Hoi An

After a short flight and a quick taxi ride, we have arrived in Hoi An. It's good to be out of the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. We are staying at a nice hotel -- large room, breakfast and internet included, all for only $20.

Hoi An is a small town, famous for its handmade clothes and shoes. Every other store is a tailor and they can make just about anything. Simply point to a picture in a fashion magazine and they will have it ready for you the next day. Steve is having two suits made, and I am having a sundress and a blouse made. Total cost $120.

The town itself has many galleries, woodworking, and pottery shops. There is a strong Chinese and Japanese influence here. There is also a very vibrant and bustling open air market.

We rented a motorcycle today and drove around the outskirts of town. We passed people working in the fields gathering rice and vegetables. Most of them stopped to stare at the crazy tourists...we stick out like sore thumbs. Here is a picture of Steve on his "Hog"...

OK, OK...So it's just a scooter. It was still a very wild and exciting ride, dodging in between trucks, cows, bicycles, and the occasional rooster.

We made it to the beach and had a great lunch of grilled shrimp. The food here is inexpensive and it usually only costs around $4 for a meal. There were lots of small, round fishing boats along the beach. The water of the South China Sea is lovely and surprisingly warm. There was a cool breeze and we both enjoyed relaxing under one of the beach umbrellas.

Steve & Ann