Dad meets Ba

Ba means father in Vietnamese.

My Dad and I set out from Vung Tau to Dong Nai Province by bus. As we stepped out of the taxi a man approached me saying 'Mai Linh? Mai Linh....' That was the name of the private bus company that Xuan and I have used to make this trip. Xuan said I must take Mai Linh. As I watched a Mai Linh bus leave the yard, this stranger pulled us towards a bus (by bus I mean 15 seat van). It wasn't Mai Linh. The man was a passenger theif scalping passengers that were headed inside to purchase tickets. At the time I didnt realize this. Xuan 'complained' me when I called her to tell her I was on the way but not via Mai Linh. She was very worried that my dad and I would not be safe. Em yeu, I will be fine <3

My dad and I arrived safely as we were greeted by Xuan and Mr. Phung. With an umbrella for my father we walked to Xuan's parents home. After all the introductions we sat down for tea. A lovely lotus leaf tea - my favorite here.

Lunch time! We arrived around 3pm and after 30 minutes of tea and chatting lunch was ready. Xuan's mother, Hoa, is a great cook. She prepared a special meal to welcome my father. It was 'com,' which is Vietnamese ( minus an accent or two) for rice.

"Anh com," rice is ready...Of course there is more than rice here: beef with veggies, squid with red bell peppers, and Pumkin soup. I suspect the pumpkin was actually butternut squash. That soup was delicious - though not in the picture here. My dad commented that this was the best Vietnamese meal he has had.

After lunch, onto the important business. Coffee! Dad, get your finger out of your ear....

Our family's had a great time together.

Xuan's older sister, Yen, and her husband Loi could not be here for lunch because they were working. That cute little girl is their daughter Nhu.

My family, friends and I will be back here on the 14th of August for a ceremonial dinner celebration. That night is actually for Xuan to honor her family and formally thank them for raising her. Phung Anh Minh, Xuan's father has invited my family to join them for this.