Autumn is here. I have been assured that that is why I have a heavy cold. Indeed, I notice a drop in temperature -from intense, dense heat to that of a lovely English summer. For the first time we sleep with windows open and no air conditioning. The cockerel in the apartment opposite crows vigorously as the sun rises. I discover that the spoon clattering outside is the call of the hand drawn dustbin cart.
Ma-de-na-nyay – the forever foreign tonal sound of the lady on her bike bearing fresh bread thrice daily drifts up to our window. Hai-Anh and Loung call to see how I am. We have deferred our get together for them to cook for us 'like their grandmothers do' until I am feeling better. Hai-anh sits on my bed and affectionately taps my leg. 'You will be better soon' Peter has some tongue twisters which even I can't say but they pore over them enthusiastically and ask for their location on the web.