Day Ten

35 dentist-chairs lofted 2 chairs high. 1 row along the driver's side windows, 1 eighteen inch aisle, 1 center row of lofted chairs, another eighteen inch aisle and finally 1 row of lofted dentist chairs pressed against the passenger side windows. This was our bus configuration that bounced us along to Hoi An. Over all a confusing trip, not sure we're on the right bus, not sure if we're supposed to get off now, not sure how much longer it will take, not sure if we're on the right bus again, we made it to Hoi An, but don't know where we got dropped off... The ride itself was awkward but quite comfortable in terms of a bus - each person on their own lofted leather recliner with  air conditioning vent above. And for the whopping ticket price of 6 dollars each, this four and a half hour bus ride is not a bad deal. On entrance we were each handed a plastic bag and the bus driver pointed at our feet. Assuming we were to put our shoes in the bag and walk around the bus stocking footed, we complied. The first stint was the hardest, as I had to pee about a half our into the ride, and I had no idea when we'd be stopping (turns out we stopped about 2 hours in). We wound our way up and down mountain side roads, and Jade was struggling. On the verge of car sick Jade held it together, barely.

Our hotel here is the most expensive one by far - 60 bucks a night. We thought we'd treat ourselves to luxury after the other smaller bargain - 3 star'ish hotels at 25 a night. And wow that extra money bumps you up pretty high here. Not that I've ever stayed in one, but I think we must be at a 5 star rating now. Our hotel is a French style two level palace in a very large 'U' shape with front balconies facing the center courtyard. Every nook and cranny if flanked with luscious bamboo trees, orange trees, coconut palms, perfectly manicured and green grass and fresh cut flowers everywhere you turn. Our room for instance had flower pedals neatly arranged in several groupings on the floor, bed, bathtub and tables - not to mention the fresh cut dozen yellow roses on the table. The most comfortable king bed we've slept on takes up a good part of our room, but we're not complaining. A large flat panel tv on the wall doubles as a huge computer monitor for our internet and computer use. And the best part of it all, as we just found out, is breakfast (included in the price of the room). An amazing spread of truly gourmet French pastries and traditional Vietnamese cuisine is a start for this buffet. Cereal, yogurt, tons of fresh fruit, breads, meats, cheeses, crepes, made to order eggs, juices, coffee (real coffee I might add), and tons of Vietnamese dishes. Jade and I walked thru the breakfast door (of which was opened and held by staff) and smiled for the feast. 

Last night we wondered the streets in the Old Town which were lovely. Much quieter than the streets in the cities prior, it was really worthy of a relaxing stroll. Cute little paper lanterns criss-crossed over head, and lined up on each side are endless tailors - shoe makers - leather workers - wood carvers - you name it. With just a glimpse of Hoi An's offerings we were terribly excited to get shopping. We walked to a recommended Vietnamese family restaurant, known for its traditional fair. We ordered 6 of their specialties that were appetizer size to share. We were both energized to take the local cooking class that we signed up for, because everything was worthy of a showcase spot on a foodie tv show.

We're happy to be here - and slept wonderfully.