An American Bachelor Party in Vietnam (Well, sort of...)

Okay, when anyone mentions the words "bachelor party" to an American, thoughts of a wild night of a debauchery with men engaging in heavy drinking and participating in activities that can be considered "unbecoming" of a civilized member of the male (or should I say human?) species, most likely creep into their head.  Enter the mock-American bachelor party, Vietnamese style. 

First difference, because of scheduling conflicts with a majority of the male students (who wants to give up a Friday night for a school-related activity, anyway?), the party was held in the morning. Second difference, mostly stemming from my adverse reaction to alcohol, the beverages of choice were of the non-alcoholic variety.  Lastly, the third yet strikingly significant difference, was that the activities that took place at this party were far removed from being described as debaucherous (let me just say that if krumpets had been served, we could have called it a mock-English tea party.) 

So probably by now you are scratching your head and wondering, "Well, Jon, did the students accomplish the goal of their assignment?"  To that question, I would have to answer with a resounding "Yes."  I believe that any celebration, regardless of the occasion, does not have to fit some prescribed mold. The "directions" for fun are universal in my book, which is to have a good time and to cultivate and to grow relationships.  This is something that the students seem to understand well and what I know I sometimes forget as an American overly obsessed with having things done "just right" and in a certain way.  Although I probably will not engage the members of my bachelor party in a rousing chorus of "If you are happy and you know it, clap your hands," I would not rule out singing at my bachelor party or doing anything that seemed non-traditional.

So you get a 10/10 from me, students of Miss Julie's American Culture class!  You can host my bachelor party any time!  Good job!  Thanks!

Comments

[Doug]

Wow! Thanx, Jon. It was a bit startling to read something from you.

Sorry I couldn't make the party - maybe next time, eh?

[layered]

Jon, you are a good writer -- I hope you will have a blog for your real wedding. Speaking of which, I have been having difficulty with the concept of "mock" wedding considering all of the good work and good times that have gone into this wedding. Maybe I missed something someplace -- there is going to be a real wedding for Jon and Julie, right?