Tuesday, March 29, 2011 6:14:15 PM
Me, Lancaster, new furniture, Weekend
...
We made the most out of Vi's 2 days off this week!
Sunday
I could not sleep well the night before and felt really exhausted waking up. We planned on visiting Lancaster city in Southern Pennsylvania, 50 miles from Philly...and I almost wanted to cancel the trip when I got up. Then somehow I did try not to thinking that I always could make up some sleep later when Vi is at work. I was looking forward to Vi's days off and we got to do things together no matter. That idea gave me some strength and scared my laziness away. I then made up mind laying in bed that we would go to Lancaster after the gym.
We got out of the bed around 8.30 and soon got ready for the gym. I jogged for about 30 minutes while Vi working on his treadmill. Going to gym for some mild exercise few times a week is recommended for my pregnancy, yet I have to be honest that I would not be able to stick with it just for the sake of my exercising. More importantly, I want Vi to go to gym for some work out more than anything else. He hates it but it is time to work out. His doc also recommends it seriously. Without my joining him, he would not do it. Voila! We depend on each other! I go to gym because I want my husband to work out. Vi cannot be lazy not to go because I join him all the time. Result: I got to work out, so did he. Win-win deal!
After shower, we left Philly for Lancaster and had no time for breakfast. We decided to have early lunch on the way. We passed quite a few American restaurants on the way but I never was in a mood for American food so we kept driving after all. Then I felt guilty. Vi needed to eat and no way we could find something I would like on high way, therefore we finally stopped by Friendly restaurant. Vi said it was a popular chain but I had never tried it. I know it would be all about burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, French fries...and none of them sounded good to me but well, we got to eat something.
After struggling with the menu I eventually had to pick something rather than nothing. I got an American burger, the first burger ever since I got pregnant. I kinda knew for sure that I could not finish it. Vi got a burger too so no way he would help me. I am talking about a typical American burger size! really huge for me always!
The waitress came after a while with our orders. The few first bites were plain and boring. Then I got into it soon. By the time I realized, I had almost finished the burger without any hardship. Man, I made it. I was ready to get back to normal food! woo-hoo! Vi was glad I made it. He must have been relieved! If I can eat better, it benefits him tremendously! no more menu toss and turn for long, no more complains!
It was so cold in Lancaster when we arrived though very sunny. The city is in a very old style, typical Penn state's with brick buildings all over. Very quiet and clean! almost no activities on Sunday. We parked and walked about some historic sites in downtown such as Central Market (the oldest market in the US still in operation); City Hall, Fulton theatre, and surroundings. It was kinda unpleasant to walk as it was freezing. I took some pictures and felt like we got to move.
Vi told me about Amish people in Lancaster and nearby cities, that they were of Dutch origin and those who refused to modern life-style changes. Amish dresses in black, men wear long beard, and women cover their heads. They travel by horses-and-buggies (horse and carriages) on regular basic though some have cars. We expected to see them in town but to our disappointment, we saw none of them. We stopped by an ice-cream store, had some ice-cream and asked the lady there about Amish people. She told us it was Sunday that was why we could not see them in town and suggested we go to their cities nearby like Strasburg, Bird in hand, or Intercourse city for horses-and-buggies and Amish people in black.
So we drove few more miles out of Lancaster downtown to Strasburg and we occasionally saw Amish on horses-and-buggies on the way. It it true that they are all in black. It is for real that men are in long beards all. And their horses-and-buggies are cool. They just looked so back-in-time for me in that setting and I loved it! I saw fields after fields with either crops on them or not. I saw many cows and oxes wandering lazily on open land everywhere...it was just like a prairie! And of course, here and then Amish people in their traditional outfits walking by, then Amish craft stores, then horses-and-buggies trotting around...I loved it!
We drove through all three Amish towns/cities before heading home. Vi would like to come back some time in summer so that we could see more activities and people. Though I thought it was good idea, I believed that we would not as we have a long wish-list. Many cities/places we would like to check out in summer and fall in the East. We will see!
We got back to Philly around 5.30. I asked Vi to stop by Vietnam neighborhood for some grocery shopping. I also got him some fresh soy milk (sua dau nanh) and sweet hot and soft tofu (tau pha nong) as treat for a good day. I cooked Chicken Francaise for his dinner and eat Vietnamese sandwich (banh mi dac biet) for mine. We then watch String Theory on PBS (Vi's idea) together until 10. Then we went to bed!
Monday
As planned, there would be no plan for Monday but resting!
