So long, farewell!

The kids LOVE Velcro watches.  Mom wears one and every time and they love to play with it.  You can’t really find them over here, so we started getting a few in the States to bring over.  However, I can’t figure out how to work the darn things – and thee alarms keep going off in the middle of the night!  Before we left, two nights in a row they went off at 4am.  They have gone off a couple of times here, but I thought I managed to figure out how to shut it off.  However, last night one went off again!

Anyway, we had the same bus as yesterday – although today wasn’t a party bus it was just really loud on the news station.  Thoung was ready to go out for a walk when we got there – but Hai really wanted to listen to some music.  He points to his ear, makes a noise, points to my pocket (where I usually keep my phone) and he knows I know what he wants.  

We listened to music for a bit with the speakers we bought – and then decided to take some kids out for a walk.  It worked out well because Dorothy (Car Rot) wanted to go out, so Hai was ready to go and Thoung helped us get the strollers ready.  However, the strollers can be tricky because a lot of the kids don’t “bend” in the right areas (mostly their legs) so trying to get them in a stroller can be really tricky.  It is definitely on my list for next year to figure out how to bring over strollers (ones without a tray or anything in the front so kids can easily get in).  They are very expensive here (Long says they are really a luxury) so food for thought for next time.  However, we got Dorothy in one (with Hai pushing) and another friend, Mom named him George, in another with Thoung pushing.

I don’t know where he found it/who gave it to him…but Thoung has a laser pointer that he LOVES pointing on Mom (and then she will try and grab it and push it off).  It is SO funny to watch him – especially when she isn’t paying attention and then she notices – he bursts out laughing!!!  He thinks she is so funny!

Anyway we were off for our walk around the Pagoda.  We had the music going and stopped in an area to listen to some.  Last year I had downloaded a bunch of kid songs, so we listened to the “Chicken Dance Song” and mom and I danced the dance.  I don’t think we got a good video (mostly because we were laughing too hard) but Hai got into the Chicken Dance and did it along with us.  He’s so cute because he really only has use of the left half of his body but he was getting down and loving every minute of it.

It was a really fun way to end our last day with all of our favorites!!!  However, we knew they would be eating soon so headed back in to get them ready for chow time.

I fed a cutie today.  Well, they are all cute, but this is the guy Long fed a few days ago, and asked Long “who is playing the music?” so I brought over my phone so we could listen to music while he ate which I think he loved!  He especially loved changing the song or closing out of an app so it would go back to the screen! 

He did a really good job eating.  Today they had rice and fish (the “normal” meal – which is often VERY dry) so I put some of the broth into it.  I can’t always tell if they like that (easier to swallow) or if really they are saying that’s gross!  However, we did pretty well until half way thru what we left of just the broth he was trying to pull off his bib – he was done!

I left my phone with him so he could listen to music (they are really very good about being careful with it – as long as you know who to leave it with!)  But at one point another kid brought it over to me as it said, “iPhone is locked, try again in 1 minute”.  Oops..who knows how they managed that one – but I kept it until the minute was up and I was able to get back in.  I should probably take off the passcode while I am here.

Anyway, Hai and Dorothy (I think I have mentioned this – but as a friendly reminder this is what Mom named her) were finished as well so I brought their bowels and bibs in to be washed and Hai was showing me it was time to brush his teeth!  So I brought Dorothy over (as she cant walk) and Hai wanted me to come in and help (usually the workers do this – but nobody was really around/seemed like they wanted to step in).  I sort of knew the process (the first year I was here, the two others I was volunteering with spoke Vietnamese – one fluent and one partially – so I did a lot more of this kind of thing).  Anyway he showed me that we had to put on a special bib and then which toothbrush was his.  Dorothy also showed me we had to fill up a cup with water so they could wash out their mouths (two times according to her demonstration).

Hai brushed away, rinsed and I thought we were good to go – but he still needed to clean off his toothbrush.  I thought we were good (I didn’t want to use too much water) but he wasn’t happy with the job because he could still see a little toothpaste left in the bristles.  When he felt satisfied, we moved on to Dorothy.  I couldn’t figure out if she came into the little kitchen/bathroom area or not (again, since she cant walk) – but she helped me figure out that she just moved her chair up close.  Hai and I lifted up each toothbrush that was left until we found hers (a sweet Barbie one) and we were good to go!

I would seriously considering hiring a photographer/videographer to follow us around some time.  There are SO many funny moments that I wish I could capture for everyone to see!  These kids crack me up!

At this point my phone was brought back to me with “iPhone is locked, try again in 5 minutes”.  Oops, I think that’s enough time with the phone today!

Hai wanted to listen to a little music (even though it was naptime) so we put some on but also wanted to take a few pictures.  Dorothy came up with the idea to stick out our tongues (which they all loved) and Thoung and I were taking a selfie and she said something to him and then he stuck his tongue out too!

