Manicures and made to measure...

---

We had a shorter bus journey through some of Vietnam's wonderful coastline and through a long tunnel whose name escapes us at the moment!! Settled into a nice hotel, this time with a pool and rooftop restaurant for only $5 more a night - we know how to treat ourselves!! Went out to explore the town of Hoi An (famous for tailors). We were immediately "befriended" by a local boy who wanted to take us to his mother's shop "just for a look!!". All the way into town we passed an amazing array of dress shops, each promising to be better than the next. We were persuaded to enter a huge warehouse full of material and seamstresses and given the latest Next Directory to make a selection from. They weren't very happy when we left without placing an order. Juliet quickly saw a silk bag that she fell in love with and as it wasn't quite the right colour they would make one up for her in the colour of her choice, to be collected later that day!! Thats what you call service - and all for $4!! Sara was the next victim!! She was swayed by a cord jacket and left the shop having ordered two pairs of trousers, a silk dress and a blouse as well as the jacket lengthened into a 3/4 length coat!! She was not alone - Juliet also ordered some trousers and a top - I stood my ground for the moment!! I was however accosted by Mad Mai - a beautician who offered $1 manicures. Never ones to turn down a bargain we all sought refuge from the madness of the market in Mai's tiny "beauty room". Went out for a lovely Vietnamese meal at The Brother's Restaurant on the waterfront.

Spent the following morning trying to relax on the beautiful China Beach. The water was so warm we spent no time getting in!! We were however surrounded by many locals trying to get us to buy something or have a beachside manicure or massage. A mornings sun proved too strong for us and by the afternoon we were all back in town to collect our previous days purchases and I finally relented and ordered two skirts!! Returned to Mais where we enjoyed a pedicure and despite having watched it the previous day, Juliet decided to have her legs threaded - brave girl!!

Over the following couple of days, more purchases were made (hand made, customised shoes!!) and very enjoyable meals were eaten. This included a trip to Des Amis Cafe where the only menu is for drinks and you eat whatever Mr Kim feels like cooking. He used to be the taster for the Southern Vietnamese Army General (and had the news paper clippings to prove it!!). He made sure that the food was enjoyed to its maximum by instructing us on how to eat it properly. It was a shame it was our last night there as he had promised to cook us something different the following night - you don't get that at home. We all agreed it was one of the best meals we had ever had and makes Western food seem bland in comparison.

---

Photos

Lantern Shop
Hoi An

Ouch!
Juliet's threading experience - don't let the smile fool you

Gill and mini Mai!
Someone that makes Sara's mum look tall!!