Visitors

We have been so lucky since we arrived here, we have had so many visitors. Our first visitor was Bella's friend Lizzie Bates, or as Bella calls her "Do you know Lizzie Bates". She came with her mum and her sister but only Lizzie stayed with us. Bella was so excited to see her and even though school was still going Bella managed to talk herself hoarse. The only sad thing was she left, poor Bella said "I don't know if its worth having people come because I only have to say goodbye again". Certainly a thought we all have had this year.

Our second lot of visitors arrived with much anticipation, Tess, Ian and the kids arrived in April. Jessie had been counting down with Bella for months so she could hardly contain her excitment. Bella was a little more then devastated when I told her she couldn't come to the airport - she just wouldn't fit in the car. To make matters worse they didn't arrive until the 10pm flight so it was a long day of waiting for all of us. I have never seen the clock move so slow. They arrived and we had the best time ever - even though we were in the middle of our school quarter it worked out that during the 5 days they were here we only went to school twice and on one of those days the Mara, Jess and Sam went to school with Kaela, Bella and Josh. On one of our school days Kahn began, what was to become, a very a regular trip, he took the Crofts, Matthew and Josh to Cu Chi Tunnels. We then even managed a week end in Nha Trang for Easter! But I think I agree with Bella, its horrible saying goodbye again.

OK next visitor. Reannon arrived at the beginning of summer break. We did a quick trip back to the Mekong Delta, this time we had Kahn drive us and we only went to Can Tho, about 3 hours drive away rather then the epic 8 hour drive by bus we did in May, we also stayed in a nice hotel this together with the delight of all 7 of us being together again made the beginning of Reannon's visit wonderful.

One thing we have learnt with having visitors is you can't, actually you don't really want to, see every tourist attraction every time. So we try and see either a new museum or tourist site, when visitors come to town or we send those who either like or haven't been in a while to the attraction . In Reannon's case Matthew, Josh and Zander wanted to go to the Reunification Palace (again for Matthew and Josh but new for Zander and Reannon) and the War Remanants Museum, so off they went. Kahn again took Reannon, Bella and Josh (yes Josh's 3rd trip he could be the tour guide I think) to Cu Chi Tunnels, and then Matthew, Reannon and I explored Cholon (the Chinese District). All too soon it was time to say another goodbye.

The next visitor was Mikaela's friend Sarah. This time we headed off to Dalat and Nha Trang, but all that is in a separate blog. This time Mikaela showed Sarah Saigon - we just joined them for lunches and dinners. Once again poor Kahn headed off to Cu Chi Tunnels this time with Sarah and Mikaela.

The week flew by for the girls and their long waited reunion was over far quicker then either of them wanted, for them it's back to Skype Chats.

Next...Zander's 4 friends arrived. So our house has been packed to the brim (I could have said rafters but that would have been too corny). This last week has seen food massively consumed, beer drunk, late nights and even later mornings - but it has been wonderful to have them.

I am sitting at my computer waiting for the boys to come home from yes Cu Chi Tunnels, poor Kahn I am sure he could do it in his sleep by now.

And it will be all too soon when it is back to the Airport to say yet another goodbye. Khan has become a genuis at packing the car I will add. And I am sure Khan as well as us, now every flight arrival and departure to Sydney

One of the nicest things about having friends, particularly the kids friends, is seeing how seemlessly they pick up from where the left off - its amazing to think 12 months has past.

In these past 12 short months we have had our fair share of visitors, and we have loved every single minute of it.

So to the friends and family that came thank you and for those who are thinking about it - come, we would love to have you visit.