We were home for Tết this year and decided to head out to the big Tết Festival. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to one. It was nice to see so many people in traditional clothing, particularly the little children. We strolled along the grounds and munched on some fried bananas while listening to the glaring sound of fobby karoake on the loud speaker. Good times.
Above are a few photos of the flowers that we displayed in the house (the bottom-right is of my mom’s plum blossom tree). Below are photos from our day at the festival. You gotta love the hanging dried cuttlefish 🙂
Hot.Sour.Salty.Sweet. And Umami 
February 17, 2008 at '16:46'
Gorgeous Pictures, Christine! Nice to see that you had a great time my dear. I love the traditionnal costumes! Sp cheerful and colourful. Plum tree? Oh, heaven!
February 17, 2008 at '18:32'
hi i found your blog through kikirice. love the pics.
February 17, 2008 at '20:02'
So glad you made it home for Tet, especially this year because the flowers are especially beautiful for 2008. I had TWO huge portions of the dried squid with a TON of sriracha hot sauce and I about died the next day. My body told me I ate waaaay tooo much of this stuff and my digestion is not that young anymore. As I get older, this stuff just sits in my stomach. But it was oh so good eating it. It always tastes better when I’m at the festival, for some reason. Maybe it’s because of the beautiful scenes (like the ones you captured here) that make even the more mediocre food stands taste awesome! From you picture, it looks like you were there on Saturday and made it too the kids beauty pageant. So cute!
February 18, 2008 at '14:13'
Nice pictures! Happy Têt Festival!!
February 18, 2008 at '22:49'
Oooh, you were in Garden Grove. I was there last weekend cutting my hair and oh man, it felt like a little Malaysia, the sound (noise) of burning firecrackers. Love the festive feel!
February 19, 2008 at '1:50'
Warda- I’m sure your little gal would have loved saying “Hi!” to all the children there too 🙂 Don’t you just love plum blossoms?
Snowypeach – Thanks!
WhiteonRice – 2 portions of squid! You crazy, girl! I think you’re right, it’s the atmosphere that makes it all taste better. The kid’s pageant was fun. I’m always impressed by children and also their parents who’ve managed to carry on the language and traditions with their children.
P.S. I hope you’re tummy is recovering 🙂
Mycookinghut – Thanks! Hope you had a lovely New Year as well!
RM – I love the sound and smell of firecrackers!
February 21, 2008 at '10:54'
What incredible captures of such festivities. Awesome you were home for the festival! So… did Pierre put on any weight? 3 ounces, perhaps? 🙂
February 21, 2008 at '23:32'
Jen- haha 🙂 Our relatives and friends keep telling him he looks like he’s LOST weight. GAWD! It is truly unfair, Jen.