Preparations for the new year celebration is now starting and I am on my way to the capital on a VIP Van. Comfortable with the AC blasting. My plan now is to head to the Mekong for  round 1 and countryside for round 2.

I should be there already but gee it is 100+ degrees outside and this Boston girl is just not made for that. Therefore the last 4 days, I relaxed by the beach and napped through the worst of the heat. AC only used at night.

Everyone was still working and taking classes so my days were mostly spent with my cousin (nurse/Doctor) in between patient calls and meetings with the auditors. I should feel guilty just lazing around while everyone go about their business but #badhabits.

But just last night was a #ReasonsITravel moment.

The meal was duck soup on a hot plate. Like a simplified hot pot. (We’ll have hot pot later in the capital) My cousin out did herself again for picking dishes I have never had before. #overachiever

Both school and work has gone on holiday. My nephew came home from his stay in the capital. My cousin the taxi/(driver) dropped off his wife and kids at the in laws and came for the meal. A case of Anchor beer in hand.

The table was a redwood stump the size of a coffee table. The bowls the size of tea cups. The meal was simple. The duck so tender. The water crest nice and crispy. And we seven crowded around.

The atmosphere was light. Brother teasing sister. The sister teasing brother. Everyone teasing mom. Uncle bringing great spirits all around. Cheers abound as the beer cans emptied out.