Cinderella’s slippers

The first time I marched purposefully into the central corridor of Ben Thanh Market in Saigon, I saw a stall arrayed in beaded slippers of every colour imaginable. Then and there I decided I must own a pair.

It behoved me first to scout the entire market so I could distribute my available funds appropriately amongst other worthy merchants. When I finally returned to the beaded slippers stall, I was directed to sit on a camping stool whilst the shoes of my choice were fetched for me to try on. (I was not given a cushion such as the one pictured above to rest my dainty foot on; rather a piece of cardboard.)

…like Cinderella’s sister,
I could not stuff my fat foot into that little delicacy…

The first pair that caught my eye was a lovely watery aquamarine, but like Cinderella’s sister, I could not stuff my fat foot into that little delicacy, and lamentably they did not have a larger size. My second choice was a pair in silver satin, embroidered with white and silver beads. I almost decided on those when these utterly fantastical pink slippers caught my eye. They were the ONES.

It was the same when I found this plump, silk cushion in another boutique. I instantly decided I must have it, but chewed my lip wondering how on earth I would stuff it into my bag to get it home? I knew the bag would be full to bursting already with all my acquisitions. However, it didn’t take much for the Vietnamese salesgirl to convince me it would be easy. Look how soft it is! She pantomimed squishing the thing in half. Sold.

Of course it wasn’t that easy, but since shopping fever had lead me astray, I would find a way. I was much more determined than Cinderella’s sisters!