So many celebrations... so little energy left.
Well the last month in Saigon has been even more exciting and eventful and seems to have really hit a high! My head is in the clouds and it's been lovely.
Work has been frantic, but with great rewards and overall very enjoyable. Leah came over to Vietnam for Christmas to visit her man. Christmas here is just bizarre. Depending on what your definition of Christmas "Spirit" is... it could be good or bad. For me, Christmas is about not so much about fairy lights and tinsel, although I love all of that too. It's more about giving back, to family and friends. Reflecting on the year that has past and sharing the love. It's not even about presents, it's about people coming together and enjoying each other's company. it
's about celebrating and being grateful to God. As a Christian, it has deeper meaning... but overall it's a spiritual time.
The streets of Saigon were beautiful, billions of fairy lights, masses of tinsel, every hotel, shop, business decorated to the max. There were trees and snowmen and every little kid seemed to have a santa suit. It was the most "Christmasy" place I have ever seen. There was however, in my humble opinion, no spirit. It's great that vietnamese love the chintz and glintz that is Christmas - but all the things that mean "Christmas" to me, for them, are saved for Tet (Lunar New Year). This is when they travel home to visit their family to celebrate the new year. All the meaning and feeling is saved for that. Christmas in Vietnam is nothing more than material. It's bling bling bling, but with nothing underneath. It wasn't Christmas for me.
My darling boy was meant to come and visit for Christmas but unfortunately could not make it. Instead, I booked a ticket to fly to HK to see him on New Year's Day. As the flight left at 6am it meant NYE was fun, but low key. Just celebrating with Leah and Nelson at a great spanish restaurant with a live band. Very nice.
The trip to Hong Kong turned out to be one I will never forget. Of course, it is always wonderful to see my man, but this time was extra special. Unfortunately I was so busy that I spent almost the whole long weekend working - and I am serious, I worked from 9am to 9pm almost everyday I was there. My darling mr Apollo did however manage to sneak me out for a casual dinner on the Saturday night. It was all a decoy however for what he really had planned... a
proposal.
So I left Hong Kong with a gorgeous ruby and diamond ring on my 4th finger and thrilled that I am soon to be his wife. I am humbled and honoured to be his girl.
Returning to Saigon there was much celebrating about the engagement, followed by my birthday the following Friday. I have to say it was one of the best weeks of my life. Despite working insane hours, it's been fantastic.
As they say... a picture says a thousand words so I will let the pictures tell the story...
Leah and I, ready to end the year on a high.
Whistles are fun.
Two Aussies and a naughty Nigerian.
Back in Hong Kong with my man
The moment after THE moment
The stunning ring. Pink ruby and diamond band
The lovely cake the crew at work organise for me. So sweet.
Loving the pornstar earring that Hai gave me for my birthday. The tiara stayed on all night.
My mate Mike.
The gorgeous Hai... my dancing King.
Henieken is fun.
But this was what really deserved celebration. :)
