I think I've found my inspiration

I bought Luke Nguyen's new book this arvo "The Songs of Sapa- Stories and Recipes from Vietnam" and while reading only the first 3 chapters on the train home, I'm reminded of my family back in Vietnam and how much I really miss them. I know I'm always mentioning this but I cant help it. All of the imagery that is written and photographed in this book just brings back all these memories of the time I was with my relatives.

From my trip when I was 11 years old, I still remember thinking "wow, they eat a lot" well actually they didnt eat a lot, just frequently through out the day, I think I would have had about 4-5 meals a day and at night my cousins would take me to these small shop fronts that sold creme caramels and yoghurt. Bliss (as Jenn would say it).

I will always remember my aunt waking me up early in the morning every single day to accompany her to the markets where we would buy ingredients for that day's breakfast and lunch. Seeing all the freshly caught fish still flipping around in an inch of water kept in woven baskets, the smell of freshly made soya bean milk and the sweaty fat butcher woman who blended in with all the the pork that was hung around her. I did get jaded after a while, but I'm glad she kept making me go, it was quite an experience seeing all the fresh produce (even if I didnt pay much attention at the time).

I didnt realise until I started reading this book, how much food tied my family together, the only time they were together and civilised was during meals. It's inspired me to start learning how to cook traditional Viet food and I cant wait to start. My uncle is still here so I can let him try, he already loves the food I cook so far (which means a lot to me) I hope he'll be proud of me and the rest of my family in Vietnam too. It's been hard, going through with my choice of being a chef, because I know that everyone wants me to go to uni so I can have a career where I wear a suit, but it keeps me going when I know they support me anyways and I really dont want to dissapoint them.