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Published: July 28th 2014
Rain!20140629_164146
Wet day at White sails. Have to move the cushions indoors!Not sure if I actually have any "followers" but if I do, I apologise for being so remiss in my postings. The only reason I can provide is that I'm too busy having fun! When I say fun, I mean just random everyday things that are so easy over here precisely because I have no responsibilities other than researching and supplying a Health Resource Catalogue for the Australian/Vietnamese charity, KOTO. as an aside, over 100 of the trainees and their caretakers are here in Hoi An this week (they are based in Hanoi) and I finally get to put some faces to names! Looking forward to catching up with them at a few events/ dinners/lunches this week.
After leaving the last blog so long between blogs, I decided to be a little more reliable in posting as I can't remember from one week to the next what mischief I've been up to! Oops! Forgot again and now I have to wrack my poor degenerating brain to try and remember.
About 3weeks ago, our beautiful neighbours, Binh and Quyen took their staff (wwww.
reachingoutvietnam.com) and some family and friends (us included) for a day out to a local attraction, Ba Na
Treats.
Sticky Rice (white) and Sweet potato sweets from Quyen. Hills, about an hours drive away. Up in the hills, it was so much cooler than our normal 32 degrees with high humidity and great views traveling everywhere in cable cars. Beautiful gardens up there and as it was a French resort in the days of French Occupation, there was also a great wine cellar and bar. A lovely relaxing day and nice to connect with local artisans and disadvantaged people that Reaching Out assist and support.
Two weeks ago we were the very fortunate guests of a beautiful, very large wedding which was hosted by our lovely landlords, Gan and Teh for their second son Thoan And his bride, Kim Hien. This was right next door to us, and as weddings here are very loud, it would've been stupid to not go! We were escorted next door (like royalty) to the marque and given seats with all the Ba's (older ladies who are revered) just one row back from the Om's (older men). The Ba's kept feeding us by hand, virtually, in case we faded away obviously! They departed as soon as the food finished then the men started on us with drinking games. Thank goodness it was
Party!
Taking empty kegs to be replaced! only beer and we didn't have far to wander home. This was at lunchtime and there was a second sitting for younger folks and bride and grooms friends at dinner which we were invited to also ('cause we were so much fun earlier, I'm sure) but we declined. There was probably about 150 - 200 people at each sitting. By no means, a small event!
Last weekend was spent in Da Nang, the big smoke about a half hour drive from Hoi An. We stayed at the brand new hotel, A La Carte on the esplanade across from the beach which was beautiful. Well cared for by Joel, the GM and had a few nice cocktails on the rooftop bar. Tried a bit of the night life which we tend to miss in Hoi An and was impressed. Came home in the afternoon but headed back in at night for a friends 40th birthday bash. No ordinary birthday party.....started at 2pm and had 4 dJ's, 4 bands and all food and alcohol provided.....my sort of party! Happy birthday again Paul!
Starting to feel part of the community here now. Most of the locals know me but as nearly
A La Carte!
Infinity pool on top floor (23rd)! all the women are covered head to toe during daylight hours (so the sun doesn't burn then), I'm not really sure who is saying "hello" half the time! Still cleaning their beach for them but now they are very appreciative and I'm hoping it's rubbing off! Also still living next door to the two best sets of neighbours ever. Feeling grateful!
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Carmel Mary
non-member comment
I'm an avid reader xo
Hi Susie Great blogs love reading them... you make me smile! Love ya