Hoi An

We boarded a train in Nha Trang last night and were led to our bunk room. A Vietnamese family of three were already there and we sat down opposite them but were greeted by stony cold stares and an awkward silence. I giggled and Dave caught on immediately afterwards. Soon the two of us were engulfed in uncontrollable yet awkward laughter as we looked on at our unwelcoming bunkmates.

After a 45 minute xe om ride through the rice fields between Danang and Hoi An, our drivers dropped us at a beautiful hotel. We spent the day winding our way through the peaceful, historic and charming streets of Hoi An where rows of tailors pored over reams of silk, chickens lay tied together awaiting their fate and cheerful women stirred up feasts on the side of the road.

We stopped in at the famous Mr. Xe, a tailor who constructs entire wardrobes of clothing for under $100. We bargained and evaluated our clothing choices before we were issued our meager check and sent on our way. Our custom made clothes will be ready tomorrow...

This evening we hired a motorbike and I said a small prayer before we whisked off to Cua Dai Beach where Vietnamese school children ran relay races, tourists got caught in a surprise wave that crashed over their fully clothed bodies and the sun receded behind the palm trees. And now we're off to further explore the city and sample the culinary delights that this city has to offer.