However, we got up early both and while being lazy in bed we started making plans for the day. We would first have to go to gym for half an hour, then shower, then go down to the lobby for mails as we knew that Jack Lapidos sent us a package. It should be about tax return! We were so excited about it. Then we would go out for a brunch in the neighborhood, go for a walk to Liberty Mall on Chestnut to redeem my free Godiva chocolate. Then we decided to let the rest of the day open as we had different ideas.
It turned out that our tax return this year was a bit above what we expected, which means that we would have some little room for shopping. Right away, Vi planned on some furniture shopping after consulted me. We walked to Chestnut for brunch, redeemed the chocolate, then ended up being at the Apple store. Vi asked what I would like for my upcoming birthday. Well, I want so many things but I know I am not going to buy everything. We are having a busy year ahead with baby. We got to be careful about it. I told Vi so. Vi insisted I list few things I really want...and he knew they were ipad2, Chinese level 3, or a good food processor. That was why we were at Apple store to check out the deal.
After the walk, we went to Ikea for furniture. Vi would like to buy a some sort of shelf or display stand so that we could put out our collectibles, and some light system for the shelf and the displays. we found the shelf and lights that we both love. I would like to buy a new coffee table to match our white living room and it did not take any time as I already knew what I wanted from the last visit. I also want to window-shop baby gears. There were so many cute things for baby and I was so excited that I almost wanted to shop. It was hard to resist. They did not have baby strollers there so we would have to check out in a Babies-R-US. Man, I had so many ideas to decorate our baby area after the trip and I cant wait to get started!
Right after we got home around 5 pm, Vi was busy with assembling new furnitures. He would not stop until he gets everything done and I let him do it. He loves that kinda work though Vi is never a handy and patient man with labor work. He is just like a big kid playing with his toys that excites him. Assembling furniture is just like playing lego games for Vi. We were very happy with what we chose. The shelf looks great in the designated area and my coffee table suits the living room setting well.
I then prepared dinner. Since I had fresh squid, shirmps, and vegetable, I decided to make stirred fried egg noodle with seafood (mi xao hai san). For appetizer, I made some spring rolls (nem saigon), Vi's fav dish. It had been a while since the last time I made Asian dinners for Vi because he was too busy and often came home too late for complex cooking. Need not to say, Vi had a wonderful dinner and he could not stop appreciating it.
After washing dishes, we watch another documentary film about money, The Ascent of Money, on PBS until I felt into sleep.
It was such a busy lovely weekend for us!....and next week it would really fun too. We are going to Washington DC for Cherry Blossom Festival. Camera is ready. I cant wait, baby!
Monday, November 22, 2010 6:48:51 PM
Philly, LV, travel, Weekend
...
Monday, Nov 22: Reno-Tahoe
Tuesday, Nov 23: Tahoe-Reno
Wednesday, Nov 24: Reno-Los Angeles
Thursday, Nov 25: Los Angeles - Thanksgiving party with the Saltzmans
Friday, Nov 26: Los Angeles - Malibu and meeting up with the Brownings
Saturday, Nov 27: Los Angeles-Las Vegas
Sunday, Nov 28: Las Vegas - Floor work for the house - Dinner with friends
Monday, Nov 29: Las Vegas-Reno
Tuesday, Nov 30: Reno
Wednesday, Dec 1: Reno-packing
Thursday, Dec 2: Reno-packing
Friday, Dec 3: Reno-Philadelphia
Saturday, Dec 4: Philadelphia-Malton
Sunday, Dec 5: Philadelphia
Monday, Dec 6: Vi starts his new job in Chester.
Sunday, November 21, 2010 6:25:28 PM
Vi, Weekend, Me, Snow
...
I slept so well last night. It is always great to have a good night sleep. Even when I was in my slumber, I felt like I was embraced with in a comfy, cozy, and like crisp air surrounding.
I woke up at around 7 and Vi, already got up, told me that it was snowing outside and got me out of the bed to see it. We got excited to see first day snow of the year and Vi got out the camera for some pictures. My hubby is getting more into photography.:lol:I realized that I left the door open last night, that was why I felt that fresh, cold and crisp air in the house when I was sleeping. We did not turn the heater on yet it was still very pleasant inside the house. My face was so ice-cold and the rest of the body was warm thanks to a big and comfy down cover. I love it. I should leave the door open more often.
Then Vi's parents called for sending their love and more updates of our move. They are just so happy to have us close to them. Vi was on the phone with his friend from New York, so I talked to them myself about 20 minutes. Mom was excited to share with me that she found a big Asian market for me and she would have a lot of questions about the stuffs in the market. She could not wait to take me there so that I could explain those unusual weird stuffs for her. Dad said she would be cooking this Thanksgiving at their place and felt so sorry that we could not be with the family. However, they are looking forward to Christmas. We will surely be there with them. Man, thinking about Christmas, it drives me nuts. I will have to shop for Christmas this year...and Vi's family is not small - 33 nieces and nephews and 9 siblings and parents. I can do it, though.
