Last night the team broke up into pairs and gathered together with host families from the hospital. We were escorted to homes for the biggest celebration of the year, Chinese New Year. Each pair of students went to either a nurse or doctors home and celebrated with their family.
It is Chinese tradition for families to gather with the husbands parents to celebrate the coming new year. My roommate Tiffany and I had the pleasure of attending new year celebrations at the home of the Assistant Head Nurse of the OR. Julia and her daughter Emily introduced us to their family and welcomed us into their family home to share in a delicious meal. We enjoyed many varieties of chicken, fish and noodle dishes. My personal favorite was the hot pot with white carrots and these cheesy tempura balls.....yum. Everything was interesting and delicious. Tiffany and I were both slightly hesitant about eating pigs feet but it wasn't bad.
Another tradition we have been immersed in is the giving of red envelopes. Red envelopes signify good luck for the coming year and prosperity. The envelopes contain money $$$$$$. Last night we received envelopes from our host family and then again today at the hospital all the doctors came around and gave red envelopes to all the employees. Our nurses were very happy about this. When given a red envelope the appropriate response is "Gong se fai tsai" which means "Happy new year and I wish you to make more money next year". New year is all about luck and prosperity.
The new year has left the hospital at only 26% of capacity because everyone wants to go home to be with family, but we are all staying busy. There is so much more to say and share but homework must be done as well. The team hopes this blog finds everyone well. Know we love and miss everyone of you.
Xiexie.
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1 comment:
Yay! I'm glad you're blogging! Sounds like you are enjoying the New Year festivities! Did you know that I'm in South Korea right now? I attended a celebration this morning too--I watched a family sacrifice food to their ancestors and then worship and pray to them for prosperity in the new year. Too bad I had to refuse the food when the offered it to me!! I really wanted to try the beef! Did you know that in Vietnam they do red money envelopes too but the call the New Year holiday Tet. Just a side note. Hope you're doing well and having fun! Thinking of you!!
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