our time in the village

we left Tuesday at 2:30 pm for the village. It takes 8 hours by bus. We take the sleeper bus as there is room to stretch your legs. It was about 11 when we arrived at our friends house. Bella and I shared a bed, and Tim and Preston shared another bed in the stilt house we were staying in. The kids went right to sleep, and we all woke up early in the morning with the help of the chickens who arose with the sun below us. 

 Bella ate breakfast first while playing with the cats that she was totally obsessed with. We were all tired, but it felt good to be back in village again. Our friend cooked us fried eggs plus some more traditional food for breakfast. It was yummy and we were thankful for his hospitality.

 In all breakfast was, cooked greens, dried meat of some sort, fried eggs, fish and sticky rice. After breakfast we all got ready for the wedding. For all meals a mat is laid on the floor of the 1 room house and a small table is brought in. We all get a bowl of our own and eat the food around the table family style.

 We arrived at the place of the wedding early so we could see all the preparations  When we got to our friends house, the family was gathered around a table of food that had been offered to the spirits. The grooms family was handing out presents to the various aunts and uncles. We were so blessed to have received one of these family presents as well. The present was a Tai Dam head scarf, a pillow, and a wash cloth. It was a very practical gift to receive.

 Also during this time many people were cooking TONS of food for the wedding that was to start in a couple of hours. You can see the greens being prepared below. As it turns out there were about 1000 Vietnamese and Tai Dam who attended the wedding. More on that to come.

 Below is a picture of Bella and Hoa. Hoa used to come to our house almost every day. However,  Bella had not seen Hoa in a long time since she had moved back to her village months ago.

 While Bella took a nap, I chatted with the ladies who were all waiting for the party to begin. It was a very cultural experience, and we were honored to be a part of the big day. Preston and Bella survived on quail eggs and sticky rice for the days while we were in the village. They were tired and so were we, but for the most part they did great. I was so thankful for their willingness to be flexible and travel to the ends of the Earth with us. Also I was so grateful for the hospitality of our precious friends in Son La. They took such good care of us. I will write more later on the actual ceremony but for now this was just to get us started.