Despite having gone to bed at 2, we dragged ourselves up at 8 the next morning, appalled by the prospect of not having gifts for the kids. But first things first so we had ourselves some pho bo for breakfast at Pho Oso just down the street on Dong Khoi. It was pretty tasty but I think the best pho I've had is in Hanoi.

Not much by way of souvenirs for kids but we managed to buy a couple of lacquered miniature chests of drawers inlaid with shell at a shop which sold amazing replicas of sailing ships and other sorts of boats. Luckily we aren't collectors or we may have spent hours there.

As it was we had a plane to catch at 12.50pm. We arrived in Singapore at 4pm, to a couple of anxious phone messages from Alexis about where we were. Home by 4.45 to a couple of rapturous children, who greeted us with presents and home made cards! Isabel bought me a photo frame and J a mars bar, while Alexis had a rose for me. We were bowled over. Suddenly our gifts seemed paltry beside their efforts.

It feels nice to be home. The restaurants downstairs are open so we took the girls down to Rocky's for pizza. They have no school in the next two days, added bonus.