Today we are exhausted! A vietnamese wedding takes two days! The first day Nathan, Sharon, myself and Hayley started early at Trinh's father's house. The house was full of relatives and much commotion. We were cooked breakfast, eggs and home made tomato sauce and something resembling sliced spam, which we promptly popped on to Win's (Suong's son) plate. Poor kid, every time he looked away his breakfast grew. After a strong coffee, it was time to get dressed in our best. The bride was stunning! The dresses are very extravagant, similar to our own, but in pinks and blues, as well as white. The bride changes dresses frequently and I think Trinh had about five changes over the two days.Then off to the venue! We shared a taxi with the bride, a few relatives and some small children, I think that there were about eight of us.... No easy feat as Trinh's dress was quite big. A short trip and we arrived at the venue where a large marquee had been set up. A couple of hundred guests arrived, and after being officially welcomed by the bride and groom (Quang) we were all seated. Food began to be served, ten courses in all, and the beer began to flow(Thank god). It is difficult to try and eat small amounts as someone is more than happy to continually fill your bowl...complete strangers finding you tasty morsels...I am sure food is closely associated with affection. Not many Vietnamese women drink alcohol, but thank goodness it seemed acceptable that we did. Throughout there were many toasts, basically anyone can raise their glass, then everyone at the table must touch glasses, Mot, Hai, Ba, Yo! (like 'cheers') is yelled loudly. Then you are supposed to drink your glass till empty, quite merry! The entertainment consisted of two dancers performing an elaborate and romantic dance, a few speeches and then karaoke. The Vietnamese LOVE karaoke, good or bad they all sung. The beer helped! After a couple of hours the party finished, around mid afternoon, and we went home for a shower and rest, then back to the bride's parents for dinner....
The next day is more formal. We were up at 4.30am and dressed in the traditional Ao Dao's, which were quite lovely. At Suong's father house we had breakfast of wonton and noodle soup ( which I was sure I was going to splatter my outfit with) The family and dozens of relatives all dressing in their finest, and the commotion continued, as the house is quite small. A marquee was also set up here as well. The groom's parents arrived, and officially greeted by the family, and us, at the marquee entrance before entering the house. There was different parts of the ceremony being carried out, but would take to long to explain... was interesting to watch and be a part of. Several mini buses then took the wedding party to the groom's parents town, about three and a half hours away. Was a huge spectacle, and Hayley, Sharon and myself certainly provided the locals with something to look at. At the groom's parents another marquee, and the other half of the family and relatives. Same process as the previous day. We were always seated with the bride's family (we being the white Vietnamese relatives) and considered to provide affluence. Everyone seemed to accept that somehow we were related. Suong's son Win considers Hayley as his sister. Several more courses of food, and plenty of karaoke and Mot, Hai, Ba Yo! We knew the pork was very fresh because of the little piggery out the back. After this there was a five hour hiatus before the last and final part of the celebration. We (the bride's family on mass) went for coffee, at a small place on the main street. Tables and chairs had to be gathered and hastily arranged wherever we went. The locals watched with great curiousity, but very friendly. After coffe we went to the local pagoda, lit some incense, and prayed for luck and happiness. Then it was decided that we should have a snack... Banh Xi,fried rice flour pancakes, with bean sprouts inside, eaten with lettuce and cucumber, wrapped in rice paper and dipped in sauce. (although it wasn't like we were hungry...) Then we went and sat on the bus for a rest and some biscuits (more snacks!!!!!) Back to the marquee, time for dinner, speeches, toasts and karaoke. There was also a magician, and a younger crowd, many of the groom's friends. The last song involved the bride's mother singing and all the family getting on stage and dancing with her (us too). The song was some sort of farewell, was fun and upbeat. When we left it was very emotional for the family, as Trinh had to remain with the groom and his family. On the bus we all clapped hands and sang, which lifted the mood again. Home by 11pm......
So we survived a Vietnamese wedding!!!!
Lots of love to all, xxxxx
