Vietnam Mountain Stay

Moonlight birthday party in Taxua in the style of H’mong people

The 40-year-old birthday party of VMS clients & how Taxua people pulled it off H’mong style.

 

Ms Tien has an idea to hold a 40-year surprise party for Mr. Viet in their 3D2N family trip. “Just do what you want” – What she told us sounds seem simple but very challenging indeed.

 

Everything is about local touch

To Taxua peope, an amazing birthday party means big birthday cake, upbeat dance music and roses. Thus, first time they heard about bamboo cup, tradditional three-leg stove, H’mong alcohol – seemingly trivial items in their culture, they were surprise.

We were worried whether they don’t feel comfortable greeting strangers the way they greet their friends? Will it be awkward?

And about the preparation. Could the people, who do not have any ideas about deadline & multi-tasking, will they be able to prepare an intricate party decently?

But we were worried for nothing. They did it excellently.

 

A refined party

that Taxua people did everything, even chopping bamboo to use as liquid glass.

Since bamboo in Taxua is ugly, Mr Senh had spent 3-4 days to find a decent one.

Ms Chia- Mua Tru hostel owner was still able to prepare a BBQ dinner although she’s just picked the ingredients, alive, at late afternoon of that day. This is our special requests to keep the food fresh.

Ms.Nu went to pick flowers with her bamboo basket. It was toward the Tet holiday, cherry blossom, plum blossom were blooming beautifully. She came back from the pick-up spot by scooter on a bumpy and windy trail. Worrying that the wind may destroy the flowers, she was riding as if she was in Hanoi’s rush hours.

 

These are luxury moments

When everything is done, strong wind starts to blow drastically. Thus, we have to move everything from the outdoor shed to the hostel’s terrace.

It was a lucky decision because we got to see how the moon reaches her climax. This was the first time VMS and Ms Tien, Mr Viet see the moon climbing from right in front of your eyes to the far sky above.

Neighboring H’mong children, whose dresses are vibrant were happily playing around with city kids and received some treats from the heartwarming travelers. In returns, they sang for them a “Happy birthday party”.

 

What we like best

What we like the most is that not only our guests but also the local people enjoyed the party. They got to hold a birthday party – a somewhat modernized term in their style, with H’mong music, H’mong’s grill, alcohol in bamboo cups. They got to greet friends from faraway places who have an open heart to their culture, are fascinated, and respect their innocent characteristics.

Having worked with ethnic people for a while, we realize they always look at life in the city, the modern lives and entertainment with admiration. Thus, we love it when we have the chance to show them that their simple lifestyle is attractive too.

 

The story after

When the party is finished, Mr Viet’s son found a new friend – the hostel’s son. The moment they said goodbye, the city kid gives the H’mong kid his new hoodies, because his friend does not have enough warm clothes.