Geisha ;-)

100% Vietnamese ;-)

I think I have started to get used to the working schedule now, it was first creating a sleeping disorder to me, because of a mixture of eveving shift and morning shift...

I learnt many things every day, I am also lucky to do an internship here while Marriott is planning to re-design their restaurant and bar, meaning new concept, new menu, new design theme, decoration, new uniform (actually I like them, look much cooler and fashionable than the one they have right now). I had a training yesterday on the way to approaching guests, making upselling beverages, and food. There are many useful techniques to run restaurant, using Micro system, which connects the entire Marriott network, plus managing orders...etc. When I was in the meeting where Eric, F&B manager showed us the new design of the restaurant and bar, to be honest, I was impressed to see how much those people know...

Another good thing is that I speak French almost every day to colleagues and most meeting are conducted in French, that helps me to improve my French. Although Marriott has a heavy American culture, but a lot of people who work there do not speak any English, which is a shame actually because most of the guests are either from US, or UK. The hotel always have about 95%, sometimes 100% occupancy, and the first six months they make profits, guests' satisfaction is high. However, the restaurant does not work very well, they have about 128 seats, but only the breakfast buffet is full due to groups.

About guests, it is more fun to serve American or British, they are more relax, and most of time ready to have a conversation with you. Moreover, with American, you can always sell more when it comes to food, as soon as you mention the word "low fat", "Healthy", 'fresh", you surely can get them continue their meals. And when you wait tables, those are the ones who give big tip ;-), say 20 Eur or more per table.

The other day, when I was on duty of the breakfast hostess, there was one American guy, about 40 of age, by the look, I think he is someone "important" because most of the managers were walking around, waiting for him, and then suddenly, he walked towards me...

"Good morning, Sir"
"Which nationality are you?"
"Vietnamese"
"100%?"
"..er yes" (thinking what's else can my face tell you ;-))
"You are pretty tall for a Vietnamese. Parents are tall?"
"Well, most Vietnamese are short, but I think the younger generation is taller now, indeed my parents are tall"
"Any brothers and sisters?"
"Yes, one younger sister" (typical American conversation, I guess). "Have you been to VN?"
"Sure, I like very much Hanoi, old with many French architecture...and I was in Cu chi tunnel" (apparently he is very proud)
" Really? did you manage to get in that tunnel? You must be exhausted when you got out then?"
"Oh yeah...I like very much this market in Saigon, forget the name..."
"...Is it Ben Thanh?"
"YES"
I noticed that some people who are waiting for him, want to get him going or something...
" Are you here on business, Sir?"
"yes, am on here on business"
"Are you having a pleasant stay with us?"
"yeah, very nice"
"Well, enjoy your stay, Sir"
"Thank you, I will"

After that, Fred tells me that he was one of guys who belong to Marriott family, coming to check up the standard or something. But it was amusing because I was sorta using him to practice my way of approaching guests...You have to use the 15/5 rule in service industry, which is eye-contact when the guest is about 15 feet, and when he or she is at 5 feet away, you have to approach and greet them. Interesting, isn't it?

I also received a group of Asians' men coming for breakfast, most of them were Japanese, they don't speak English, but there was a woman who translated everything, running around, and being very polite to them. Of course, they are polite towards you, and are very nice guests, but they never smile even when you smile to them ;-).

Oh yeah, the other day, there were a group of Asians again, and I thought they were Japanese until they gave me their room numbers and I checked, most of the names looked Vietnamese like Tran, Nguyen...So, I asked if they were Vietnamese, and that confirmed, so I speak Vietnamese to them, they were really happy, a group of Vnese diplomats...That was fun ;-)

So far I learnt many new things even though it is really hard work, and I do have respect for people who work in the service industry, where everything is about satisfaction of the guests. Sometimes, you see an *sshole is front of you, what you do is to keep on smiling, and be polite ;-), and beleive me, we have not seen the worse in people until you actually are in this business.

Anyway, right now, this internship is eating my time, and keeping me busy than ever.

