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Published: June 18th 2010
I'm All Alone
I took this picture of Steven-there weren't any places open, but Thu saw us down the street and brought out a table.We leave tomorrow morning at 6:30 am to fly from Hoi An to Hanoi. We have had the best time! Our sunburns are at least bearable at the moment, and it was actually 38 degrees-do the calculations-translates to your pants are soaked and it looks like you didn't quite make it to the bathroom. We have been lounging at our hotel Thien Than, Steven has been in the pool and I have been watching movies in the air conditioning. Oh, and watching the two little boys in their birthday suits get baths in front of their house-hard for Grandma to keep them contained.
Today I wrote down directions for the breakfast buffet. The coffees are Vietnamese style and not so easy to figure out the first couple of times. Also, so many people from so many different countries make it difficult to navigate. The owner and staff asked for my help so I wrote it out so they can type it up and make it easier for customers. A couple from Spain asked me if I was the owner-I laughed and said I was just a helpful customer (I had helped them make coffees). Maybe it had something to do
Here is your kid Siy
This is Hong. He said,
you know-Hong Kong?" like I was stupid. I bought you a bracelet from him! with my sundress, bare feet and knowing all of the names of the staff. I suggested a few ideas and they were very pleased.
The owner of our hotel, Mrs. Binh, took us out to dinner tonight. We rode bicycles and she rode her scooter. That really doesn't sound that exciting until you hear the details. Traffic is not exactly organized or even follows rules; buses, taxis, bikes, and pedestrians going in different directions; have no clue to where you are going; I am in a dress not really made for a bike that would fit someone half my size; Steven's chain fell off his bike on the way (two little kids ran over to help him-very cute); weather to fry eggs on the sidewalk. We arrive at the restaurant and it is truly a local place. Set menu-Vietnamese pancakes, pork satay, spring rolls, chilis off the scale in heat, sauces and beers. Really fun! So gracious of her. When we tried to pay she said to us she pays in Vietnam, we will pay when she visits America. We felt very loved and taken care of here.
We came back to the hotel and dropped off the
Monkey God on Japanese Bridge
The Monkey God protects one end of the bridge. bicycles and went down to have a few beers and say goodbye to Thu and her daughters at our little place. Nice time on the river front, the lanterns are lit and there was a bit of a breeze.
Hoi An is really a unique place. In a country full of people you never feel like a number or member of the herd. Binh and I have decided if she doesn't come to America we are going to meet in Paris for dinner.
We are sad to leave our little paradise here but know we have friends in a lovely place in a foreign land. My Vietnamese is coming along nicely. I can order food, beer and say "cheers" all in the local tongue. Do you really need anything else?!
Until Hanoi,
Suzie and Steven
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Heather
non-member comment
I really enjoyed your post about Hoi An. I hear great things about it but haven't yet been there myself. My blog is looking for travel reviews, photos, etc, to share. If you have the time, check it out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com, or email me at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com. Continued fun on your travels! Heather :)