Not a bad first week

We have been here 6 days now and in that time have ticked off a lot of important "need to know" to live here stuff. The kids have finally got cots with mattresses (A big thanks to Glen at the pub for his drawing) as we headed all over town saying Noi which we had been assured meant baby bed only to finally realise there is a difference between a cradle and a cot here, with a completely different word. The outcome is that the cots and mattresses came from different places but Big Tom is off the floor and sleeping soundly.

I had been doing some futile house hunting then wisened up and headed to Finnegan's for the Thursday night quiz. I was put on to a ruthless broker called Mr Long. I called him this morning and half an hour later he called me back with a list he wanted to show me then and there, much better than last night's broker taking me down dark alley's in the night to visit his filthy Aunt's home. Mr Long's first place was perfect, close to school, close enough to the Old Quarter and the right price. We didn't bother looking at any others. The house is still being renovated after the last expat tenants left and will be ready next weekend.

I have also decided on the nanny for the kids, both ladies seemed lovely but as my Vietnamese is still non existant I think it is best if I choose Hue who has some English over Mrs Phuc who has none.

So there you go, in a week the kids have beds, we know where to buy formula and nappies, have lined up a nanny and a home. Pretty simple really ....... if only you'd seen some of the situations!