the past few weeks leading to Lunar New Year has been a busy period for me
it's the day before Lunar New Year and I still have a fair bit to do
the rush reminds me of the new years I celebrated with my family in Vietnam
I used to think it was a dreadful process leading up the new years there was a lot of deep cleaning and food preparation
but now that I'm living thousands miles away from home I really miss those memories
and I start to enjoy the process of preparing the house for the new year
I just wish I have my family around to create these new memories
life in Melbourne has been great but I must admit I feel homesick, especially during Lunar New Year period
the past few weeks, I kept myself busy with gardening
luckily, i was able to finish the backyard makeover just in time for the new year
now i can't wait to see these plant grow
on regular days, I enjoy the quietness and peacefulness that Melbourne suburbs offer
sometimes, it does feel a little lonely and empty
maybe it's because I'm missing out on all the fun that my family is having during Lunar New Year celebration
how was your New year celebration?
did you also celebrate Lunar New Year?
as the time is ticking by, I quickly try to finish other bits and pieces around the house
I never thought I would be into plants or gardening
maybe because I'm getting older or maybe my retired mom has been influencing me
we now share the same interest
sometimes our phone conversation is all about how to keep our plants alive LOL
now that I'm living on my own
I learn to appreciate the time I lived under my parents' shelter
I didn't realise how much effort they put into looking after our home
until I do it myself
even though the process is tiring, it's rewarding to see a clean home afterwards
my parents are from two different cultures: Chinese and Vietnamese
we have our unique way of celebrating Lunar New Year
it's the most evident when it comes to the food we prepare
I'm making braised pork belly and eggs, which is a stable for Lunar New Year in Vietnamese culture
the pork belly and eggs are braised in coconut water, fish sauce and a bit of fresh chilli
it's everyone's favourite dish during New Years
we usually make a big pot to have it over several days
from my Chinese side of the family, we usually have slow cooked abalone and mushrooms
the shape of abalone reminiscent of gold ingots which represents abundance
all the things that we eat during New Years
we hope it will bring us a good year ahead
we also have noodles
it symbolises longevity
there's 3 generations living together in my family home
having noodles for New Years is a way of showing respect to the elders and wish them to be with us longer
although my family is from different cultures
it's the food that always bring us together
I'm curious to know how you celebrated your New Years
does your family have a unique way of celebrating it?
and this brings my video to an end hope you had a great Lunar New Year celebration!