Serious work begins

Have to stop consuming so much coffee as it is really eating into my sleep time. Got up early and went for a walk which was lovely. Even though I thought I was out early, the kids were already being dropped off at school, and the 'drive in take aways' were doing a roaring business. That is, the motor bikes ride straight up to the street vendors, order from the back of their bikes, and roar off.
Breakfast was a banana pancake slathered in sweetened condensed milk. No apologies, it was awesome and I'll deal with the consequences of all those calories later!
First up was a meeting with Robyn at CHIA trying to nail down the model of service delivery they favour for their community rehabilitation project for kids with disabilities. Next, a long discussion with Phuong the physio about how she will assess the kids and then we finally took off to go visit a child she wanted to get advice on. Talk about funny, wobbling down the road on dodgy bikes (and no helmets) in between all the scooters and motor bikes and trying to keep up with Quan and Phuong on their motor bike. After a few minutes riding, stopped and met a family who have a little boy with a disability. Grandma seemed to be very involved in his care, and she was very sweet to us when we left (got a lovely hug). Phuong, Quan, Grandma and I all crowded around on the wooden slat bed where the little boy was resting. I think it was a great session, with Phuong using the assessment I wrote her as a guide. The little boy was very stiff and had very little active movement and as we worked, we gave lots of advice to the family on positions and movement they could try. We rode back home, and anyone who knows the main intersections around the markets will know just how life threatening that might be!
Lunch was on the balcony of our hotel and consisted of fruit and a can of coke. Needed some sugar after all that concentrating.
We spent the afternoon at CHIA, where the Vietnamese staff were having their regular meeting. This gave me an opportunity to write up what we had done that morning and show Phuong how to use the picture files I gave her to develop a treatment plan for the family.
One more therapy meeting and we were finished for the day around 4.45. It seems like we have identified the area we will be looking for suitable kids to start the program, and we will be going there three times a week to identify and assess them.
We bought some Pringles on the street and had a glass of wine on the balcony while we debriefed. Dinner was down by the river and was unbelievable. Banana flower salad, chicken with lemongrass, beef with lemon leaves. Huge meal fed two of us for approximately $10. What a place this is!
By the way, there is the funniest guy who works here at the Cua Dai hotel. This morning we sat for a few minutes and he let me practice my mangled Vietnamese on him. He couldn't stop giggling, so I guess I might have been saying something totally bizarre. He stops me every time now and we exchange some more words. Heaps of fun. He seriously has the friendliest smile.

Working closely with my Vietnamese friends.

View from the hotel balcony