Hoi An
Trip Start
Sep 03, 2007
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177
220
Trip End
Jun 17, 2009
Hoi An,
Vietnam
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
The lunch stop was at a modern hotel on the beach and we were able to go for a swim in the warm South China Sea before enjoying another seafood lunch.
On again and we started to climb more mountains before we entered a new, four mile long tunnel through them, to emerge on the other side for the steady run down to 'Da Nang' and the long 'China Beach'
Live stock
. Da Nang is in the centre of Vietnam and was the main shipping port for the Americans in the war. They also constructed a huge airport here.By mid afternoon we reached our small, tradition hotel in the town of 'Hoi An', a preserved area recognized by UNESCO and checked in to its cosy, traditional rooms. First thing was a refreshing swim in the modern swimming pool in the garden. Well, life on the road is tough!
In the evening we walked into the town and as it's renowned for tailors, visited a factory shop to see the silk worm process and then browse the showrooms. Well, some of us browsed and some others were tempted by the amazing range of materials and designs on offer. The choices, styles and measurements completed, we went for supper in a local restaurant and more tasty Vietnamese dishes.
We walked back to the hotel in the hot night and with the help of the aircon went to bed. The extra here was that the bed was surrounded by a full mosquito net, reminding us subtly(?) of where we actually where. It's a bloomin' pain to watch tv through though !!
Wednesday 17th September
A free day began with a hot, clear blue sky and a leisurely breakfast by the pool side
Lunch stop
. We wanted to see something of the old city but not get into museums, so we walked the bustling streets into town to look at the old 'Japanese bridge', built by Japanese merchants in the 16th century over a tributary to the main 'Hoai river'. The old wooden bridge was quite ornate and the local Vietnamese had built a small temple on the side of it for travellers. The river itself was busy with boats, particularly the small, long rowing boats carrying the usual mix of goods. By late morning it was getting pretty hot, we guess mid 30's and after stopping for a drink at a riverside café, we returned to the hotel through the teeming market, assailed on all sides by "Hello, You look here, you buy something?" and a polite "Kom, Cam On" ("No, thank you") with a smile, was accepted with a returned smile.
In the afternoon we stayed in the shade by the pool until it was time to return to the tailor's shop in the centre of town. A few quick nips and tucks (No - to the dress!) and Norah emerged with her new outfit. Quite swish and you'll have to wait for the pictures!
Back to the hotel and more relaxing by the pool until it was time to shower and change for supper
River bridge - Hoi An
. Now I've heard of singing for your supper but this was going to be different - we were going to a Vietnamese cookery class and were going to cook our own supper.The taxi took us to a house in the suburbs where our teacher, 'Han', was waiting for us with her assistant. Hands washed and official cookery school aprons on and away we went. To help the proceedings we bought a bottle of the local red wine, which was quite good (and cheap). So it's Vietnamese a la Floyd!
First course was sweet and sour chicken soup, with us all chopping, grating, stirring, seasoning and then finally eating this delicious soup. Next papaya salad; then fried spring rolls; fish in banana leaf (getting that could be a bit tricky at Asda) and finally Aubergine in clay pot.
Han guided us through all the courses, which were demolished aided by an extra two bottles of wine. It was an entertainingly enjoyable evening and the best food we had eaten in Vietnam - OK, so just a little bias there! We have the recipes, so be warned John, Dorothy and Harry - you WILL enjoy it!!!!
Whilst we were cooking there was a big thunder and lightning storm going on outside but it didn't rain
Japanese Bridge
. We returned to the hotel and crashed out.Thursday 18th September
Just the thing after a heavy night - a bicycle ride! Meeting Phuoc in the hotel lobby at 8am (yes - I did manage breakfast), Nim and I were the only ones who surfaced and we walked across the road to hire bikes. Mine was a woman's, just about fitted and one brake almost worked.
We set off down the narrow street paths and were soon out of town into the countryside where amongst the few rice fields were patches growing sweet potatoes. The paths became narrower and ran along the side of large streams and small lakes, where fish traps had been built in the water to 'herd' the fish. As we rode along many of the locals spoke to Phuoc and we joined in with cheery 'Sin Ciao', Good Morning, which was returned with a friendly response.
We stopped to let three large water buffalo cross the path ( well, you should always respect the locals!) and farther along there there was a water buffalo and her small calf. We stopped to look and the family chatted to Phuoc
Is Delia worried?
. Next thing the two young lads ran across the field and climbed onto the water buffalo's back so they could have their photos taken.After a very quick hour and a half we were back cycling down the main street, being buzzed by the swarm of bikes but got back safely to the hotel, very hot and sticky.
The rest of the morning was spent changing and packing until we boarded the van (minibus) at 1130 to go to the airport at Da Nang.