Hai then gave me back my phone and motioned that it was time for a nap.  The kids are VERY good about listening to the workers/knowing the rules (although I am sure they get slapped around if they don’t…) however, they know when its nap time/time for us to leave and don’t put up a fight.  We gave out our hugs and kisses and then gave cards to the workers. 

Mom had a great idea about giving the workers some money this year.  There are usually 6 of them in the big room and they work so hard for the kids and are so nice to us (and we know they don’t make a lot).  We got them cards for Tet (Vietnamese New Year) that have kids on the front and wrote thank you in Vietnamese inside with some money.  It was a bit awkward handing them out – what we were hoping to say (and will translate for next time) is something to the extent of “Thank you for all of your hard work with the kids – we appreciate it and will see you next year” but anyway the head lady (we probably should learn her name) opened up her card and the money fell out and they were VERY appreciative (and we were glad they realized there was some good stuff in there and didn’t chuck the card!!!)

The head lady gave us a hug (again – TWICE in one trip), which I absolutely loved!

It was honestly the BEST last day to end the trip!

After another pasta filled meal, we came back to shower and rest for a bit.  As luck would have it – this is the first day I have actually felt good, AND I was a big girl and didn’t need a nap today!

We scheduled a massage for ourselves AT the hotel.  In the past, we have gotten them in the backpacker’s district (cheap, which is nice, but also cheap!) but we decided to treat ourselves after the week and get one in our hotel.  The beds here aren’t very comfortable (well, they are hard, which maybe some people like) so I am sore from that..and then we get VERY sore from the orphanage (hoisting kids around, kids pulling and pushing you, etc.) so needless to say the massage was WELL needed and wonderful!  It was also so nice to then just take the elevator back to the room and not go outside and get dirty and sweaty, etc.  What a special treat!

We then headed out to the theater!  I have wanted to attend something at the Saigon Opera House since my first time – but never had any interest in whatever was playing.  However, this time there was a Blue Man Group/ Cirque du Soleil type performance, so we decided to end our last night by going!  It was really cool to finally get inside the Opera House (its pretty small) and the show itself was pretty good.  There were some slow parts – but it was cute and funny and worth seeing.

We then treated ourselves to a rooftop dinner at our hotel.  When we were here 2 years ago we snuck up as there was construction going on.  I still can’t imagine how what we saw turned in to this – however, it was really very cool!  It over looks Ben Than Market and the traffic circle – and the nights here are so beautiful and so nice to be outside!  It was a perfect end to our trip.

So alas, we are packing up and ready to head out in the morning – well, hopefully since you fools are getting SNOW!  The high has been mid to upper 80s (although it feels hotter in the city/when the sun is out).  We land in Boston around midnight Friday night – where the low is going to be around -6.  That’s a solid 90 degree difference.  Brrrrr.

However, we have had a FANTASTIC time – and cant wait to be back next year!

Happy New Year!

We headed out to the backpackers district last night as I wanted to drop off my laundry.  I bought this sweet laundry travel thing (The Scrubba) but I really want a clean sweatshirt for the trip back.  There is a nice little laundry place I’ve always used – so we dropped off my clothes and walked around a bit.

I do not miss the backpacker’s district.  It’s loud, neon lights everywhere, people everywhere, too much!  We did, however, stop at Zoom Café – and were surprised when we saw a Western guy taking some orders.  I stopped him to ask “his story” and he is from Minnesota and has been here 3 months.  He answered an ad on Craigslist and now is the manager of this place (which is part restaurant part scooter tours).  He doesn’t know much, if any, Vietnamese, but says he plans to start taking classes!

I cheated and went to bed before my 930 minimum last night – which is probably the reason I was up at 530! 

Mom and I decided we would stop at The Big C (grocery store) on our way to the orphanage, so after a quick stop for breakfast, we were on our way!

The bus setup is a bit knew this year.  I think I said how last year I waited and waited for the #3 bus out front, only to realize it stopped out back.  This year it got a bit more organized out back and there is more of a bus terminal.  We still weren’t sure where exactly it stopped – but this nice moped man (if you get off the bus and need a ride) told us where to stand which was nice. 

It was a nice quiet (relatively) ride to The Big C, but we weren’t as successful as we had hoped.  We did, however, get some baby formula, but couldn’t find medicine (a lot of the kids have colds) so realized they really ONLY sell that at the pharmacy, so we will have to try elsewhere. 

We hopped back ok the bus and were ready to rock and roll.

Thoung (big hug to both of us – luckily I think he was just having a bad day our first day) was all ready with his new shoes and wanting to go outside for a walk.  We got a couple of the kids ready in strollers and off we went.

