The Verdict

It was early morning. Very early. Too early. The conscious mind had not long been working and was now asked to think fast and with alacrity. Thus, you can presume we weren't in a restaurant, having already eaten by this time and making a hasty thoughtless exit.

Nor were we at a temple, unless our abode is a temple. Nonetheless, we didn't have our shoes on at the time when there was a knock at the door.

"The bus is here!" A shout at the door. The shower stopped, the alarm levels rose. False information on reception's part had us believe we had an extra half hour. There remains two possibilities. Key or laundry?

Speedily, clothes were donned, possessions and passports were gathered and Phileas combed his hair. After a deep breath, we boarded the bus bound for Dalat, some 300km away. Even aboard, our criminal activities were still hidden to us.

And so, with reparation to the soul, we offer many many many apologies to the size 10 lady who is now bereft of her possibly favourite pair of skin coloured knickers and special romantic pair of love-heart socks.

Mr Phileas' fault entirely! He really must learn to pay more attention to what his wife is wearing, and has worn, when collecting the laundry. Then again, set a man to do a woman's job... ;-)

And of the key? Safely left at Hong Di Bungalows, although Trent and Sarah cannot say that! Fortunately, we were able to escort them on their 300km return journey to make sure they did manage to return their key!