That is offal!

Markets

I've just returned from the market with Anthea, we had lunch at a small market stall. You select whatever you want to eat and then sit around on very low benches, about 30cm from the ground while you eat it. The highlight was the vietnamese tea, green tea served cold with ice.

I think the entire meal cost about 40 cents, I'm sure I got my money's worth.

We walked back past trays of offal, (raw), live fish, eels and frogs. A tray of glistening, writhing eels is a sight you don't see very often! Neither is a tray of freshly cooked dog meat, paws and head included.

The dog meat is traditionally eaten only in the latter part of the lunar month, and more frequently eaten by men than women as it is supposed to enhance virility.

It's a relief to know I won't be expected to nibble on a paw while I'm here.

Researching needs and wants

I've spent the morning constructing a student survey to find out whether there is actually any demand for a student loan product.

The survey is going out to the postgrad students in the Masters Programme, and then to a group of undergraduates to gauge interest in their desire for further education.

The results should be interesting, although the postgrad students are able to be here without needing a loan - I hope it will reveal something about their preferences to give me a clue what to do next.

Just now I am going to eat some funny soup.