So there was no ritualistic sacrifice after all. However, when the topic came up our translator did have to ask if it had already been done. There however a ton of people. We were lucky enough to have a family member sit with us, translating and answering any and all questions. The gift dilemma was solved with a typical American baby gift of clothes and toy. It was boring, but had a tiger on it…aren’t we in the year of the tiger? Now for the important part, the food.
It turns out that grandma cooks on most days, but for holidays grandpa breaks out the big guns and goes all out! The entire feast was made by grandpa (80+ yrs old.) He speaks no english, only Chinese and some Vietnamese. He and his wife were originally from China, the region near Vietnam. At some point in their lives they came to live in Vietnam and raise their kids there. Now the kids have migrated to the US and are raising their own kids here. This means that Grandpa’s cooking is Chinese food with a Vietnamese influence.
Grandpa proudly sat across from us, offering dish after dish. We would try each, comment to the translator about hope good it was (no lie) or ask questions about the ingredients. After each compliment Grandpa would smile big, sit tall and offer more. He was great and the food was outstanding! Each person had a bowl of chicken broth soup with fish bladder and a soft-boiled quail egg. There were simple paper plates loaded with noodles, prawns, vegetables, chickens (including necks and skin) and curries. Piles of perfect hand-rolled egg rolls were passed. The rolls were stuffed with veggies, bean noodles and “swim.” I’m not sure what “swim” is, but it tastes good. For dessert, platters of sweet sticky rice. The spread was amazing. (note: If I wasn’t such a rookie at blogging I would have photos, but I accidentally erased them. Damn.)
After the meal and time to talk someone busted out a new bottle of Remy Martin. One bottle, one shot glass and everyone drank. It reminded me of college drinking games…these neighbors were fun! The baby shower was a great way to better know our neighbors and their culture. We dispelled a few myths. They are Buddhists but they are NOT vegetarians and they DO enjoy alcohol. We were grateful to witness their celebration and I’m thankful that my girls will grow up across the street.
My next quest…to watch grandpa make his Yellow Curry, (taking studious notes of course.) I’ll let you know if I get my wish.
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