Day 1 - Saigon

Our first full day in Ho Chi Minh City was an adventure. The kids were up early and we got out to the Ben Thanh market before it was too sweltering. Rows and rows of all kinds of goods are everywhere. Crossing the street was quite a challenge but we took the advice of fellow adoptive families and just struck out at the cross walk, looked ahead, tried to ignore the blaring car horns and whizzing motor bikes and made it across. The first time we did it, I thought "Gee, not so bad. What is the big deal?" But by the 10th or 11th time, it is evident how it can really get on your nerves. Everywhere we went people pointed at Lily and asked "Vietnam baby?" and said "lucky girl!!" A few people wanted to touch her. We were greeted with many smiles and many vendors who wanted us to buy their goods. Our first purchase was a set of 10 postcards for a dollar outside Notre Dame Cathedral. We mailed a postcard home to Hunter. Our second purchase taught us a lesson. A vendor insisted on chopping off the top of a coconut for a drink for Lily. We said no but he put it in her hands. She became shy and turned her face and so I took it and took a sip. Then the negotitiations began. The guy wanted us to pay 100,000 dong. Jim offered him a dollar and he seemed mad. I offered him two and he refused insisting he only took dong. I wound up giving him 40,000 (a little over 2$) and walking away and he was fine. Next time, the price it set before any goods get in anyone's hands! After a few hours walking around, we were all hot and sweaty. Luckily our hotel has a beautiful pool anad the water was perfect. Jim went to the War Remnants Museum and saw quite a moving display about the 'American War" while the kids and I took a nap. They went down at 3 pm and at 9:35 pm, they are back asleep after being awake for about 15 minutes. The jet lag is brutal. We are loving being here. Tomorrow is our last day as a family of 4! Happy Easter! I have it on good authority that the Easter bunny knows we are here.