{Saigon Shopping} Charity Bazaar @ The Deck

Saigon's expats came out in force today for the annual  Bazaar @ The Deck in District 2. With proceeds going to various charities, this is one of the most popular charity bazaar's on the Saigon calendar.

Heaps of cool expat-run businesses had stalls at today's Bazaar with loads of items perfect for unique Xmas gifts.

Not only did I come away with bags full of purchases, I actually discovered there are a some very talented AIS Mums who have their own fashion and kids products. (oh to be that creative!)

My favourite purchases at today's Bazaar:

One of the Mum's at our school makes Barbie tents. They come flat packed in 3 different colours - pink, purple and camoflauge style (in case you have a boy who's into Barbies!). Each tent comes with 2 sleeping bags. The tents were selling today for 400,000 VND each. I'll post contact details soon.

An AIS Mum from Sweden has joined with another expatriate to launch their own range of fashion, with material sourced from Vietnam and Dubai. Today they were selling a gourgeous line of clothes for little girls. Georgia and Mackenzie picked out some very cute skirts (150,000 VND each). Visit their website.

I also bought some very funky, handmade serving platters (I think they're made from bamboo?!) that have an attached food cover fly net - perfect for outdoor entertaining. Made in Indonesia, a set of 3 cost 350,000 VND.

The next Bazaar on the Saigon calendar is the Consular Club Charity Bazaar at the Legend Hotel on Ton Duc Thang Street on Saturday 20 November from 11am - 3pm. Ho Chi Minh-based Consulates will sell products from their countries.  I'll be one of the many volunteers running the Australian stall. Hope to see you there!

Alice in Wonderland - A Charity Cabaret

The singing flowers

This afternoon we attended Alice in Wonderland - a charity cabaret for kids at the Sheraton Hotel. A fantastic event, organised by a group of long-term Saigon expats, to raise money for various charities.

Today's kid-styled event followed on from the adults only cabaret show held at the Sheraton last night. A night, I am told by one of the organisers, that was filled with fun, debauchery and far too much alcohol! But hey, when it's for a good cause who cares?

Last night was a sell out, as was today's event - which included a dance class so the kids could learn some of the show's less raunchy moves followed by a condensed, kid friendly version of the cabaret (3 acts) and a dance party.

And as a unique twist on today's event, for every child ticket sold (adults were free) the organisers invited a child from a local orphanage.

I'm told this will be an annual event. Keep posted at www.thecharitycabaret.com

Georgia and Mackenzie loved the show!

The Mad Hatter, Alice and the Queen of Hearts

Georgia and Mackenzie with singing flower, and show organiser, Chris Byrne