Vi is still on the phone. It must be about business, otherwise he would not be that interested in talking that long. As soon as he is done, we are driving to Carson city, 1 hour from Reno, to see his friend, Jessie for a farewell lunch...and of course, for some snow shooting. Hopefully I will get some good pictures today.
I love weekends...with Vi.
Saturday, November 13, 2010 12:27:21 AM
Sage Room, Vi, Thanksgiving, Fine Dining
...
We planned before that we would be in LA for Thanksgiving. However, we delayed in booking flights because of Vi's job situation, knowing that it would be really expensive to book them last minutes during holiday time. We actually thought that, worst comes to worst, we would redeem our free flights with Southwest, instead of keeping them for longer flights in the future. This gave us a peace of mind.
Then Vi got the job in Chester, and they first said he would have to move before Thanksgiving. No more LA, we then will have Thanksgiving with Vi's family in New Jersey. Need not to say, Vi's parents were so happy. Vi has not had Thanksgiving with his family since 2004. I called the Saltzmans for an apology that we could not make it out to LA this year.
However, yesterday Vi heard that he won't have to move until after Thanksgiving. Things turn up side down. Now, we will have to get back to Vi's family for not being able to be with them for the holiday. His mother would be very disappointed. She is planning to cook a big dinner for us. In the meantime, I will have to get back to the Saltzmans, that we will go to LA to see them. More troublesome, I called Southwest today to redeem our free flights, and learned that we could not. They don't have any seats available for free flights. All sold out. If we still want to fly, we will have to pay premium. Tickets for LA now are ridiculously expensive. After spending hours online to try to get a more reasonable deal, I failed. If we go to LA, we will have to pay big money for a short time in LA, like 3 days, and it is all about family's Thanksgiving dinner. It is around $600-$700 for both of us - today price. The longer we delay in buying, the higher the price will be.
I don't know what to do. If we don't go to LA, we will have no Thanksgiving. We stuck in Reno!
I emailed Vi about the situation, and I hope that he will have a better idea/solution when he gets home tonight.
A, he just emailed back and said we will discuss about flights when he gets home...and have 2 movie tickets for Unstoppable tonight at 6.30 pm. He is always like that...sweet and romantic. We also had a reservation at Sage Room, a well-know Steakhouse in Tahoe, tomorrow night at 8 pm for celebrating Vi's new job and our bright future ahead. It will be a great experience. We both love Sage Room so much. The food there is fantastic...and, of course, very costly. Huumm, never mind, the place deserves the special event like this one.
We eventually decided that Vi would take his two last days vacation time off so that we would have full 4 days to drive to LA, instead of flying. It is going to be a long ride - I would say, 10 hours or so - but for us road trips are never too long. We both enjoy driving. I am content that things works out. Besides seeing the Saltzmans, we are planning on having lunch with Marilyn and Roger Bowning during the visit. They used to be my tourists when I was in Vietnam. Though we met again only once since I came to the U.S., we have been in touch. They could not make it to the wedding in NJ, therefore, they are so excited to see me and Vi this time.
After LA, on Sat we will drive to Las Vegas for a night. Need to check out the house and pick up some stuffs.
I can't wait. It is going to be another fun trip.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010 11:08:51 PM
Me, Las Vegas House, locksmith
It was truly crazy. It drove me nuts!
Since one of my tenants left letting his room locked, I have to get someone to come open it. After so much hassle, I got a company to send a technician over to have a look. Over the phone, I just wanted the damn room to be opened. I did not want to change door lock or something.
I would have to pay $15 for a visit, and then they would quote me when checking the lock. They reasoned that sometimes a lock could be sophisticated and need more time to get done. Alright, I agreed with their terms. Since I am located out of Las Vegas, my property manager would receive them and walk the technician through the house for the requested service.
After couple of hours, the locksmith company called me and informed me that my bill for that service was $500...and everything was already taken care of. What the hell was that? I was waiting for a quote, not a bill. I did not expect to pay that much. It turns out that the technician changed all the locks in the house, 5 of them. Nothing wrong with those locks. I just wanted to open the damn door, one door. Nobody listened to my explanation. They said that my manager wanted him to change all the locks. When I got back to him, he told me that the technician did whatever I asked for. Bummer! I asked that guy to connect me with his manager. I would never pay for that.
Before I got on the phone with the manager, I called my credit card company to block that charge since it was not finalized, and there was a misunderstanding there. The company provided the extra service that I would not need. Man, you are kidding me: changing all 5 door locks.
