On to Hoi An
Trip Start
Oct 25, 2006
1
14
27
Trip End
Nov 19, 2006
Hoi An,
Vietnam
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
According to Wikipedia, In 1999, the old town was declared World Heritage by the UNESCO, as a well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port of the 15th to 19th centuries, whose buildings display a unique blend of local and foreign influences.
The old streets run back from the river and are full of shops of all descriptions. Over 200 tailors, some fantastic cobblers, decorative bowls and chop-sticks, paintings, clothes and fabrics
Hoi An Quay
. There is some fantastic stuff but I can't buy any as I don't plan to carry anything more than I have to on this trip. I walked along the river-front where boats were unloading and the little old ladies in their traditional hats rushing about. I've been surprised that the conical hats are actually worn by women throughout Vietnam.But the weather was closing in. First it started to get misty and then some drizzle. And then as I was sitting at a bar it started the piss down, heavier and heavier, a torrential downpour. Water everywhere pouring off the roofs and along the streets. The locals and tourists alike scurrying around in their plastic ponchos. Then rain just went on and on with some thunder and lightening in the distance. There are some nice beaches around Hoi An which sounded so tempting when we were in the hustle and bustle of Saigon now don't hold the same appeal.
In the evening we went to a Gourmet Restaurant which serves Asian Fusion Food. The Mango Rooms. The chef has trained in Europe and the food was amazing. So many flavours. I had the beef with a rum, mango and pineapple salad it was something special and the main course was still only £3.50. The back of the restaurant opened out on the the riverside street, the same street I had walked down in the afternoon. The river waters had swollen from the downpour and were upto the second step of the restaurant, the waters had risen about 18 inches in 4 or 5 hours.
