Hoi An

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Caught bus at 8.30 to travel via Lang Co Beach and Danang to arrive, after a few breakdowns, in Hoi An at 1pm.

Stayed ar Hoa Binh Hotel for $12 for huge air con room with swimming pool and internet. A little bit of a walk to the Old Quarter. Frank lost his glasses but ordered a new pair for $40. Old town is set about the banks of the river with a huge choice of restaurants with river views. Lots of atmospheric boats and lanterns ad tourist shops selling silk and art all set in old wooden homes.

Sat 9 June

Electricity was off for most of day but this must be a regular occurence as lots of places had generators. However we could not find an ATM which worked and one wondered about how refrigerated the restaurant ingrediants were. It was at least 36 degrees and sweaty. Bought a ticket to visit various old houses, temples and museums. Traders came here from Holland, India, Japan and China for thwe winter while they waited for the trade winds to change so ther ewere lots of trade fairs. The Bougainvillia over the houses was reminiscent of Colonia in Uruguay! There was an embroidery shop which had exquisite work...some was so fine it looked like black and white photos and most of it was done freehand. We were invited in to see silk weaving and rattan mat making anfd then upstairs to see the silkworms and spinning and tailoring. the clothes were fantastic. Eventually I coudlnt resist a tailored silk shirt for $30. Great people watching in the restaurants. Good food and cheap drinks

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