And in conclusion......

.....we shopped the markets! It was all I could do to keep my mom from shopping throughout the week, promising her that she will find EVERYTHING at the markets for a cheaper price. She did have a few moments of weakness and purchased some more expensive items at the airport, but overall she fought off her urge to shop until the end.....and boy did it pay off! We shopped the Ben Thanh market with no restraint and like we had a printing press shooting out money....ok not really, but after a week of sight seeing we were ready to get our shop on!

Big Dave was happiest at the bar next to the drinks :)

Nana was happiest shopping while drinking her Diet Coke :)

Dishes, dishes, and more dishes

This lady was so excited to get her picture taken with my mom, they had just bonded over a purchase of false eyelashes.....10 pair for $2.50!

Lunch was at our favorite burrito shop El Gato Negro Burrito

We had to stop back at our apt. to drop off our first load of purchases

Then it was back for more shopping at the night market.

This guy walks around selling kids toys, this is how he supports his family. We bought two bouncy balls.

And this sweet girl is my favorite. I met her on my first day at Ben Thanh market. She walks around selling fans for $1 - $2.  I keep telling Troy he needs to get her in his business, she is so hard to resist and is an awesome sales girl! I have to buy from her every time I see her :)

Outdoor grilling and eating at the market.

Negotiating on more childrens toys.

We ended our day of shopping with mia drinks....fresh pressed sugar cane. This drink stand is located  outside our building and people gather at all hours for cold drinks and smoothies. She is open 24/7.

The sugar cane sticks are pressed through this machine for the juice. A delicious, refreshing drink for about $.25

And after all of the drinks and treats there was still more.....our friend Van came over with the traditional Vietnamese dessert che. There of many types of che, but this che was green beans and lotus seeds in a sweet sauce. It sounds odd, but I actually really like it. If you have ever been to Hawaii and had a shaved ice with  azuki  beans....it's similar.

Saturday - Final Day

This is the right way to wake up and start a Saturday. A fresh hair wash, facial, and style.

Our neighbor and friend Lenga dropped by in the morning with this cake, "Happy Family"

And just for the record of my blog,  I need to share that I have received my first scooter  burn. I received this lovely burn at the Mekong Delta while we were crossing the ferry. I backed into the exhaust pipe of a scooter right behind me. ....ouch! I'm just glad it was me and not Drey....scary, scary stuff!

 

In the afternoon we walked the downtown city, saw the sights, and did just a smidge more shopping.

Buying fresh made waffle crisps.

Chocolate drinks and ice cream....so many treats to share...so little time :)

And when your stroller breaks down from walking the city, you take it into the local scooter mechanic to fix.

Our final meal was at Snap Cafe, as in the Snap Cafe previously blogged about here.

So sad to say goodbye.....see you in 8 months!

We had such a great time with Nana & Grandpa, especially Drey! Hopefully we wore them out enough to get some good sleep on their 24 hour flight home.