BTW, I was walking home last weekend on Ave Louise, saw a couple, and the girl was wearing a VERY short red skirt that her butt even sticked out. When they turned to the bank, and the guy was taking money out of the ATM, I smiled to her, she blinked her eyes and smiled back, so I thought "Hmm, she probably told me, I've got a fish tonight" ;-)). Actually, she looked cute...

Minh's cradle

The cradle is for Minh, Vietnamese baby ;-), I bought it really cheap in Place Jeu de Balle's flea market months ago when they announced that they are expecting a baby.

Did not have time to renovate it until recently, as the child birth is approaching. So, I have to clean, took out the old paint, which is a pain in the neck, paint the new paint twice... Anyway, the father has decided to name his baby Minh, which is a very nice for boys actually.

Minh= shining, bright, luminous...In many Vietnamese poems, the word is used frequently to describe a good King, which cares for his people, fairness...etc, it also describes the beauty of the moon...Btw, I liked a guy named Minh before I came to Belgium ;-). So, no need to say how much I like this name ;-).

I have chosen a couple of very nice fabrics for this cradle, and I think I will have to visit Ikea this week to buy the matress. Hopefully, it will be ready next weekend.

Legume du Jardin ;-)

Isn't she beautiful? ;-)

Apparently, tomato's season is September, but if the weather is as good and warm, I am sure I will get a lot of cherry tomatoes in a couple of weeks.

I have eaten many courgettes, but this one is nice because there is still a flower on it, I like it, maybe the shape is also nice ;-)

Soccer Recap ;-)

Since I started my stage last week, was not able to follow all the matches, but so far I managed to watch most of matches of my favourite teams.

Brazil- Croatia: disappointed, thought Brazil would goal many more than just one goal, and Ronaldo is getting fat ;-)

South Korea-Togo: not bad, actually, Korea team played really well (and they are tall, and some of them are quite cute ;-P)

US-Italy: I wonder if America team knows to play soccer (some people won't be happy to hear this ;-P), or they were confused between football and soccer, they play bad, commited many fautes. It was the funniest match to watch because there were three red cards, and it did not seem like they played football. Disappointed at Italy.

Brazil-Australia: exciting, fun, lots of hot shots, very well played!!! Brazil teams played really good, from attacking to defending, each player has their own style, and it's so cooool!

Korea-France: breath-taking ;-), amazing to see the patience from Korea team when they scored at 81 mins, they just kept on trying, and that's the spirit! Korea's supporters rule. France's team sucks!!! OUT OUT OUT, Le Blue ;-)! Referee was not fair, lots of commited bad plays from France, but they were not punished for any. Well, without Zidane, France will be in trouble at least in the next games.

My Favourite teams: Brazil, Korea, England
My Favourite players: Ronaldino, Kaka, Robinho, Ahn Jung Hwan, David Beckham ;-)

Anyway, I met a really cute, cool demi-chef in Marriott ;-), I think last week, during the break, we spent time on talking about sport and world cup, last year he was in US, doing his internship in hospitality, and next year he is going to Australia to work as a chef for another Marriott there. I think his lifestyle is attractive...hmm maybe he is also a bit attractive hehehe. Only when I left work, I realised I had forgotten to ask for his name. Well, ok, next week then.

Summer gardening ;-)

I have always wished to have a garden to grow different sort of plants, tree, flowers, vegetables...I like gardening, it's relaxing, a bit like when I cook. I especially like herbs, I grow three different kinds of mint this summer, basilium, and some Vietnamese herbs that I managed to keep them alive to plant after using them. Since I don't have a garden (not even a really small one ;-(), I use everything I find to plant something in. So, with this thingy that looks like a bath in old time but it was actually used to give water to livestock. Anyway, last year I tried to plant some roses and flowers in there, but Mika and Yoda used to get into in, did their toilet, and of course killed or damaged everything. So, this year I took the old soil out, put in new soil that I asked for from a friend's garden, mixed with some soil vitamins, and planted tomatoes, zucchini (I know that there is not space, I even planted pumpkin but the weather was really bad in beginning Jun, heavy rain, so the pumpkin and a couples of others broke and died!), a couple of Vnese herbs, dill...Yesterday when I got home from work, I saw the tomatoes have some flowers, and the zucchini has produced some fruits ;-), there are also some male flowers though, but that can be used to make farcied...

