We decided to head down to Central and to do some back-to-school shopping, For some reason, girls’ leggings are way better quality here and much cheaper than at home, so I almost always buy some while we’re here.

Li Yuen Street is the cheapy shopping area, so that’s where we went! My fave, cheap and fun!

Actually we had a great time. The weather was fab, the girls had had a good night sleep, and I was up for spending money, a brilliant combination!!

We shopped and shopped! Got tons of new school clothes, and even a couple of Halloween costumes. Seriously. Got Stephy a Snow White costume, that was about a third of what it would cost in a real store, and Emily chose a beautiful ethnic Chinese dancing costume for hers. Success on many levels! And the really awesome thing was, no unscheduled urgent bathroom requests, since Li Yuen has NONE!!!

We were getting hungry and tired, so the kids and I headed towards the centre of the city and found a Vietnamese soup noodle place. This is Emily’s new fave food on this trip, and Stephy loves it too! Plus, they had icy cold drinks and air conditioning—a recipe for a successful lunch after lots of walking and shopping!

Danny texted me just as we started to eat to say he was coming to join us, so it turned into an easy lunch for four.

The swimming pool called to us afterwards, so we all relaxed in the sunshine.

We had dinner plans, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Way too many family obligations this trip, and not nearly enough time just to eat what we want and when. Fortunately though, this dinner turned out GREAT!!!

Dinner was at Tin Hau, in a hotpot restaurant, with Jimmy and Queenie, the couple whose wedding we attended 2 years ago. They both speak English and my kids love them, and they didn’t invite 300 other people. The food was lovely, the kids mostly behaved, and BONUS….clean washroom!!! Yes, I know, I aim very low. Better chance of success!