Lesson

Today I learned an important lesson. Don't stray too far from the bathtub when it's filling up. And don't rely on kids to holler when the bathtub is full. According to Zara she was too busy building a bubble house to notice. Thankfully there wasn't too much flooding.

Renamed

Today when Max and I tackled the golden arches for a French fry fix on a grey Shanghai day, I was told by Max in no uncertain terms that this shop is not called McDonalds. It's actually Whack-Donald's.

Guess what

Seen on the shelf at our local supermarket. If I knew what this was I would probably buy it for Zara! Apricot yoghurt possibly? She has fallen for the Disney Princesses marketing guff and would probably gulp it down regardless of the taste or texture.

Last day: how many swims can we fit in?

Max's swimming has improved markedly this week. When we arrived he would only swim if he had a tight grip on an adult's neck or arm. Now he has discovered the freedom of his floating ring, the water isn't as scary as he thought. He's a different kid!

Recommendation

We are having a fantastic holiday and can highly recommend the Mia Resort Nha Trang. Anyone remotely close to Vietnam should give it some thought. The beachfront villas with pool are reasonably priced - much more so than anything similar in Bali or Thailand. Free breakfast, free wifi free shuttle bus into town and a host of other points I can elaborate on if interested - email me.

Green green grass of home

The villas at our hotel in Nha Trang all have grass growing on the roof. All part of the efforts to insulate and keep the villas cool, so I'm told. Here is a photo of our roof being watered by a gardener.

Day 3: up close

Max checks out the chickens for sale at the local market in Nha Trang.

Day 3: summery summary

Zara models her summery best: white linen frock and new sparkly shoes bought in HCMC.

Day 2: We've arrived

A busy morning at the Ben Thanh markets in HCMC this morning and then a short 40 min flight up to Nha Trang. Arrived at a nice little spot by the beach and don't plan on moving too far for the next 6 days. After checking in, Max and Zara derobed in record time to jump into the little pool out the front of our room. Temps a very relaxing 27 degrees.

Max and Max

Our friend Sanuki in HCMC had a little pet chuhuiua named Max. Human Max tried to make friends with puppy Max. I think by the end of the two days they may not have been life-long friends but had a healthy respect for each other.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh City

On our first day in Vietnam, Max slipped off to visit the sandman around 5.30pm completely missing the splendour of the reunification palace in HCMC.

Chasing warm weather

We're off to Vietnam tonight. A week at the beach is on the itinerary! After months of single digit temps in Shanghai and snow this week, sunshine and sand will be excellent. This photo was taken at Pudong Airport's terminal 1. Funky roof.

Snow!

Today, for about 30 minutes, it showed in Shanghai! It was quite a sight actually. The flakes melted almost as soon as they touched the ground though. It wasn't quite cold enough to create a white layer over everything. I was outside on the footpath for most of it - waiting for Zara's school bus. When she arrived home we had a little goof around before heading up to the warm apartment.

Bellissimo!

Tonight we are making mini pizzas for dinner.

Shanghai from above

A view of the former French Concession area of Shanghai taken from the local Qantas office - 32rd floor. Getting our tickets issued for our trip home in April!