DAYS 8-9 HOI AN

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Today was a 75 km ride with the first 50 km starting at the Hue beachfront with the cycle path initially following the coast before passing through mainly fishing villages. Mostly flat but with a few challenging sections for loose sand & running water across the path following the recent typhoon and continual rain which somehow we have incredibly managed to avoid.

The next 10 kms was up the Hai Van (Ocean Cloud) Pass on National Route 1A but now less traffic due to a new bypass tunnel. Misty clouds swirled around with rain threatening but still spectacular views along the way and at the top across the Bay of Denang made the effort of the 8% assent rewarding followed by an exhilarating 10 km decent to the tropical south and our two night stay at the Like Hoi An Hotel.



Day 2. After a brief orientation walk last night we skipped the short ride option for a more leisurely day walking around the town absorbing the atmosphere of this once thriving port city. The heart of the World Heritage listed Hoi An is a beautifully restored old town that has preserved its old Japanese and Chinese colonial look. Walking the atmospheric lantern-lit streets past ancient houses, vibrant market, restaurants, skilled artisan and tailor shopts topped a wonderful day,

As it was a light showery day it was a great rest day for shopping & eating and lead to some memorable moments. Whilst we were having coffee with our feet up, watching the world go by, a lady appeared from nowhere shaking talcum powder on Ruth's leg, & started threading with a length of cotton thread forming a finger scissor like action to pull out hairs from the roots! After much negotiation, the job was done.

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