Translating Hoi An into english means - it doesn't half rain in Vietnam. We've just spent two days in Hoi An and it rained for 75% of the time (unfortunately). That said, the city is beautiful (flooded in parts) and despite being several pounds heavier due to our drenched clothes we loved walking the narrow streets. The colonial feel still exists but now most of the buildings are either tailors or restaurants/bars. We spent a far bit of time in the latter, drinking, playing cards and on one occasion played pool.
On the second day we rented a moped (addicted now) and ventured out towards the coast. The development is amazing and within a couple of years the coastline will be transformed into a typical commerical coastal area - great for business but it will wipe away some of the magic.
That evening we did a spot of Christmas shopping and Rach picked up some handmade/tailormade sandals for $10 - Bargain! The opportunity to buy other items of clothing strained on Rach's will power but she resisted, mostly likely due to the fact that we'd be carrying it for a while. As we sat having our last dinner in Hoi An the heavens really opened and when it was time to head back to our hotel (to pack) we had to walk through the water which was then up to our knees! We won't bore you with the heated discussion we had with a bookshop that sold us a dodgy Lonely Planet for Laos (a copy and the maps were useless) or the fact that our laundry wasn't ready when we returned to the hotel - we liked Hoi An and could have only wished the weather was kinder.
Today we rose early ( to collect the laundry and pack) and set off for Hue, leaving on the most uncomfortable bus so far. Fortunately the trip was only 3 hours. As with the last 48 hours it rained most of the way but as we approached Hue it easied a little.
This afternoon we walked around the city on both sides of the river (North - the old town & Citadel and the South - tourist area with hotels, bars etc). Still raining!
Tomorrow we plan to go up the coast on a trip into the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) to visit the Vinh Moc tunnels and Troung Son National Cemetery. Then we head for Hanoi on the night train - yippee!
Hope all is good at home and it's not getting too cold - at least you haven't got rain like here.
Lots of love
Mark & Rach. xxx
PS - Still raining!
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I suppose rain and Xmas shopping could go together!!! I haven't even started thinking about shopping yet!!! Shame about the rain but it still sounds fantastic....look forward to hearing how your trip to the DMZ and the tunnels goes....very jealous so lots of pics please.
ReplyDeleteWe have had a lazy weekend really, cleaning cars, washing and playing in the park, although it's been bitterly cold today....bbrrrrr....still going to take Ellen to the park so she can go on the swide!!
Take care
xxx
Hey.....reality check for us with very cold nights but a lovely clear day today. We need to combine our 2 weathers into 1 and all would be ok. Lovely time in Kent with Gran looking very well. Home now and the usual Sunday eve - Bex and Frank begging food! and getting ready for tomorrow. 1 week to 1/2 term though so I can't complain. Love to both, big hugas and kisses x
ReplyDeleteIs it still raining by chance?
ReplyDeleteWas nice to speak to you this morning Rachel, surprised at how well behaved we were, not chatting for ages! shame i didnt get to speak to mr Twin, but i think over the years ive heard enough from him- haha, only kidding!
Hope the weather cheers up for you guys soon- cold here but nice blue skies!!
Love you lots
ps - I had already written this, then mum saw and made me save it in word and I could only send it once she had commented!!Deary me!
xxxx