For one thing, there is a small ensemble of guitars, drums, and other instruments that have been playing from about 2:00 in the afternoon (the neighbors have said they started before I got home from work about that time) until just past midnight. They have been playing all kinds of popular songs from the 1960s and 1970s. Only Hanh sings along with them and sings Vietnamese words to them. The first night, they must have played 15 choruses of Stairway to Heaven. Maybe some of you would complain about hearing this (remember that I am a guest in Vietnam) but it has been very soothing after a hard day at work.
Today(Saturday), I had to leave for work at 7:15. But about 30 minutes before I left, a small brass band was playing some music reminiscent of a Federico Fellini movie. They saw me waiting for my ride to work and asked if I wanted to join them for the funeral. The only pay would be a free lunch. I told them no, that I had to work, but I would love to help them out.
Actually, except that I need the money, I am sad I didn't do it.