I explained to the manager the situation and stayed firm with him that I would not pay for locks change. He first gave me a hard time saying something like I did order the service and I could not back out that way. I told him that the technician was supposed to call me for a quote before he changed those locks. I would not let it happen if that guy called me. Period. The manager then understood that he could not argue with me.
After like an hour on the phone, he then discounted the bill, saying $300. I did not agree with it. I told him I would only pay for the visit, $15, service for opening the clocked room, and I was ok to pay for only one main door lock change, which they accused me of ordering a lock change. I would not pay for the change of 4 other locks. He told me that those things cost $230. I know that he charged me a lot for those services but I could not do anything more. I agreed to pay the amount.
Ridiculous! When is it going to be done with the house? Too many troubles!
Sunday, November 7, 2010 5:41:07 PM
Car, Vi, Mitsubishi
So...as promised, Vi finally got a car yesterday. Vi was right that the dealer with the Toyota Corolla got back to us, but Vi liked something else then. To be honest, I was then very impatient about car and it would be a big disappointment if we did not get one by Monday.
Vi found few cars he would like to check out. We went to see a 2009 Mitsubishi Galant first and right away I fell in love with it. After checking out couple of other cars, we decided to get the Mitsubishi. It was pearl-like color, black interior, tinted windows...It has moon roof. We were very happy with out choice. After couple of hours working on all the paper work, we left our old Ford Escort behind, and walked home with a almost new baby. Love it!
Friday, October 22, 2010 9:16:18 AM
travel, Siem Reap, Cambodia, Phnom Penh
I always wanted to go to Cambodia particularly for Genocide Museum of Tuol Sleng in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat in Siem Reap. When being a tour guide, people asked me a lot about Khmer Rouge Regime and its relation with Vietnamese Communist Party. This interested me. Then I started reading about the atrocity of Khmer Rough, Tuol Sleng, and Killing field. And of course when you read about Cambodia, you just can't miss out Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom.
One day when I read some articles Vi saved on the desktop and found a list of quite a few places Vi planned to visit, of which it was Angkor Wat. Perfect! I wished to see it and he was up to it. That was why we picked Cambodia with Vietnam trip this time.
After spending two nights in Saigon for the Independence Place and War Museum, and met up with some friends, at 7 am on Oct 13, we took a bus crossing Moc Bai border to get to Phnom Penh. It took us about 7 hours to get there. The bus ride was decent. All the seats are reclining so it was quite comfortable. Through the windows, I saw rice fields, then fallow lands on which skinny buffalo and cows searching for food, then shabby towns and villages, then rice fields again all the way from Saigon to Phnom Penh. I sometimes could not tell which house was Vietnamese and which one was Cambodian. In brief, they are all very poor and looked alike. After 3 hours the bus stopped at Moc Bai Customs. We were asked to get off the bus with all of luggage to approach the concrete building in front of us to clear the customs. Few Viet-Kieu on our bus did not have valid passports, so the driver called some local people to come help them cross the border from the nearby village in exchange for some money. They picked up those Viet kieu right in front of the Customs Building. By the time we were cleared, those Viet Kieu were having lunch at a restaurant on Cambodian land where the bus was supposed to stop for lunch. Vi must have wondered how could it be possible.
We arrived Phnom Penh around 3.30 pm. Our tour guide was waiting for us and picked us up from a bus station. We went to Castle Hotel for check-in, refreshed before heading to Royal Palace. The guide was at his middle-age and he spoke a very broken English that only me could understand him. Sometimes he understood what I said but he never got what Vi said. I teased Vi that his English sucks in Cambodia.
Our hotel was very nice and was located right the center of the Capital, near Royal Palace. We could have walked to it. I felt bad to send driver away, so we got on the car and drove 3 minutes to get to Royal Palace, then Silver Pagoda. We were done the city tour around 5 pm. After they left, we went for a walk along the river-walk and stopped by a bar for some drinks and dinner. Before the trip I was so concerned about food thinking that it would be very curry-like. I don't like any curry dish. However, Cambodian food was not bad. It is very closed to Thai food. Some dishes have very similar taste as Southern Vietnamese ones. Only one thing did I hate was that they put Rau Dap Ca on every dish. I am sick of that smell.
The next day before heading down to Tuol Sleng Museum and Killing field, Vi insisted me on trying the swimming pool at the hotel for half an hour. It was a bit chilly and I did not want to be in the water but I could not refuse Vi. It was nice of our guide to share with us his family's story living under the Khmer Rouge regime when we were at the prison. The killing field was very horrifying. After 30 years, I still could see rags from victims' clothes, human teeth, bones of all kinds scattering everywhere on the field. We went to the field right after a big shower that was why we could see clearly all those things. We even stepped on them. I was terrified when the guide showed me that I was standing on few fragments of a skull. Vi kept taking pictures and I tried to stop him. I couldn't wait to run out of that area.
