(Below is a fictional story based on true experiences during my time at UC Berkeley.)
Brian had a slight obsession. No, he wasn’t addicted to the latest mobile game, nor did he have a burgeoning collection of vintage watches.
Brian was in love with Vietnamese avocado smoothies! Also known as “Sinh Tố Bơ,” this green elixir had enchanted his taste buds ever since his mother shared the recipe from his childhood.
His friends didn’t share the sentiment.
The first time Brian whipped up a batch, eager to introduce his friends to what he firmly believed was heaven in a glass, the reactions were… less than enthusiastic.
Dave, a hardcore carnivore, peered into the glass and drawled, “Is that… guacamole juice?” Mark, always the dramatic, pretended to faint from sheer disgust, while Sarah, the resident health nut, suspiciously asked, “Is there kale in this?”
It wasn’t the grand reveal Brian had hoped for. But did that stop him? Of course not!
Brian was on a mission: to convert his friends to the glorious world of avocado smoothies. And share his Vietnamese heritage and cuisine.
Determined, Brian planned a “Sinh Tố Bơ” night. He curated a playlist of songs that had the word “green” in them. There was “Green Light” by Lorde, “Green Eyes” by Coldplay, and a cheeky addition of “It’s Not Easy Being Green” by Kermit the Frog. Decorations included green balloons. And, you guessed it: avocado-shaped pinatas.
On the big night, as Brian’s friends entered the avocado-decked living room, they were each handed a glass of that creamy green goodness. Their expressions ranged from apprehensive to downright horrified.
Dave, squinting suspiciously, remarked, “It looks… thick.” Mark, not missing a beat, responded with, “That’s what she said,” earning a collective groan from the group. Sarah, however, decided to be the brave soul. Taking a tentative sip, her eyes widened in surprise, “It’s… sweet?”
Brian grinned triumphantly, “That’s because it’s not just avocado. It’s mixed with sweetened condensed milk and ice. It’s a creamy, sweet, and refreshing Vietnamese treat!”
The rest of the evening was a mix of playful banter, a few accidental spills (Mark got drunk again), and a gradual warming up to the unique taste of Sinh Tố Bơ. By the end of the night, Dave was asking for refills, Mark was scouring the internet for avocado memes, and Sarah was brainstorming how to incorporate it into her morning routine.
As the evening came to a close, Brian took a moment to appreciate the hilarity and absurdity of it all. He never expected his love for a Vietnamese avocado drink would become a full-blown event. And while not everyone was entirely converted, they all had to admit – it wasn’t as bad as they initially thought.
The night ended with a group selfie – everyone holding their green drinks high. The caption? “Friends don’t let friends drink Sinh Tố Bơ alone.”
And Brian? Well, he slept soundly, dreaming of avocados and the next unique Vietnamese delicacy he’d introduce to his unsuspecting friends.
The moral of the story?
Sometimes, the things that seem strange or unusual at first might just be the things that bring us closer together. And if not, well, there’s always another smoothie recipe to try.
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