^{Tessie: Story from Vietnam}

What are your favourite songs that you used to sing as a child? Can you sing them now?

I have so many favourite songs; however, I will list some English ones. When I started to learn English in childhood, my teachers taught me some simple English songs, which I understood quickly. I like singing “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” and “The Alphabet Song.” Although I like them, they are difficult to sing now because I don’t remember them.

What would you do for fun?

That is, play sports, especially practice Taekwondo. I can release my stress like that even though I'm not perfect. Moreover, I like to travel with my parents, elder brother, and even my dog. I have not travelled with all my family members for a long time. When I dream about that, it's so much fun.

What are some of your favourite traditions that have been passed down in your family?

I will tell you about the New Year traditions in Viet Nam. This time is a hustle and bustle for everyone. People can take a one-to-two-week holiday to spend time with their family. Before the New Year, families clean the house together, even children. Some alleys turn on exciting music to celebrate the New Year. Although we are tired, we have time to be close to each other. When the Lunar New Year comes, families go to their grandparents’ s house to wish them good health, and children receive lucky money from adults.

My family also has a tradition for each meal. Before eating, the younger member should ask their parents for permission to eat dinner. This expresses respect for the family.

What have you learned from Canadian culture?

I have learned to say “Thank you,” “Sorry,” and “How are you?” from Canadian culture. In Viet Nam, these are not habits for me. In Canada, I am always asked, “How are you?” This creates a feeling of closeness between two strangers.  

What are some classic family jokes? 

Actually, I don’t know because the family relationship between children and parents is very respectful. We are introverted. Therefore, no one really makes jokes but they still love each other.

What kind of food do you like?

I miss Viet Nam street food, such as mixed and rolled rice paper, Banh Cuon, and flat beef noodles. However, I still like eating mixed rice paper. Although some people say it is not healthy, it is cheap and delicious for me, even for international tourists. Canada also has mixed rice paper, but I like eating it from a plastic bag. This is one of the features of rice paper. Other delicious foods are soy sauce, shrimp salt, and fried onion, which are cheap and popular recipes in a family.

What foods don't you like to eat?

I would say I don't like eating food that has onion, except for fried onion and scallion oil garnish. For me, onion is too smelly. People say it is sweet, but I cannot feel that.

What is your traditional dress?

Ao Dai is my country's traditional dress. When worn, it exudes elegance. It has various colours and patterns, which have different meanings. Nowadays, some schools have students wear Ao Dai on Monday. This means 'welcome, a new week begins.'

The First Time I Traveled Abroad by Myself 

When I was 20 years old, I studied ESL in the Philippines for one month. This was my first time going abroad by myself. Everything was so different in that school in the Philippines, but I was not scared because I knew how to study, and I am an optimistic person.  

After I finished the ESL course, I took a taxi to the airport to go back to Vietnam. When I got to the airport, something worrying happened. As my taxi dropped me off at the terminal, a man wearing a security guard uniform looked at me and said: “Let me help you.” I thought, okay, this must be his responsibility. Furthermore, I thought of the COVID 19 pandemic. If he helped me, maybe I didn’t have to line up and get infected.  

However, the security guard asked me to pay him 500 pesos, and I only had 400. I told him that, and he agreed to just 400. In that moment, I thought that he had a gentle face. After he helped me bring in my suitcase, he noticed that I had another $100 in my pant pocket, and he asked me to pay him more. I quickly told him that the money belonged to my boss, so, luckily, he didn’t steal it from me.  

I was scared – I was a girl, alone at the airport. I went on and carried my heavy suitcase to the check-in desk. I am an awkward person, and I am always dropping things. Anyway, after I picked up my things, I flew back home safely.