After the killing Field, we went to the airport for a flight to Siem Reap. That I stepped on a skull, still bothered me. I didn't feel well.
Unlike Phnom Penh, Siem Reap seems to be very organized and way more touristy. Though very touristy, everywhere we went, I clearly saw that Cambodia is so poor, way poorer than Vietnam. Our guide was younger and his English was better, which pleased Vi most. However, Vi was very quiet during the tour. He was not the type of chatting around with strangers like me. I told Vi that guides would be very confused with someone like Vi because they would never figure out what the hell he was thinking, if he was happy with the services, etc. Vi told me that was called "his success of confusing people". Silly Vi.
The next day we met with our guide again for Angkor Thom, Bayon, Ta Prohm, Baphoun...then Angkor Wat. Bayon was exactly the way I used to imagine. I loved those giant stone faces. We took hundreds of pictures of the faces there. Angkor Wat was magnificent and huge. We later checked out some other temples like Banteay Samre and Banteay Srei. Though Angkor Wat was bigger and more famous, my favorite temple was still Bayon in Angkor Thom.
Then we took a boat ride on Tonle Sap river to visit a Vietnamese fishing village. It was not much different of Mekong floating market and village tours in Mekong Delta in Saigon. I was not impressed. It seemed that Vi liked it.
After the tour, Vi would like to do some shopping in Cambodia. He likes to have something nice wherever he has been to. I was not in a mood of shopping this trip much because we were a bit tight in terms of cash. However, we checked out some shops and I liked three buddha status/faces so we bought them all for our house. We also bought some other things for friends and Vi's siblings.
Though we had a good time in Cambodia, I could not wait to get back to Hanoi. Meeting poor people did bother me a lot. In Cambodia, out of Siem Reap, we saw so many homes flooded with water and people lived a very hard life there. I felt a relief when landing on Noi Bai airport.
Friday, October 22, 2010 6:54:18 AM
Me, Vi, Wedding song
For my Vi with
Speak softly love
And hold me warm against your heart.
I feel your words
The tender
Trembling moments start.
We're a world our very own
Sharing a love that only few have ever known.
Wine colored days warmed by the sun
Deep velvet nights when we are one
Speak softly love
So no one hears us but the sky.
The vows of love we make will live until we die.
My life is yours and all because
You came into my world with love so softly
Love.
[/ALIGN]
Thursday, October 21, 2010 10:38:44 PM
Me, Vi, New Jersey, Wedding
...
The first wedding: San Francisco, December 31, 2009
We didn't check if that day, Dec 31 was a "good" day in lunar calendar as most people would. We'd rather believe that a day would become a special one if we make it that way. After our engagement, besides my working visa issue, we both felt like we needed to be together as soon as possible. However, Vi got very busy with work during that time because he just got back from Europe for a long vacation with family. Only time would he get off work was the last week of the year. Then after considering our friend's availabilities, and making a ceremony appointment, we decided to get married at the City Hall in San Francisco on the very last day of the year 2009.
It came to our attention later on that it was a beautiful special day for everyone in San Francisco...and of course for us, the upcoming Nardellis: Blue Moon Day. We never looked it up and tended to match it with our special day. It was completely a surprise for us at the ceremony when people talked about how lucky we could choose our day that day. Such a coincidence!
"A blue moon on December 31 is so rare and special. Not only will the earth be blessed with a full moon to accompany New Year’s Eve celebrations of 2009, but it will be a Blue Moon — the second full moon in a single month. The first full moon of the month occurred on December 2, and the second will fall tonight on the cusp of the new year. According to NASA, the last time a Blue Moon fell on New Year’s Eve was almost 20 years ago, in December 1990. And although a Blue Moon occurs on average every two and a half years, the next time one will fall on New Year’s Eve won’t be until 2028."
We invited Vi's parents to join us that day, but they could not attend blaming Vi for a short notice. They were already committed to other things for the New Year, plus the fact that they was still so exhausted from the long vacation. I felt fair enough because, from very beginning, we would like a very informal small wedding between us with few friends. I would not mind if nobody was able to make it believing that the major reception later on was more for everyone. This was just for us. Last minutes, we felt guilty ignoring our important family and friends, which made us include Taffi, Bob, and Vito's parents. Those people live far away from San Francisco.
I invited Bob and Taffi to ceremony but it was a too short notice, too. By the time I disclosed my engagement, they already planned on a very big New Year's Eve Party at their place. They just could not undo it. Taffi felt torn as she couldn't attend my most important day as a mother. I tried to convince her that we were going to do a real family wedding reception later, and that time we would make sure they could attend.
