Hoi An and Beyond

Trip Start Nov 12, 2008

Trip End Dec 02, 2008

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Flag of Vietnam Hoi An, Vietnam
Sunday, November 23, 2008

Hoi An has proven to be a retailing frenzy. First it was the custom tailored clothing (suits, pajamas, shirts and a dress - depending on who you are in our group), and then it was the art work from the many galleries that line the streets. Amazing paintings, lanterns, and silk are everywhere you look in the small town. It is filled with tourists and yet the locals are still smiling. Probably because of the tourists but you never know. One of the main streets is flooded from all the rain they've had lately. We seem to be on the tail end of a storm which is good that we were in Cambodia when it was hitting Vietnam but that hasn't stopped the rain in Hoi An.

Yesterday we took a van up (with a driver) to My Son, ancient ruins that were created between the seventh and 12th centuries. Much of it is rubble while some still stand. Apparently some of it was destroyed by American B-52 bombers when the VC hid out there. I guess something about it being an ancient temple made them think that it would keep the U.S. from going after them. All's fair in love and war I suppose. The rain came on quick, fast and hard and then it disappeared just as quickly. it was like that all day long. Torrential downpoor, possibility of sun. Torrential downpoor, possibility of sun. It definitely added to the feel of the day.

After the walk through the ruins which took longer than it sounded and were very cool but sadly, paled in comparison to what we've seen in Cambodia at Ankor Wat, we went into town for a fitting of our clothes. I tried to wipe the mud off my feet and look remotely pulled together as I stepped out of the dressing room in my new suit. Several people surrounded me at once pulling, and adjusting and pinning to create the perfect fit.

Hoi An is the town where time escapes you. As it did us several times throughout the day. Which day? Who knows - we can barely keep them straight. And I think that may be one of my favorite things about vacation. The blurring of time and place.

I do know that today we're heading to China Beach and to see Marble Mountains before flying up to Hanoi and taking a train to Sapa for almost three days of hiking. Can't wait, even though we're nearing the home stretch. Hello to everyone and if I dont' get back on in the next few days - Happy Thanksgiving.