This is when we were greeted by the paparazzi.  There were probably 10 students (all with nice cameras) who wanted to photograph our every move.  We’re pretty used to be stared at (when we get on the bus, when we walk to the orphanage, etc) but this was crazy!  They spoke a little English (the head guy asked for my email so he could send some pictures) and I did learn they were Vietnamese, but that is really all I learned.

We did a nice lap around the Pagoda and then decided (the strollers aren’t in the best shape and the ground is really uneven so it can be difficult) to stop and listen to some music.  I really like taking the kids out that definitely wouldn’t be able to.  So for example, Thoung can pretty much walk on his own, but one of the kids in the stroller cant move at all (it was actually difficult to get him IN the stroller because his legs would fold up) so I just think its so great to get them fresh air and some sunlight.

Thoung’s knees are all banged up (he’s very wobbly on his feet and while I haven’t seen him fall a lot, it’s obviously that he does) so I brought supplies to be Dr. Julie today (antiseptic wipes, Neosporin, Band-Aids) but his knees were all bandaged up (yay thanks to whoever did that) so I didn’t have to spring into Dr. Quinn mode.  

We spent some time listening to music (the paparazzi stormed us) and then decided we should head back so everyone could listen to music. 

I sat on a little swing with Cho Con (who hasn’t been in to singing as much this year) but we sort of just swang and then we heard “If you’re happy and you know it” come on.  He had some toys in his hands that he liked to bang along to the music but made sure he was ready when we needed to clap our hands.  Then, he had to reposition himself so that he was ready to stomp his feet. 

After some more playing and listening to tunes – it was time to eat!  Both Mom and I fed the same kids at yesterday, which was kind of nice because they are relatively easy!  I didn’t even need to bribe mine today with my phone – she was great!  Thoung got out his little table (which I have sometimes seen him eat at..) so he could sit closer to us which was cute.  This was the first time (in 5 years) I have seen them eat decent food.  It looked like Pho (a popular dish) so I was happy to see they were getting something more than rice and fish. 

I was successful staying on my feet today (yay) so we got the kids ready for their nap and was told to hit the road!

The bus ride back was VERY hot (although two younger girls got up so we could sit – very sweet) but I was SO happy when our stop was nearing. 

We decided to have lunch at the roofbar of the Rex – a place we have frequented before and really liked.  However, I was starving, and very hot, and not too happy that 30 minutes later we still didn’t have our food (ham & cheese and pizza – and nobody was there).  When it finally did come I didn’t like the pizza at all – so we made a pit stop to get some icecream.  The icecream place by the hotel (no, its not the ONLY reason we stay at this hotel), Tutti Frutti, has the COLDEST icecream we have ever had!  It never disappoints and is always SO good when you’re trying to cool down!

I’ve been tired every day, but for some reason this afternoon I was SO tired and was down for a nap before Mom even got out of the shower!

We then headed out to see what was going on for NYE!  There are a couple of parks (which is really nice to have in the middle of the city) where all the entertainment happens.  There were a TON of people out enjoying the difference activities.  I noticed this year there were a lot more kid activities that was cool.  It’s essentially a huge “First Night” with a couple of bigger venues and then a lot of little stalls.

We REALLY enjoyed watching the traffic.  They shut down part of the major road – and it caused chaos!  There were literally cars going perpendicular in the traffic circle.  They did have some cops out (we are still trying to learn the difference between those in the green uniform and those in the tan uniform) kind of ushering motorbikes along but it was essentially every motorbike for themselves out there.

I managed to stay up until 1030 (a new record for me!) and apparently slept thru the fireworks at midnight (ooops).

After breakfast this morning we had a pretty uneventful ride to the orphanage – besides the fact we were on the party bus!  Holy happy New Year, this bus driver was BLASTING the music.  If we weren’t awake beforehand we were definitely ready to rock and roll. 

Even though Vietnam doesn’t really celebrate the Western New Year (they have their own holiday celebration called “Tet”) New Years day is a holiday so the orphanage was on a “weekend” schedule, meaning the big room was closed.

We found Thoung sitting outside (this is a new thing for him this year, but I think its good to get out of his room).  We somehow ended up on Mom’s iPad (she brought it because it takes great pictures – which is another story.  I really would love if some time someone came with us JUST to take pictures! It is so hard because we’ll be playing with the kids <the reason we are there> and you don’t want to stop so you can snap a photo, but you also want to have some pictures as well!)  Anyway I digress, he really liked the iPad and looking at photos from our Christmas (Scott, Dad and AK made a cameo appearance). 

