The Kids

There are little kids everywhere here trying to sell you stuff, and amazingly everything is "Only One Dollar." From T-shirts, to fans, to rain ponchos, to pineapple, and postcards, you name it, it's for sale and it's "Only One Dollar." Their English is amazing and they throw out the compliments, follow you around, say, "OK, you come back later, and you buy from me, I remember you. " I have not figured out if the "I remember you" is meant as a threat, it might very well be. They are adorable with big brown eyes and beautiful dark skin, much more indigenous looking than the Vietnamese.

Last night we finally gave into some of the street kids. After a number of 50 cent beers we walked out a restaurant in the downtown area with loads of tourists, restaurants and bars, when two little 6 year old girls ran up and grabbed each of our hands and started dancing with us to the music booming out of the clubs. Spinning themselves and skipping all while smiling up at us with their big eyes. Then they said, “you buy us food?” I just melted, they quickly ushered us to the corner store (like 7 Eleven) and ran and grabbed large cans of baby formula that were $10.50 each (a lot of money here). I just couldn't say no. We made our way to the counter and as soon as it was paid for they yelled thank you and ran off with their formula like a trophy. Probably to go grab some more people to make their hearts melt. It may have been a scam and they may re-sell the formula, but the moment just got a hold of us and there was no saying no. Anyway it will help their families none the less, so it was money well spent.