December 12, 2001.
A day and a half off and besides sleeping in, i've been pretty busy.
Last night, Chuong and I went to the remembrance ceremony commemorating the 3 month anniversary of the attacks in America, held at the US Consulate here in Saigon. It was brief, though moving, and I'm glad I went. I then dropped in on a friend's holiday party where we had an authentic turkey & homemade stuffing dinner. I was THRILLED. For an evening, I felt like I was back home.

I spent all day today running around town with my friend Tina (my former boss's wife) to buy lighting, shelving, furniture, linens, and everything else I’ll need to be comfortable in my new apartment. New apartment? Oh, it’s Chuong’s, really, but he’s out of town about three weeks a month and his place is yards away from Dong Du Cafe, smack in the middle of the city center (about 100 meters from the Opera House). So, as his lucky auntie, I get to be the official housesitter and interior decorator. [sigh of relief!] Finally, my own space!

Once I’m finished dealing with the construction and cleaning, I’ll be ready to move Chuong in at 10 am on Saturday morning (mid-lunar month) which we’re told is a “prosperous” day for us to move him in according to the laws of geomancy. His friend Phung is bringing the fruit and incense to offer to the Buddhas and then I can let the movers bring his stuff up. I told my friend Lan to get me a bag of rice – it’s what mom and dad give us when we move into a new place – symbolic for always having food on the table.

I’m trying to upload as many photos as I can for the albums, but I don’t have much time. I’ll try to get the rest up by Monday.
I am still being eaten by mosquitos.
xo,
H.