Anyway, of course it was for fun, and it feels good to see the vegetables grow

Brussels when weather is superb

It has been really hot, sunny... I love the weather even though everyone else complains that it is too hot. I only am not happy when it continuously rains, and the sky is grey. With this weather, you can have a beer outside, chatting with friends...Even my cats seem to be happier with the weather like this. And of course, the tourists can't wait to take out their cameras and start shooting a lot of pictures ;-)

In Musical Instruments Museum in Brussels

It was a big success, Joe, manager of the Museum, was very much happy with the variety of the concert as well as the "international" audiences (tourists)

Traditional Music Show

" Tieng hat Que Huong" band composed with two professors of National musical university, two other great members. Aunty Vinh invited them after their concert in Paris, organised a small one here in Belgium, so I was helping them with the place and took care of serving drinks from the bar.

I have ever been to any real Vnese traditional concert that is that great here, it is totally stunning, of course, Belgians were really impressed, and there were plenty of questions on all the intruments that they played.

Being an artist or musician means you don't conduct a wealthy life, but being a Vietnamese musician means you could die from starving.

Normal dinner with Vnese guys

Because it was too hot, they didn't want BBQ (too much meat)..."sister Thao, cook a lot of vegetables, please" ;-). But I made a dish of chicken with curcuma and ginger anyway (just in case)

Breakfast

Asparagus, Flemish style

World Cup 2006

It was the opening of World Cup yesterday, and the first two matches, Germany-Costa Rica, Poland-Ecuador.

If only my friends in VN could be here, it would be so much fun. I still remember when I was young, when there was World Cup, my uncles and cousin (sons of aunty in Hanoi) stayed awaked until late morning to watch, and if I did not have school, I would try to watch with them as long as I could (mom usually had to drag us, and I still remember how much I cried ;-))

When I joined university, all my friends love football, we even had a girl team in my class, and when we had competition, the boys came to cheer ;-), and vice-versa.

Not only many Vnese have to stay awaked to watch, but World Cup is also an event that makes many families in VN lose everything because of betting.

Anyway, I do think it is much more fun to watch world cup in VN than here, but if we gather friends together for some beers and snacks, it is also not bad ;-), especially Belgian beer is best here. This time, Belgium is not qualified but well, they do have two stunning female tennis players.

I prefer the match between Poland and Ecuador, more fun, and the one of Germany and Costa Rica was not exciting. Today matches are more interesting, England-Paraguay, Argentina-Ivory Coast...Can't wait for Brazil to play ;-)

Garden Fair in Boisfort

Every year I want to go to this garden fair, but last few years have never managed to go. Finally this year, I managed to go.

It was a disappointment, nothing is really special, most of the stands were for foods rather than flowers or plants or anything related to gardening. Anyway, I like this colour of geranium a lot...

Spaghetti au sauce tomato and sardine

Logic in culture

A family in VN means all the people that somehow related to us, and sometimes, young people like us have no ideas of some family members. That is why the last time when I went back there, I wanted to take grandma back to where grandparents came from, a village not so far from Hanoi, but she was not in good health. Hopefully I could do so in a year.

Not even my uncles, aunt, or mom know anybody from that village, and nobody wants to go there. My grandmom said everybody in the village has chicken, and pigs that when my grandmom came back, every house in the village would invite her for dinner or lunch with their own vegetables, and animal (no dogs, don't worry ;-)). Things like that does that happen in big cities...

When I was younger, I never thought of going to the village of grandparents, maybe because I was afraid that the toilet would be so dirty that I could not use it or something? imagin some movie scene where they have toilet near the pigs...But that does not seem to bother me anymore, but the feeling of wanting to go back grows stronger every time I think about it, I guess for my grandma, there must be a lot of childhood memories, imagin your friends with whom you hang out, now are also as old as you ;-). For me, I will have to fly from one country to another to find my old friends, most of childhood friends are in US now.

