Vietnam- Feb. 21, 2011

Day #3- To DaNang/Hoi An

2.22.11

It's pretty easy to get around in Vietnam. Our Vietnam Airline trip to DaNang was simple. The people here are really friendly and helpful. It was a smooth trip and the driver from our hotel was there to pick us up. It was about a 45 min. drive to Hoi An and on the way our driver stopped at the Marble Mountains so we could see them. Five large mountains jutt up out of the mostly flat landscape and they are solid marble and beautiful marble at that. There are marble carvings from HUGE (probably several tons) to very small. There is a small village there and it is totally consumed by the marble industry. We want to go back and spend a little more time there on our day trip to Hue. Our hotel in Hoi An is absolutely incredibly beautiful. I reserved a room, but the rooms are very large, it is a suite. We have a computer in our room, whirlpool tub and shower room, lounging area with tea set, a bar area with refrig., huge king bed and balcony, it is amazing, and it includes breakfast. Bike rental is free, the room is cheap and we have a river view room. If we had a garden view room it would be less. We're really roughing it. We have I think 5 nights here. We checked in an went for a walk to find some lunch. We ordered some things thinking about USA size stuff and so much food came that we had trouble eating it all. Randy is having trouble finding food he likes much. I like trying new things alot more. The food is good, but not what I thought it would be, it is way more bland. When you order food with shrimp they serve it with shrimp still in the shell, even if it is in a pancake or wrapped up in something, so you have to tear it apart to take the shrimp out of the shell. Who knows, maybe the locals eat shell and all. Randy thinks almost everything tastes fishy. I haven't had that experience, but the best thing I've had yet are the noodle soups and the pumpkin blossoms with shrimp inside.
The town of Hoi An is very charming, it reminds me somewhat of Antiqua, Guatemala. It has a very international atmosphere. There are people from all over the world here. This is an ancient, ancient town transformed into a town that acommodates everyone from everywhere. There are many silk tailor shops all over town, restaurants and bars and carving shops and jewlery shops and everything in between, but at the same time it is very quaint and sweet. The people are so friendly, but world wise now. It does me so much good to see how this country has bounced back from what they endured for so long. They are a happy people now and that makes me happy too. After long walks we turned in, watched a movie and called it a night. It has been a good day. It is good to be out of the city.

Old lady in boat Hoi An