during the Vietnamese New Year celebration, the adults would give some money in the red evelopes to the kids for luck, after the kids greet and wish New Year blessing to them.
But anyway, I’m glad they’re OK and doing well, having a good time visiting grandparents in Vietnam. As for me, I’m slowing easing out on my diet and starting my normal food again. I had steam bun, chicken sandwich, and so far so good. Yesterday, I had “bò kho” (a Vietnamese version of beef stew with beef and carrots chunks, serve with bread or noodle) and my stomach couldn’t handle that yet. I felt nausea a little bit 1 hour after eating, but did not throw up. I am touched that some people in church called and offer to cook for me. I’m blessed, you know.