FIRST MEMOIRS OF THE YEAR

When the year 2012 finally took its throne, I was sitting round the bountiful table with friends and unfamiliar folks. Of course, fully to the brim since it was a party. Like previous years, I had again a not-so-loud-countdown anticipating another year. No fireworks and so we can clearly hear everyone’s greetings and wishes.

I was at the house of my old-time-landlady - enjoying the kindness of her. I was honored indeed and grateful as a guest of the banquet she prepared to welcome the year has to come.

I decided to walk back to the guesthouse instead of taking a taxi or a xe om – to join the crowds in celebration. It took me longer though since streets were swarmed with people in all kinds. It was already 2:00 in the morning but noises everywhere still filled the air. Look at how crowded these places were!

It was an amazing experience in fact. But what made it so cool was greeting individuals I do not even know.

Then I snored.

I woke up a little earlier before my phone alarmed. And then I called my friend for a simple breakfast - caphe sua da (the country’s traditional ice milk coffee) and banh mi (a famous French bread filled with some veggies, meat, and eggs) at our favorite coffee shop. He was the first friend to join me in my first meal for this new season.

Three hours later I was at the bus station. I had to leave the country immediately for visa purposes. I was only permitted to stay until today. But I considered it a blessing still- my first stamp for 2012.

This time I was enjoying the ride.

This time I met a new friend.

And this time I am staying at my favorite guesthouse enjoying the internet -reconnecting and writing my first entry of the year.