Hoi An

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The city of Hoi An is relatively small - only about 75,000 people. But in addition to a fabulous beach, Hoi An is also the place to shop. There are about 3 very long streets along the river that runs through the town, which are lined with custom made clothing stores. You can either select from the designs they have on display, bring in a picture of something you like or browse through catalogues and choose what you wish. Dresses, shirts, suits, skirts, coats, blouses … you name it - they sew it. For the most part, the clothes are made of silk, but you can also choose wool or cotton. I walked into a dress shop that one of the girls at the hotel recommended (her sister’s shop) in the morning. This evening I’m going in for the final fitting and I can pick up my two dresses and jacket in the morning before I leave for Hanoi! Of course, a girl can’t buy a new dress without some new shoes - so I walked down the street to the seamstresses brother’s shop and ordered some custom made shoes. Again, I could choose a style from those on display or choose out of a catalogue. I was offered swatches of any color leather imaginable and chose the leather I wanted as well as the heel. My foot was drawn out on a sheet of paper and I will have my custom made shoes by 1:00 tomorrow. I ordered some shoes for Leanne and Mike too. Hope they fit. Now how can I possibly have a new dress and shoes without also a little bling to go along with the new outfit? Wouldn’t you know it, there just happened to be a custom jewelry store just across the street. Needless to say, my Visa card was burning today, but everything is well priced and if it turns out to be as beautiful as I think it will, it will have been a bargain!

On Tuesday afternoon I’m off to Hanoi. I will be staying at Denis Bissonnette’s home for one night. Denis’ sister, Carmen, and I participated in an exchange trip between Quebec and Alberta when I was in grade 9. We’ve remained pen pals and friends since then and she called just before I left letting me know that her brother was living in Hanoi. Denis is in the tourism and travel business, so I’m hoping he will help me book a couple of trips outside of Hanoi to round out my time in Vietnam. The plan is for me to take an overnight train to a place called SaPa which is in the north and upon my return to Hanoi, to do a 3 day and 2 night boat trip in Halong Bay. Should be wonderful. I hope to have access to internet along the way to keep you all abreast of my adventures.

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Photos

On the river in Hoi An
Couldn't resist taking this shot of an older man in his boat just floating around on the river. I could take hundreds of pictures of older people, kids and flowers - everyone so interesting

Bridge in old town
Hoi An is one of the few cities not destroyed in wars and many old buildings have been preserved.

Lantern stores
There are probably about 30 handmade lantern stores in the old town. I watched them being made and would love to have brought one home - but I doubt it would make the trip.

Clothing shops
Row upon row of custom made clothing, lantern, jewelry and shoe shops

My beautiful hotel
Had my first 2 days of rain in 7 weeks, but the sun is peeking out

Comments

[Robin]

Just Wonderful
I can't say enough about how much I enjoy reading your blog. So interesting and so inspirational. What a wonderful experience you are having and isn't it a wonderful world we live in.

[Flo Brokop]

Thanks to all of you who are writing
Thanks for your comment Robin. I'm so glad that you are enjoying the blog. It is a good way for me to reflect on what I'm experiencing and share it with my friends and family. Just wanted to thank all of you who have sent me e-mails or comments - the connection to home is so wonderful. I'm off on a couple of tours in the next week - one to Halong Bay and another to SaPa. I hope to post a couple of more blogs before meeting up with Larry in Beijing next week Wednesday. He has already said that I cannot spend much time on the computer - you know Larry!! Talk to you all again soon.

[erika hiob]

Flo. All I can say is Wow!!!.I am so glad for the journey you've taken us through and the great time yu have expierenced. I know Larry is looking forward to seeing you and you will have a great time in China. Looking forward to more adventures. Erika

[Flo Brokop]

Thanks Erika
Great to hear from you Erika and thanks to all of you who have e-mailed or commented on my blog. It's been fun to do and it is so much more fun to see new things with friends. Larry has already told me that he will limit my time on the computer once we are together in Beijing, so I may have to sneak away to keep you all informed of our journey. I'll do my best!!