I first wanted Pat and Fran to be my witnesses for the wedding. They were so excited about it, then it turned out that they would be out of town during my wedding. I felt a bit disappointed, because Pat was important for me and he could not make it either.
Malcolm was stuck with work the last day of the year and could not attend, even the City Hall and his house was just 5 minute walking distance. I thought he didn't take it seriously and would like to attend a big formal wedding instead. Maybe it was my fault to lessen the importance of the ceremony when I invited him over the phone.
Finally, Jack was busy on that day with his busy golfing schedule. Lisa decided not to escort him, and attend the wedding as my first witness. Bill Mandel was the second witness. Few other friends of mine show up on the day to include Mrs. and Mr. Ha Nguyen Nguyen; Huong and another Ha, Valli, Katie and her boyfriend from San Jose.
The ceremony started around 2 pm and last for only an hour but we hanged out at the building for many pictures. We were so emotional during the moments the judge made us husband and wife. Some friends even brought tears to their eyes. After that we went to Ms Ha's for the New Year's Eve celebration until midnight. Then we went out with everyone for fireworks and full Blue Moon watching. By tradition, Vi gave me the first kiss to welcome the New Year of 2010 on the stroke of the New Year at the Pier 39...full of moonlight.
We officially by law become husband and wife forever.
After the marriage, we had a farewell dinner with Jack, Lisa, Jeff, Malcolm, and Bill before I left San Francisco for my new life with Vi in Reno. The dinner was very cozy and special. Lisa took charge and I came up to help her out. Normally it was me to do dinners, this time Lisa wouldn't let me. She wanted to do it for me on my day. People brought me wedding gifts and many wishes for our happy marriage. They again brought up stories about how we met and what I had been through. I felt very special that night.
I left San Francisco just like that. Simple! all my stuffs fit in Vi's ford escort...and we drove to Reno on Jan 2, 2010.
The second wedding: Voorhees, New Jersey, April 24, 2010
From very beginning, we thought about a big wedding reception somewhere nice like Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, or San Francisco even though we never came up with a specific date. It would be the end of 2010 when we had enough money for it. This time we would like our two families and all friends from both sides to join us. However things changed when we visited Vito's family for Christmas. His parents insisted we should hold the wedding in New Jersey, so that the whole family could attend. Vi was not so fond of that idea but I did. I cared about family and would like a wedding with his family. Though most of my friends from the West coast, they could possibly afford it if the reception held in the East Coast. No way all of Vi's siblings would afford to fly and stay somewhere out of town for few days. My wish is his command. I promised his parents that we would do it in New Jersey as soon as March or April. I would like to make everyone happy, and Vi argued with me that it was my day and everyone should make me happy instead. I told him that being with his family was my wish.
Since I didn't work, I devoted most of my time to work on the wedding from searching for site, catering services, flowers service, music band/DJ, favors for guests, invitations...to wedding gown, make-up artists, hair stylist, and the trip to the U.S. for my parents, which was a pain. They don't speak English and it was the very first time they traveled.
After 4 months, with some help from Vi's Mom and sister Karen, everything was ready except for my wedding gown. Generally, it would take several months if you wanted your gown to be made to your measurements. I did not have that much time. After choosing my gown on a catalog, they agreed on making it fast for me, which meant that I would have my dress a week before the wedding. Very tight! However, it never came on time, which scared me. I hoped they would deliver it soon enough.
I flew to New Jersey a week before the wedding to welcome my parents and make sure all the vendors' services ready for the big day. Because of the last minute appointment for my green card, I had to reschedule the flight to the East a day later, which was very troublesome because my parents needed me there to communicate with Vi's family. Long story short, I got there a day later, and Vi's parents had to pick up my parents that night. My parents stayed with at the Nardellis'. They all got along without me but tons of misunderstanding and miscommunication took place on that day, which still made us laugh so hard when mentioning them.
Though very busy with the event preparation, I tried to spare some time to take my parents to Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey surroundings. They apparently were so overwhelmed. The trip to the US for them was a fantasy, which was told in details later on by them within my hometown in Maokhe. I was so happy that we could bring them to America. It was one of the most special things Vi did for me for the wedding. By the way, the gown finally came a day before the event, after many calls threatening them for not paying for the dress, if late, from me and Vi. Phew!
