The Year of the Water Dragon begins in t-minus 7 days. Vietnamese New Years is the largest celebration in Vietnam and to celebrate, the country has been going crazy putting up lights and decorations. Yesterday we headed into district one to check out the lights and snap some photographs.
Imagine our surprise when walking around, we stumbled upon an awards show going on in the heart of downtown. Yes, the Mai Vang Awards were being held at the HCMC Opera house. The red carpet was rolled out, the spotlights were blazing, and the television cameras were rolling. In typical Vietnam fashion, there was no security or blockades or roped off area at the event. Nope -- rather we managed to walk right up the red carpet, snap away our photos and make it on Vietnamese television. In fact, we were so up close and personal at the red carpet that one of the star's dresses brushed over Heidi's feet (which Heidi was unprepared for, thought was a rat, and screamed and jumped onto the carpet herself). Despite not knowing what the ceremony was for, we were mesmerized. We stayed and watched the antics for nearly 30 minutes before departing for dinner. Thank goodness we had purchased a Ba Ba Ba to enjoy on our walk for a celebratory beverage was sure in order.
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| Tet lights out in full effect. |
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| There are probably 8 different roads that all have a different light motif. They are pretty amazing and bring out the crowds. |
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| Cool lanterns in a tree. |
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| The Opera House primed for the big event (still not sure what the "big event" was for but still pretty cool). |
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| There were large jumbo-trans on either side of the steps broadcasting the event live. We saw ourselves on them a few times. Check Youtube to see if you can find us. |
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| Adam so very unsure what is going on. |
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| This lady's dress went over Heidi's feet. Heidi thinks that she MUST be like the Angelina Jolie of Vietnam. |
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