Took a hour half flight to Hoi An, care of Vietnam Airlines. Very hot at domestic terminal in Hanoi. Luckily Q's job was to get us all checked in and through security, so the language barrier wasn't a problem. Hilarious getting on the plane tho, There was mist being pumped out through the ceilings and sides by the luggage racks. Supposedly to cool us down, which it did. Just looked like a sci-fi movie walking into it! Very clever way of dealing with the heat.
Hoi An is south below Da Nang (below the nth/sth line, American air base in war, by the beach). So we flew into Da Nang - beautiful tourist like beaches with board walks- and 30 mins to Hoi An. It is also by the beach, tho we never saw it. Our hotel was resort-like, palm trees, 4 swimming pools, swim up bars, gorgeous rooms. Everything you could want. Naturally it was into the pool with cocktails before food at the hotel. Next day was a walking tour around the old town, lots of history with the Chinese. There is a river through it with boats on it. Also went to a culture show with musicians, dancing and singing.
We passed lots of markets, tailors selling clothes, ready made or make for you in a day or so. Although there were scooters and cars, it wasn't as crazy or silly on the roads. They had electric tuktuks that looked like oversize golf carts and could fit 6 or more so good value. We had a lunch which included how to make rice paper spring rolls, which were very yummy. That night was by the pool again! Then five of us went into town in the evening and had dinner at this most amazing restaurant that the guide recommended. Beautiful food - Dave discovered a new yum. Stuffed baby squid, stuffed with pork and spices. Looked gross! After that we walked around the night market and I got fake ray ban sunglasses, dresses and magnets etc. hot, but not half as hot as Hanoi. On the way home, in the dark, a bloody scooter rolled over my foot with the rider on it! Not at speed thank god, but left wheel marks over my foot. I whacked the scooter and yelled at the woman, all I got was 'so sorry, so sorry'. Damn sore for 2 days. Stupid scooters.
The next day all the others on the tour went on an optional tour, but Dave and I decided we would chill out on our own. We took a taxi for 5 min to this pottery village (which you paid $1 to enter) and walked around there and bought some stuff. Everyone in the village makes pottery at their homes and sell it. some special pieces and lovely place. Our taxi waited for us - an hour - and then back to the pool to read and swim for the rest of the day. Bliss.
That night, after the others returned, we all went into town for dinner then a river boat cruise with lanterns all over it. The whole river was lit up with boats and lanterns and twinkly lights so rather magical.
No comments:
Post a Comment