We had a wedding rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. By American tradition, the bride and groom have to hold a dinner/lunch rehearsal for the most distinguished guests, guests from afar, those who contributed most for the wedding reception in expression of their sincere thanks for the guests. We invited Bob and Taffi, my parents, Jack and Lisa, Vi's parents, and Vi's aunt and uncle. Chop House was the restaurant we chose. It was very nice and high-end restaurant and Vi had to take care of the bill for 10 of us. It was a huge one. It was the first time everyone got a chance to meet with my parents. They heard about them many times before and looked forward to it. I was a bit concerned about my parents being bored among those guests. However, it turned out great. Bob and Taffi were very personal with them. They asked me to do a lot of translation. Lisa was also very interested in talking with my parents. My parents became the center of the dinner in a way. I felt great as everyone loves me as well as my parents.
The wedding day, as scheduled, our limo driver picked us up from 9 am for some breakfast before heading to Voorhees, 2 hours from Vi's parent's place. We, Vi's mom, my mom and I needed to be at the Mansion, where we got married by 1 pm for hair styles and make-ups. The men to include Vi, my dad and his dad would hang around waiting for us. The ceremony would not take place until 6 pm. It took few hours to beautify all the ladies. The Mansion was beautiful and romantic. Its rooms were all very nice and splendid as we expected. The complex has a big waterfall flowing water into a big pond where several white swans floating on. I loved their professional services. Very prompt and in polite manners. Then the photographers came. Everyone and I got hairs and make up done around 4 pm. Then florists came, then came the Dj. We took many pictures inside and outside the building. The whole day was sunny and warm but it was getting windy and chilly in the late afternoon. We first planned the ceremony was outside but then it was too cold for ladies with open dresses so we moved inside.
Everything was ready by 5 pm. Carpet was rolled out, flowers everywhere, music was on, and we were getting done with family formal pictures. Jack and Lisa came first because we needed to do some quick rehearsal for the ceremony of which Jack would be the judge. Then came Bob and Taffi. Vi got some flowers for them because they would be called Huong's second parents the whole night. After the Saltzmans was the Keegans. Pat and Fran looked fantastic together approaching us. We took formal pictures with everyone. Then came Jack Kolden from Chicago and his beautiful girlfriend, Christina. Then Ha and Nguyen came. Then Anders and Stephanie. They all looked great after many years since we first met. Then more people from Vi's side including his siblings came. After a while, we moved inside for the ceremony at 6 pm. Though it was the second time for me in front of the Judge, I was so emotional and shaking. I knew that everyone down there was watching me carefully as they always do since I came to this country. Through ups and downs, now I am finally in peace and in protection of Vi, which pleased every friends of mine coming from afar to witness this moment.
We then exchanged rings, wine, and Jack, the Judge announced we be husband and wife again before Vi's family and my dear friends in America.
Right after the ceremony was the reception. I got endless compliments for picking beautiful flowers, music, location, make-up and hairs. Vi also got equally many compliments for choosing menus for the party. Everyone had great time. People danced; people laughed; and cheered up. I was the happiest woman in the world. During the reception, the MC introduced my parents from Vietnam, Bob and Taffi as my second parents in the U.S., and Vi's parents to the guests. Bob made a short speech telling about how special he felt being there. He told everyone how he and his wife met me; about me working hard to make my dreams become true; and how much I deserved the best of the best. He thanked my parents for having me in this world...it was so emotional for everyone for a while even after he was finished. Then again, people again cheered up, laughed, and danced along. Some of Vi's sisters even dragged my mom on the floor to dance with them. Mom had a great time ever!
The reception was over around midnight. The driver dropped us off at home around 2 the next day. Everyone was exhausted and tipsy.
It was a great day ever for me and Vi.
Right after the wedding, my parents went back to Vietnam. We then got on an airplane heading to Paris for our honeymoon - Paris for honeymoon - my dream!
The third wedding: Maokhe, Quang Ninh, Vietnam, Oct 9, 2010
My parents demanded that we have another wedding in my hometown so that our extended family, friends, and neighbors would come to share our happiness. I would not mind having another wedding but it depended on Vi's work schedule and time vacation. Since Vi had never been to Vietnam before, it would be a great occasion to come back and show him around. So just not for the wedding, we planned on a vacation in Asia with the wedding.
Then my third sister was about to get married. I though it would be a brilliant idea to combine the two weddings. Since I didn't want it big, my parents still could invite everyone they wish. My sister was ok with it. We let mom choose a good day for Thao, my sister then we planned our vacation along with it. Mon finally decided Oct 9. That was why it is that day to be my third wedding taking place.
I planned on inviting around 20 friends to the wedding. However, the list got bigger because a friend of mine could not keep the news for herself. She told all friends of ours about the wedding, then announced firmly that they would be invited all. After discussing with her again, I downed her list alone from 35 to 15. The total guests of mine was 40.