They played with the iPad a bit so I went inside and played with Hai and Car Rot listening to some music.  Hai LOVES listening to music – although today he threw me for a loop.  He had on a 101 Dalmatians outfit and after listening for a while pointed to it – and then pointed to the phone.  Car Rot (who is one of the few kids who can speak Vietnamese) was trying to help and went “Ruff ruff!” which made me laugh but I had no idea what they were looking for.  I quickly looked over my songs (I made a playlist with kids songs) but didn’t see anything related to dogs.  Then, I thought that maybe he saw a dog (or something similar) in the little picture that comes up when the song plays, but I still couldn’t help.  Luckily, they don’t hold grudges, so I was in the clear – but I still wonder what he was looking for!

They got called for naptime so waved goodbye and I was on my way.  Thoung and mom were outside playing games on the iPad!  First of all, they love anything technology related – but they really loved the iPad games!  She has a Christmas app with different Christmas related games and he loved it!  The more I thought about it – it really is so good for his concentration and fine motor skills.  So for one of the games you had to drag the presents into Santa’s bag.  You really only have to show him once and he gets it – so then its great to see him really concentrate and focus to complete the task. 

There was a boy with down syndrome (I don’t think we have ever learned his name) that also came over to play and loved the games as well!

We then went for a little walk to a different area of the pagoda but that turned into more game playing and the boy with Down syndrome saying “Ho Ho Ho!!!” but then we figured it was time for us to head out.  Again, with the weird schedule it isn’t as easy to tell when you’re in the way and when the workers like that you’re playing with the kids.  Thoung and the down syndrome boy are old enough that they really do a lot of their own (so I don’t think they really going down for a nap).

However, Thoung was NOT happy we were leaving.  He hasn’t been as grumpy the past few days (and will give us hugs and wave when we have to leave) but today he wanted none of it. 

I am sure he gets really bored on the days there is literally nothing going on so probably wasn’t happy that we were leaving him to just sit around – but luckily tomorrow he will have forgotten all about it and be back to smiles.

We decided we wanted to stop at a Westernish mall on the way back to get something to eat and look for a pharmacy.  The workers told Long that another item they could use is cough syrup for the kids (a lot of them have colds right now) but you can really only get that type of medicine at a pharmacy. 

However, going to the mall was NOT a great idea because the food area was PACKED as a lot of people have the day off.  We also couldn’t seem to find any places we recognized by name (a lot of international restaurants) and it was so hot and so loud (exactly NOT what we were looking for). 

We essentially got out of there as soon as we could – and after a carb filled lunch (surprise surprise) we did manage to find a pharmacy.  Since mom rocks – she had looked up some words of what we were looking for.  The women seemed to understand and went for a shelf near us – where we some bottles with kids on them and, ENGLISH!  Yay!  We were able to pull those out and see it had BOTH English and Vietnamese (does it get any better) and that the medicine was for colds, coughing, etc.  So we bought those – which I think (hope) is exactly what they need!

We came back for a late nap (down for the count again).  I have noticed (more this time than others) that I am SO tired all the time.  No idea why – although this is the shortest time we have ever been over here – but man I feel like I could literally sleep every second we’re not with the kids.  I think it will be good that in years to come we can pick a different time to travel (verses right after Christmas).  I just think with all the hype of the holidays – it’s a lot to have Christmas, nap and then gear into packing for Vietnam, all in one day.  I also found that I was really busy before Christmas catching up with old friends, etc. (which is not a bad problem to have!) but again I think having a separate time to fully “prepare” for Vietnam (even mentally preparing..I think it’s really important) will help!

We had a big night out on the town planned for tonight.  I was taking mom to “Chill Bar” which is a relatively new bar – but it’s on the 26^th floor and completely open and has a great view of Ben Than Market, the traffic circle, the backpackers district, etc.  It is, however, very posh (and everything that comes along with that) so definitely not our type of place, but definitely worth it for the view.  They have a dress code

However, I have to call Jemma out and say that last year I don’t think (really either of us) wore anything crazy, but, we were able to get in!  This year, however, was a different story.

I made reservations online, but apparently that didn’t work because they didn’t have us on “the list”.  They also were NOT impressed with moms flip flops (fair enough) so they do have shoes you can “rent” for the night, although these were WAY too small for her.  Regardless, we were able to get in (wahoo) and get a spot at the bar that overlooked everything we wanted to see.  It’s overpriced and pushy and all the things we really DIDN’T want, however, the view was totally worth it.  After soaking in the view we were ready to hit the road (mom got her flip flops back) and we were on our way.

We walked thru the park on the way back as entertainment is still happening tonight.  I think tomorrow they will start to clear everything out of the park – but tonight we saw a cool percussion group perform.

Tomorrow night (I am really excited for this) we are going to the Opera House for a show (“they” say its like a Cirque du Soleil).  I have always wanted to go to the Opera House and look for what’s playing every time but have never seen anything worth while, so while we don’t have huge expectations I think it’ll be fun!