A Journey For Happiness

Take my hand, let me take you back and back in time, back two hundred and fifty years ago, the t ransition into the 18th century - Vietnam. This is a story of our origin pass down generation to generation; of our name and our home. Told first by my great-great-great grandfather whose name is lost in time, thrown into oblivion, not by choice but by mistake. Here, I'll tell it now to you :         Once upon a time when Vietnam was still ruled by emperors and empresses, there was a rule. The government's 2nd highest position was the general of the army, and only one person ruled the general – the emperor. If the general attempts to murder the king to take the crown, he would be severely punished. All with his last name, family or not, would be obliterated, along with the next three generations with the same last name.            My great-great-great grandfather was not a general but he served the government. He was ...

Thursday - October 31: The Cultural Food Festival  In just one classroom, there were so many different cultures. It was an exciting day, a day where differences were realized and accepted. All the aromas mixing, clashing. A fight for supremacy? No, no, they were blending, trying to come together as a single smell. Everyone loves food, you know? And the easiest and tastiest way to explore and learn about a new culture is to have a taste of their cuisine. I brought in spring rolls (or egg rolls, if you prefer) to share which are part of my, the Vietnamese, culture. The recipe for these rolls have been passed down for so many generations, my family and I lost count of where it started. If you've ever had egg rolls (maybe from Chinese takeout or something), you'll notice that no place, no family, makes the dish the exact same way, same taste. Each have their own unique characteristics and tastes that suit the creator.  Over the years, our own recipe has developed and changed, ...