clifmaree Hi Avenel, They sound amazing but I think you are right in the assumption that it would be just too hard to achieve here. Buy them at the Vietnam shop!! Enjoyed your description of making them. Well done. xx Enjoy your Birthday! Maree

Moira Hi Avenel, Those sausages would be unaffordable here, with so much work going into the preparation. I think it might be one taste you'd better savour while you're still in Vietnam!Happy Easter!Moira

Zig Hi Avenel, Terrific explanation and photos of all the work that goes into making those traditional smoked sausages! Wonder if one can buy them here to try? Is there much happening over there for Easter?I'm getting ready to do some egg decorating - Latvian pagan tradition! For the first time in ages I've got some white eggs to decorate. Easter Greetings from Doubleview! XX

glenys davies Good news that you will be returning home -soon?I was at a meeting at OWC on Wednesday and Lyn mentioned you as the retired Librarian they need!I am going to volunteer on a Thursday morning so hopefully we may meet up on your return.Very best wishes Glenys DaviesGreat newsletter as always

Moira Wow! A regular Perth Christmas is going to seem pretty tame after this. I can't see any TV crews turning up to film the peeling of the prawn or the cutting of the pudding at your house next year. It's Australia day here today; very hot and steamy with (unfortunately) a smoke haze in the sky from a few bushfires in the surrounding countryside. Definitely no need for the parkas you are wearing in most photos.Glad you're still enjoying the experience so much and thank you for sharing it.

Zig Hi Avenel,Enjoyed reading about your TV cooking interview and the latest Christmas and New Year festivities - the food you prepared looks delicious, and very well done with the decorations. Lots of interesting Vietnamese traditions to go with the celebrations - especially the 'no sweeping' during Tet!Great photos - now looking forward to the Tet ones! Cheers, Zig x

Zig Love your Blog and the great photos!A very belated Merry Christmas to you both! We've had our Latvian Christmas, our Aussie Christmas but unfortunately Dino doesn't 'do' the Italian one!We're seeing the New Year in at our place but it looks like it may be the last party year - not many late night 'stayer uppers' these days!We wish you a healthy, safe, and happy New Year filled with new adventures, but not so long away from WA!Cheers for 2017 dear absent friends - we'll be toasting you on NYE! xx

anthony lupi Hi Avenel and Owen - hope your Christmas was good - and that 2017 is a great year for you both. We will be heading to WA in the second half of 2017. If you are back by then it would be great to catch up. Take care Anthony

Moira And Merry Christmas to you too!!We're in Melbourne sharing a house with the Noyelle's as both of us are visiting the Victorian arms of the family. All good.With love and best wishes for 2017

Zig Great photos and videos Avenel!I had no trouble viewing the videos - felt like I was there watching!What great singing and instrumental music.The Olympics sound interesting - could anyone, such as tourists, attend?At the moment I have a second cousin (from Latvia) visiting Vietnam as a tourist, and it's interesting to read her comments about the country and its people. She's finding it most fascinating.I'm looking forward to our summer and there you are, nearly in winter.Coming home for Christmas?Love to you both, Zig and Dino xx

Avenel Hicks It certainly was an interesting experience. I think you'd have to be invited by a university to attend. I doubt tourists would know it was on. Don't think we'll be back for Christmas.

avenel I didn't notice anyone get carsick on our bus!

avenel It seems the video clips may be difficult to download. Sorry, you'll have to imagine them :)

Huong I'm so sad when I missed this Olympic. I think it's a good event to have some new friends :D. Did anyone have carsick? Because I am always afrai of the road to Lao Cai, especially to Sapa :)). Thank you for your entry

Zig So interesting, so much happening! What a lot of different experiences.Don't know how our stomachs would cope with all the different foods.....Also love the photos Avenel.is the Dao silver bracelet significant to the area? I can't even begin to imagine all the work that goes into the street parades.Keep enjoying! XX