Today is Tết (Vietnamese New Year), the most important and celebrated holiday in Vietnam. Easy in Saigon to see when Tết is upon us. In preparation everyone was cleaning, painting, cooking, shopping and decorating. Soon there were dragon dances, lucky money envelopes, festive parties, and sparkling fireworks all over the city!
pretty flower girl
This is also the time for haircuts, new clothes and many flowers. One of the most beautiful New Year traditions in Vietnam are the flower markets. In Saigon there are more than fifty, including my favorite on downtown Nguyen Hue Street, which blooms for one week as a pedestrian flower street. Everyone dresses in their finery and strolls down the street enjoying time together and the spectacular floral displays.
I had a wonderful time mingling and snapping away during this very special time. Get in the Tết spirit with Happy New Year by Abba (most popular tune during Tết) and this wee slideshow prepared just for you:
You may have noticed that my photography skills have improved a little. The credit goes to my talented photography teacher and guru, Yan Lerval. Yan is the person who helped me to finally understand the mechanics of my camera! Not only has he imparted great camera and photo editing knowledge, he is now a dear friend. Click on his name to see his amazing collection of Vietnam photos.
Yan and his lovely wife, Nhan, at one of the many flower markets
Farewell to the year of the dragon and welcome to the year of the snake! Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Happy New Year) and Saigon LOVE to all, Lisa
Feb 10, 2013 @ 18:51:57
Great pictures Lisa and great movie….Love it !!!!!