We are living exciting times. All the time of course while we are in Vietnam, but the coming weeks in particular. The Chinese year is turning from Golden Pig to Mouse in two weeks time. The Golden Pig year was a lucky year to give a birth and therefore the population has grown more than ever – in an expense of girl babies as told you earlier in relation 110/100. I do not know yet what is the purpose of mouse in this regard, but I found out some other interesting habits that will take place next week. Wednesday is the 23^rd day of last lunar month of Golden Pig, and then there is a need to buy a Golden Fish in the morning at the market place, keep it for a one day, and deliver it in the evening to the Red River or WestLake. The fish will keep all the secrets which he learns at that day from you. Huong, our maid, promise to bring one fish for Toivo, too.

Yesterday the city was filled of plastic bags including some funny stuff. That on behalf was paper clothes of some kind of hero which is put to the kitchen for one week for a worship. And the Buddha statues at homes of course get lots of good food at this time. Funny stories which are interesting to follow, especially because they are deeply in the tradition. Seriously my colleagues also follow these traditions, which is of course lovely. I feel that my generation is loosing so many traditions due to liberalism and modernisation. I feel shame that I can´t any of the sayings or phrases that my mum still repeats fluently. Neither can I kids poems but at least there are Muumi videos to cover that.

A bit sickness around in the family and sounds that around Hanoi. Promised not to report details of the stomach virus of the family (!) to you, but it is getting easier today. Just a pity I missed office´s TET (Chinese New Year) party yesterday.

If you noticed the blog comment now asks you to type something before submission. That is because I suddenly started to receive lots of Viagra messages through comments. Not a question of any more serious, so please feel still free.

I guess many of you are ready for ski holidays. I think I already mentioned that we are travelling to Siem Riep and Phnom Penh early next month. After that my godparents arrive and later on Silja, too. That is cool, not only because Presidentti coffee is finished but also lovely to see friends and family members.

I also want to congratulate my dear friend Kaisa who gave a birth of baby son on Thursday on her daughter´s 2 years birthday!