Friday, July 20th

Not too much to report today. This morning we bought a small stroller to use in Hanoi and to help us navigate the airports. We walked back and found a store that was kind of like what you find in a mall in the US, except the prices were VERY cheap. The only problem was that they stocked Vietnamese sizes so Dallas was pretty much out of luck. It was nice going to a store and being able to just browse without people coming up to you telling to buy 2 or 3.

In the afternoon, Dallas went back to the Ben Thanh Market with Monique to do some more bargaining/shopping and Scott and Logan stayed at the apartment. We had play time and nap time and took a couple of walks with the stroller. It was a nice afternoon. Logan also got his first turn on the swing in the pool area (sort of like what you'd see on a front porch on Main St, USA) and he enjoyed it.

To end the day, we went to Sandy and Paul's apartment building where they were having a "Fruit Festival." They brought in farmers from the Mekong Delta who brought all kinds of fruits for people to sample and buy. We tried a few different kinds and also sampled some "New Zealand Natural" ice cream. It was very good. Then we all went to the Rex Hotel again and had a nice dinner. There was a show afterwards featuring traditional Vietnamese music and dancers.

Logan fell asleep at the restaurant which is pretty typical. We usually get him home, get him dressed for bed and he's down for the night (last night he slept from 7:00 until 5:00am). Tonight, however, we witnessed our first complete meltdown. As we were changing him, I apparently startled him and he began to cry. Then the cry became a wail that we've never heard before. It lasted for what seemed like forever and ended in him falling back asleep. I hope he doesn't remember what he was so angry about when he wakes up! Lesson learned - always speak softly around the baby, especially when he's sleeping!

We're preparing for our last full day in Ho Chi Minh City. Our flight to Hanoi is scheduled for Sunday at 2:00PM. We're really looking forward to getting on with the next steps. Three new families are arriving tomorrow night and we may get a chance to meet them before we leave on Sunday. That's about it for now. Good night.