Tết Nguyên Đán!

The CBT Vietnam team would like to wish everyone a happy new year!

Tết Nguyên Đán (or Tết for short), translates to “the first morning of the first day” in Vietnamese. This celebration is one of the biggest and most important for our friends in Vietnam. I’ve heard that there is some debate over whether or not this Lunar New Year is the Year of the Goat or the Year of the Sheep. In Vietnam, it is considered to be the Year of the Goat. In an article I read, goats are much more common in Vietnam due to the heat, which is one of the reasons why it is not referred to as the Year of the Sheep.

Thank you Sam for contributing these awesome photos from your time in Vietnam!
Much like the festivities that I go to for New Year’s Eve, this time of year for the Vietnamese is all about celebrating with friends and family and eating lots of great food. I’ve always found it interesting when you are able to draw parallels between different customs in various countries. Even though it is so far away from Canada, Vietnam may not be so different after all! However, unlike the New Years that I grew up celebrating every year, on December 31^st, Lunar New Year has a different day each year. This year, it fell on February 19, and in 2016 it will be celebrated on February 8.

I was born in the Year of the Rooster. After doing some research, I learned that Roosters are generally considered to be hardworking, courageous, talented, attractive and beautiful… I swear I’m not making this up!

I found the whole research really interesting and looked into other information about my other 2015 CBT Vietnam teammates as well.

Marina was born in the Year of the Horse. Horses are considered to be extremely animated, active and energetic. Knowing what I do about Marina’s personality, I would definitely say this is an accurate description of her.  Mia was born in the Year of the Monkey. Monkeys are typically known for their mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness. Monkeys are also thought to be the “masters of practical jokes”. We may need to keep an eye on Mia, (just kidding!). Kyle was born in the Year of the Pig. Pigs are believed to be diligent, compassionate, and generous. Pigs also have great concentration: once they become focused on a goal, they will be completely dedicated to reaching it. Hopefully Kyle can apply that focus to the training manual he is currently working on to guide us when we are over in Vietnam.

On February 8, 2016 Vietnam will bring in the year of the monkey – but until then, bring on the Year of the Goat!

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Good morning Vietnam!

 

Day 1 was packed full of adventure!



The CBT team was up bright and early to brave the rain and head to the Tamarind Café for breakfast. We were going to be in Hanoi for the next three days so we had to make a game plan. 

CBT Team spent their first night at the New Hanoi Hotel




Jen, Rachael and Nic enjoying fresh passion fruit juice at the Tamarind Cafe

After breakfast the team headed back to the hotel, packed up, and made their way to The Little Hanoi Hostel. While we were waiting to check in, we took advantage of the free tea, coffee and WiFi in the lobby! We stayed in the lobby and got right to work.

Nic working hard on getting the team organized

Then we hit the streets to find some lunch, run a few errands and exchange some money. The Old Quarter is a bustling neighbourhood with motorbikes whizzing everywhere and amazing Vietnamese street food at every corner.

Stopped for lunch to enjoy some eel soup at a popular spot.

Getting CBT Vietnam business cards printed


Our errands took us to Hoan Kiem Lake and we saw the most amazing Tet decorations. Tet is the Vietnamese New Year and is just finishing up.



Happy New year or, as they say in Vietnam, chúc mừng năm mới everyone!



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