Special Tet blog

Editor's note: I don't like to write blogs too close together because I'm boring -- as a person and writer. But this is a special Tet New Year's Day collector's edition blog, and it's free of charge.

B.P. (Before Phuong), I was quite cynical about Tet holiday. This year, however, we had a wonderful Tet eve. We did nothing, enjoyed marvelous weather (a bit chilly for the locals, about 76 degrees F) and drank ridiculously expensive champagne at midnight while listening to, but not seeing, fireworks. Tet is the equivalent of New Year's and Christmas in the U..S., but the drinking isn't quite as over the top, everything is super cleaned up, and everyone's in a good mood. There's the same stress in the U.S. and Vietnam as everyone scrambles to get ready for the big day or days. There are cooking marathons where the women are exhausted, and massive crowds at the stores before the holidays. People just don't know how to relax, sometimes. Ah, but the White Monkey is the master of relaxation. Phuong and I mocked Tet eve and went to Metro supermarket, which I was warned not to do. But I got the Affligem beer I wanted, and we also picked up some fantastic Da Lat yogurt and ordinary canned peaches. Metro was crowded, but everyone was jammed into the fresh vegetable section, acting like they were at their neighborhood outdoor market. They'll figure it out one day. We got in and out of Metro fast, which contributed to our wonderful holiday. And just like New Year's in the U.S., I was a bit foggy when I woke up the next day. I did enjoy a virtually traffic-free walk on New Year's and a nice workout in the vacant park near our house.
Phuong, being Catholic, will go to mass three times this week -- Sunday, Monday (New Year's) and Wednesday (Ash Wednesday). And since I'm infatuated with -- and devoted to -- Phuong, I will be going to mass three times this week as well. The things we do for love. Mass is still a trip here. Guys cut me off on their bikes in the parking lot before the service just to get ahead or get a "closer" parking space, girls wear super short skirts sometimes, some pinheads use their cell phones during the service, and most people glare at small children who make noise during mass. But the priest is cool and always acknowledges me with a smile and greeting -- in English. The services are getting shorter, or at least it seems that way to me. I don't mind the service at all, but I dread the ride there on the motorbike.
Another massage parlor is opening near our house -- Massage New Style. I wonder what the "new style" is -- if I wasn't getting married, maybe I'd give it a try. I'm always up for new experiences. The New Style will be next door to Massage Pro and a block away from A Massage. Phuong says she's given all three parlors my picture with orders to call her if I show up looking for a Pro, New Style, or A massage. Spoil sport. New Style isn't open just yet, but it's "coming soon", according to the sign out front.
I tried an organic-type treatment of my cholecystitis (gall stones) last week. I ate only green apples for a day, and topped that off with a delicious glass of warm pure virgin olive oil and organic lemon juice before going to bed. I'll spare you the details of the next day, but I must say that I give the treatment a passing grade, so to speak. I told you this was a special blog.