Christmas in Hanoi

Christmas Eve was spent preparing for the big day! 

Buying flowers

Decorating the cake, with items from the Lego Advent Calendar !

Then we were off to Amanda's works Christmas party, the Vietnamese certainly know how to enjoy themselves ...... 

...and can they eat!!

The buffet was huge, but we left just as it started as we had a Skype appointment with Amanda's parents staying with her brother and his family in Canada. Grandpa Jim always reads a section of The Wind in the Willows on Christmas Eve, then I read the Christmas story from Luke. Then it was time to write to Santa, put out the cookies, carrots for the reindeer and our stockings

Too soon it was Christmas morning! .....we had a lovely day opening gifts and preparing the meal and Orlo made Lego for 12 hours!!!! A work colleague of Amanda's joined us for Christmas dinner which was turkey with lots of yummy trimmings. A traditional pudding with brandy sauce and/or brandy butter followed, and apple pie, and Wensleydale cheeses, blue, white and cranberry.  

Boxing Day saw lazy start then we all walked or cycled the dog ( staying for the holidays) and eventually we went out for a late lunch. Afterward we had a walk through the residential lanes of the Tay Ho district and Orlo spent his Christmas money on a pirate Lego set to link with the set we bought him. He knew exactly what he wanted and which shop had it!!!!

Sunday and Monday saw a visit to the Army Museum where Amanda, M and I were locked in the tower.....but that is another story!!! A drive out to the Van Phuc the silk village and a visit to the water puppet theatre.

Today we have driven 140km to Mai Chau.....but that is for the next instalment! ....