It turned out that the two weddings were separated completely. In the morning it was mine. All of my friends came for the lunch and left. Vi and I dressed up as a bride and groom to greet guests. Since there was no so-called bride fetching ceremony for me, my wedding ended around noon. My sister wore only Ao dai in the morning because she had to save the wedding gown for the ceremony at her husband-to-be's place. When I was done with my wedding, we went back to the hotel for change into casual dressing. I didn't want to dress up like a bride on my sister's ceremony. I would like her to be the center of attention.
I was glad to see old friends again but we could not really talk much. The wedding was too crowded. I think my parents' guests were around 300. It was very tough for Vi the whole morning standing in the crowd, and greeting strangers. It was quite hot and humid that day. He could not eat anything and was exhausted. I felt so bad when he had to deal with the wedding that way. Then came my friends. Everyone wanted to talk to me, and Vi was very much left out. I tried to get him involved, but it did not work. He was just too tired to be social with anyone. I really hope my friends didn't get offended when seeing Vi's face on that day.
We became husband and wife again before my hometown, family and friends in Vietnam.
After the wedding, we left for Saigon for couple days before heading to Cambodia. Vi finally got some rest without family and friend obligations.
Thursday, October 21, 2010 9:02:47 PM
travel, Halong Bay, Vietnam, Emeraude Cruise
Vi always love water, beaches with any kind of water activities. Halong Bay was truly a highlight of the trip for Vi...and actually for me too. The wedding, meeting friends, and family exhausted us. Couple of days getaway like this was really appreciating.
We left Hanoi on Oct 7 for the tour. Duong, a friend of mine flying in from Saigon to attend the wedding and join us on the cruise, because she had never been to Halong Bay. It was great that she could afford the trip, otherwise she would have to do it by herself, which I didn't feel at ease. We both happened to go to Halong the same day, and it would be not nice to let her take the tour by herself. She was always very nice to me and my family when we visited Saigon. However, I'd rather not degrade service/boat category. At first, Emeraude was too expensive for Duong, then after many emails back and forth, I got a great deal for her single room. We were very happy that she could join us.
It was a package 2 day tour including pick up and drop off. We got picked up at Press Club around 8 am. It took us around 3 hours to get to Halong City from which we got transferred to the Cruise. We checked in our room, number 218. It was a double room with a balcony and big window. The bed was really comfortable and elegant. After that we went up to sun-deck/top roof for a view with welcome drinks and cold towels. The crew was in white, which made me feel like I was in somewhere in France back in time. Emeraude was so beautiful and clean inside out. The interior and exterior were designed in a very strict French style with very thick white paint, balconies, shutters, French sofa and chairs. Unlike the rest of the bay, the cruise has around 20 rooms and was made of steel, not wood. The sun-deck with plenty of reclining chairs, sofas was our favorite spot. There was a bar to guests' convenience at the sun-deck area. It was the place where we hanged out, socialized, and took pictures of the Bay, played cards for fun, read, or had some mix drinks, or just sat idle there to admire the splendidness of the Halong Bay view.
After 30 minutes boarding, we were invited to the cruise's restaurant for a lunch buffet. It was another beautiful and spacious room with comfort and magnificent view everywhere we sat. I love the food there. It was a mix of Vietnamese and French cuisines . Very well done! The service was excellent and professional. We had a big lunch. Then we moved up back to the rooftop for hanging out.
Around 3 pm, our tour guide took us to see Surprising Cave, the biggest and most beautiful cave in the Bay. I had been there many times but it was the first time for Vi and Duong so I joined them. They loved it. After the cave, we could choose either swimming or visiting a Pearl Farm. We did both. Even though it was a bit rainy and chilly at the end of the day, Vi insisted on swimming for a while and he would like me to join him. Nobody was swimming but us. I felt a bit cold at first then I got used to it. It was fun to swim in the Bay. The only turn off of the trip was the weather. It was raining some time and very overcast. I couldn't take good pictures of the Bay as I wished.
After a dinner, the crew played the very famous French movie made in Halong Bay named, Indochina at the restaurant. Vi and Duong followed it for an hour then they both felt so tired that they went to their rooms. I finished the movie with the other guests by midnight and returned to the room. Vi was sleeping but woke up to get me in and he never forgets to kiss me for bed.
We got up very early the next day to see sun rise. Though overcast, sun tried to peek through for some of my dawn pictures. The air was cool and so refreshing. We waited for breakfast around 7 then I went back to the room to pack. We left the boat around 10 am.
We all love the cruise and Vi already made me promise to come back to Halong whenever we visit Vietnam again.
We had a great relaxing time in Halong Bay... and now, the big thing ahead awaiting us: The third wedding in Maokhe.
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