Tet party

We went to a Tet (New Year) Party at the Cong Dong Nguoi Viet Ti Nan Manchester (Manchester Vietnamese Refugee Community Association). It was held at the World Irish Heritage Centre. It was a bit bizarre, 200+ Vietnamese partying in a remarkably kitsch Hibernian setting. At one end of the Hall was a bar made to look like an Irish cottage at the other end was the stage playing host to karaoke, magicians and beauty shows.

As one Vietnamese friend said, "Nice. There's a beauty show for the men." Most memorable of all, however, was the Magician. Described as, "No second one like him." He was so bad it kept us all amused.

I am told that there is some controversy. Last year it was suggested that the work "refugee" is dropped from the title, because the community no longer feel like refugees. They have made lives here, but the Association wants to keep the old struggle alive. Procedures even started with a prayer for a Free Vietnam. Lan is amused by this wish to reverse history, but then Lan left VN to be with me, not because she was discontent with the VN government.

New Years day, in the Vietnamese calendar is 29 January and it will be the Year of the Cho (dog).

Lan came up with an interesting expression the other day. Of a younger friend, she said, "She's the same age as me, I am just 12 years further on." I'll leave you to work that out for yourselves.