I have just re-read what I wrote about Dr. Laurie just after he passed away and it made me realise that since I’ve been back in Sai Gon there has been an expectation in the back of my mind that my mobile would ring and there would be Laurie inviting me to come and drink beer after work at Thanh Nien. But of course, that will never happen again.

I’m waiting on Terry to get down here from Ha Noi so we can go to Thanh Nien and raise a glass or three with some friends. I haven’t looked yet but I only hope the place is still there and hasn’t been pulled down for re-development like so many of my favourite places here.