hoi an

Arrived very early in the morning, to see the Vietnamese people out doing their daily exercise- running, walking, badminton, swimming, stretching... very interesting. Tan took us for a walk around the Hoi An Old Quarter. LOTS of tailors here, but unfortunately my money doesn't stretch that far- postcards are about the limit of my spending! Saw the local markets and walked along the river. Had a pretty lazy day, as I was quite tired from the overnight train. Had a delicious dinner at the Banana Leaf Restaurant. Awoke early the next day to go cycling in the countryside- I loved it! At some points we were on a dirt track only wide enough for a bike or moto. Very beautiful scenery. Also passed through small villages, which was great. Afterwards, we cycled down to Cua Dai Beach, which was picture perfect! Warm clear water, and palm trees for shade... paradise! When we got lunch at a little restaurant, I think the chef had been napping, as the meals took quite a while! Had a cooking class in the evening (I didn't burn the place down!). Our teacher took us down to the markets to show us how to select fresh vegies & fruit. We made 5 dishes: papaya salad, fish in banana leaf, spring rolls, country pancake and pumpkin soup. However, halfway through it began to rain really heavily. In the old part of town the wiring is not great, so when it gets too wet the power is automatically shut off to prevent fires... so we were cooking by candlelight! (the power eventually returned) The food was so fresh & delicious; I couldn't pick a favourite! I am excited about trying the dishes at home (I hope they taste as good, but don't like my chances!). Had a few drinks that night, inluding beer for 25 cents a glass! The next day was spent lazing in the sun at the beach, before meeting up with a girl from our Cambodia tour for dinner. I tried a few Hoi An delicacies, which were yum. Got up at 5am the next day to see the sunrise... so glad I did! Was a perfect morning, and I got some great photos. The waterwas like a lake, not a hint of a breeze around. Again, all the locals were out doing their funny exercises! Headed down to the fish market, where there were so many people out with the morning's catch. Too busy! We left on the bus for Hue via Danang, stopping along the way at Marble Mountain (killer steps, especially after the morning cycle!) as well as Langco Beach for lunch & a swim. The drive to Hue was very picturesque.