A Wedding

On April 21 we were thrilled to attend the wedding of our friends Jeffery and Beatrice. It was a beautiful, meaningful and fun ceremony and reception. We love a good party!

Hippie Birthday

This week Lisa had another birthday! Not a special number but made special because of the people and activities in it. It was the usual busy day! First, was a Skype call with Max -- the best way start to any day!
Then a morning working with friends at PTA to clean and organize the storage closet (and have a piece of Simran's lime cheesecake!). In the afternoon was a Physiotherapy appointment with Simon after his IB exams finished for the day. After school joining Tim to look at a couple of apartments in preparation for our move in June. Supper at the fabulous Coolabah! And on Saturday evening we attended the Faculty Follies fundraising event and talent show. It was a Sixties theme, appropriate for Lisa 1960s birth and a fun time with some great people!

SSIS Gala

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of SSIS and we were happy to participate in several activities this month.
The school invited several people who were key to the school's history to return for this momentous occasion. We were thrilled to have time with several Heads of School and Administrators who worked for SSIS in its early years. They are unique, inventive, hard-working people with fascinating life stories.
We participated in a ceremony highlighting the growth of SSIS from its first academic year 1997-98 to now. The school orchestra and current students participated as well as a reading and slideshow from one of the school's very first teachers.

The weekend celebration finished with a Gala dinner and dance. It was beautiful, delicious, fun!

Surgery

Simon back at school with classmate Ying-Ying

In early April Simon needed to have orthopedic surgery to reconstruct his ankle. It was our first hospital experience in Vietnam. We are very thankful for Simon's positive attitude and healthy body, and for the surgeon's skill and care. It will be 4 months of rehabilitation before he is able to play sports again but he has had a very successful initial recovery.

A Visitor

During our Spring Break a friend from Nova Scotia came for a visit! It was a busy week of showing Kellan some of the sights of Ho Ci Minh. We walked in District 1 on several occasions to take on the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, AO Show.

We went to the Cu Chi Tunnels one afternoon which meant spending a couple of hours on the Saigon River. This was a day of unique geographical and historical perspective.

A bowl of Pho

Cafe Sua Da

Of course we also shared the local food offerings!

Max's birthday!

Last week Max turned 20 years old! Being far apart means that he celebrates without us and we try to be creative in sending a present. This year Max celebrated with close friends on a chilly Canadian evening. They went skating then to Starbucks to warm up. And our gift this year was a painting by local artist Amanda Rhodenizer, who also happens to be a friend from Nova Scotia.

Tet Holiday

We have just concluded one of Vietnam's biggest family holiday times. Tet is a celebration of the Lunar New Year and the Vietnamese people have a lengthy holiday to give thanks for the success of the old year and to pray for luck, health, and prosperity in the new year. People travel to the town, village, or neighbourhood where grandparents and extended family live.

We chose to stay in HCMC during Tet because the city is very quiet after most inhabitants have left for a week or more. Before leaving the city there are parties, decorations, fireworks, and flower displays to mark the new year. We have spent this week touring different parts of the city to see decorations and to try new coffee shops and restaurants. We also shared meals with friends in our home.

Each year is associated with a Vietnamese Zodiac sign. 2018 is the Year of the Dog. People born under the sign of the Dog will be trustworthy, prosperous, protective, and judgmental. Tim is a Dragon (talented, energetic, passionate, and tactless). Lisa is a Snake (compassionate, persistent, charming and short-tempered). Simon is a Cat (ambitious, tender, sociable, and secretive). Max is a Tiger (brave, smart, risky, and indecisive).