Hello Hoi An

A quick one hour flight south from Hanoi to Danang and we were in a different world from the last few days. Our driver picked us up and we headed south along the coast to Hoi An. The ride showed how fast tourism is becoming *the*industry in this country. Resorts pepper the coast line with luxury accommodations and golf courses.

The Vietnamese people are so amazingly friendly and go out of their way to please you. As we pulled up to our hotel, we were greeted by Liong who sat us at a coffee table and served us cold carrot juice while she took care of our registration. Our luggage was then carried up the 3 flights of stairs to our room where welcoming gifts awaited us.

A short walk from our hotel and we entered the ancient city of Hoi An. Tourism is BIG in Hoi An. Souvenir shops are everywhere and you can buy anything and everything. At one point we stopped for a cold drink and a young boy came up to me selling his trinkets. He offered me a small vial of liquid for what I think is headaches. All he would do to describe the item was to have me smell it and then he would point to his temples. Then the fun began. I pulled out my phone with the currency converter on it and he would type in a number, I would counter, he would come back again and so forth for 8-9 minutes. For a 6 year old he was quite the bargainer. I finally ended up settling for around $3 and he had made his sale. I still have no idea what is in the little bottle, but it was worth every penny for this encounter.

We spent the entire day walking around the town shopping. We bought bootleg dvd's of movies that are in theaters now. 11 dvd's for $10. Sonja had a wool coat made for herself. They took the measurements, she picked out the fabric and colors and we'll have the coat in the morning. We also spent some time at a school for disabled children where they learn to embroider and create ceramics. Fascinating to watch these challenged kids who obviously loved what they were doing as evidenced by the smiles and the laughter. I couldn't wait to break out the credit card and buy their wares.

One of the highlights of the day was my first ever pedicure. I liked it so much I got an old fashioned straight razor shave.

Our dinner of Pho, Spring Rolls and fried rice was the best we've had since we got to Vietnam. Sitting at an outdoor table along the river side watching the people and the world go by.... I really like Vietnam! We'll do it all again tomorrow before heading back to the airport for Saigon.