Hoi An is known for it's tailors and they have not dissapointed. There are so many shops to choose from, with so many styles and fabrics it's easy to get overwhelmed. We honed in on a few places though, and soon we had ordered custom suits, shorts, jackets, pants and dresses. Joe had two G-Star-esque jackets made and was making the tailors add all kinds of intricate details. Nicole went crazy and ordered four dresses, three skirts, a jacket, pants and of course, a custom business suit. This shopping needs to be seen to be believed.
During shopping breaks we have become particularly attached to one local cafe. It is owned and operated by a French pastry chef. Amazing sandwiches and coffee that is comparable to Victoria, BC (really). Also, the desserts are so good that even Joe is eating them! Aside from this pattisserie we are loving the local flavours of Hoi An. From deep-fried wontons to White Roses (small dumplings filled with shrimp and frog meat topped with crispy onions and chives. Cau Lau is a dish that apparently can only be truly experienced in Hoi An b/c the water used to make the noodles must come from an ancient well in the city: by law!.
Other highlights have included a trip by motorbike (not scooter!) to the local beach, the nicest hotel thus far and $4 peticures. Nicole also visited a local orphanage because she hasn't been able to watch Oprah since we left and wanted to feel sorry for other people for a while. After touring the facility (houses 65 children, 21 of which are disabled) she participated in play-time with the children. Upon discovering that she had gifts (bouncy balls, hair accessories, stickers and Canadian paraphenalia) the children mobbed her. They soon began to play to her weaknesses and Nicole witnessed one small girl showing the other children which begging technique had worked for her. Nevertheless, she enjoyed the experienced.
Tomorrow we leave by sleeper bus towards Nha Trang. We hope to hear back from a Vietnamese/Canadian couple who run a isolated eco-site at Jungle Beach. Check the website for details http://junglebeachvietnam.wordpress.com/ and click "about". It sounds amazing and we are hoping to get in b/c they are selective as to who they admit. Hopefully Joe's "Rape the Earth" lifestyle will not be counted against us.
Bye for Now
Joe and Nicole
Sitting comforatably in front of Hoi An Pattisserie
Nicole at the gates of the city's ancient
assembly hall.
Deep-fried wontons
White Roses
Little boy we met on our bus ride from Hue.
He had a collection of over 100 types of money so
we contributed to the cause. Also, a lady at this stop
tried to steal Joe's pens.
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