My grandmother came from a rich family, btw, and she got married to my grandfather when he already had an older wife, and his family was not as healthy as hers but apparently he was very handsome ;-). How lucky (or unfortunate?) men were in the past, having several wives ;-). Well, in the past, many rich family that had son, they arrange the marriage for their son with an older girl (much older), so that girl could take care of the cooking, cleaning, washing, working on the rice field of the house. Yeah, very sad.

One of the funny and confusing thing is the addressing of family members, and this is very much followed in the north, people from Hanoi are much more old-fashion than those from the South ( no wonder why they could reserve old stuffs in the country), and those in the center are even more. Also because Hanoi is the politic center of VN, they call it the "heart of the country" ;-P

Not only the addressing is confusing, like "uncle" in Vnese has four words, two for older and younger brother of mom, and the other two are for older and younger brother of father, but the application of these words create much complications. One small example is my grandma had a brother who married a woman (I had to call her grandma, too;-), that lady had a son, and a girl. So, my mom had to call them brother, sister. That lady's girl (who is now a middle age lady) had two girls, and I call them sisters. The complication and funny is me and my sister (or even daughters of uncle in VN) are much younger than them, so of course when they got married and had kids, their kids had to call us aunty, but in fact they are just a little bit younger than us ;-). So, it's kinda weird. Maybe that how it makes the family bigger ;-)

Like when you are married, you should call your husband's parents, "mother and father", and vice versa. Even when you are dating, it is very impolite to call them with their names without adding uncle or aunt in the front...It took me sometime to not bow anymore when I say hi to some of my friends' parents here in Belgium, they don't have the habit of bowing in front of older people. I remember how many times, my grandfather told me that I should bow when I say hi to older people because of respect and politeness, I feel sort of being rude to not doing that...So, with uncle's Vnese friends I still have to do that.

Many Vnese kids that were born here had difficulties to understand these things, and to teach your kids how to respect older people here probably not easy...Maybe what they should do is to send their kids to VN for training hehehehe

Home Brunch

Lotus branches salad

I think I should have cut the orange slices into haft, the dish might look better.

Lotus is the flower that besides its fragant, many other parts of its we can eat or use, like the leaves is very nice to wrap the rice inside, we can make salad...etc.

Dolma

Went to this vegetarian restaurant on Thursday. I love their food, especially the baked marinated tofu, OMG, it's delicious! Everything else is as good, and the dessert is stunning, the lemon cake does not have a sharp taste, it's al dente, and soft...mmm

Apparently, it's a Tibetian restaurant since I hace not been to Tibet (this is the number one destination that no matter what I will go there once), but they cook a lot of beans, and dishes are very simple. So, I guess it's close to Tibetian cuisine. Maybe because of the location and hard life, they don't have fresh vegetables, besides eating beans also helps to fight the cold. I think a lot of typical cuisine has a lot to do which what the local people can get from their agriculture.

In VN, eating vegetarian is even nicer, maybe because there are more fresh veggies, and many dishes are prepared with different kind of tofu, and I love tofu!

Anyway, this restaurant has a huge collection of tea ;-) (they also have a very nice shop next to the restaurant), some tea named Man, Woman... To be on the safe side, we chose the Sorig evening, it's a tea that ease that nervous tension and take away the impression of tireness ;-). Don't know that it works, but I am sure a lot of it has to do with our psychological mind, we think that it will indeed take away the impression of exhaustion...like women have with our different type of creams (anti-wrinkle, anti-stress...) or masks ;-))

Very nice restaurant, and usually during weekend, they have live piano...eh, romantic ;-P.

...And the Dalai Lama is in Brussels. He is giving a three days sessions of teaching how to practice Buddism in our times, and the tickets are sold out (you see, he is as famous as Madonna ;-)). If there is one reason that one should be a Buddhist is the fact that Buddhism does not make Buddha a GOD (Dan Brown tried to explain in Da Vinci code that Jesus was human), he was a normal human being, who succeeded in finding happiness, and Buddism does not convince others to become Buddhist.

All religions teach us to do good, only how faithful we are in doing good, and not to confused between what's good, and what's not. We will get what we have seeded.