Off to Hoi An

Tuesday 13th March

Although we didn’t sleep very well on the train, we both dozed on and off for most of the night, so we didn’t have to spend too much of today catching up on sleep.  We made our way back to the Charming 2 Hotel where we were given use of a room for a shower and a rest.  We then went down to the restaurant for breakfast, and although we aren’t actually staying here for the night, they didn’t charge us for either the use of the room or the breakfast.  We sure have been looked after here!

Bamboo ladders for sale
(our landmark to find the Charming 2 Hotel)

Haircut Hanoi style

Making jackhammer tips (in sandals and with no hearing protection!)

As we will be at the airport around lunch time, we went out for an early lunch of Bun Bo to kill some time and to avoid having to eat at the airport.  We went back to the hotel to wait for the taxi which arrived right on time.

We had been discussing the fact that we hadn’t seen many people with disabilities in Hanoi, but we surmised that they would be properly looked after in this country.  A bit later, as we hurtled down the highway, we saw a blind lady who needed to cross over the four lanes of traffic.  She simply put her arms out in front in the classic ‘sleep-walker’ pose and started walking!  She was at least middle-aged, so, despite the crazy driving in this city,  this method seems to have worked for her so far.  I’m not sure how, but we made it to the airport.  The driver spent a good deal of the drive on his mobile phone, but I tried to block him out and just look at the scenery.

Our plane took off a little late, but the flight was very short and sweet.  No time for a cup of tea – they just handed out bottled water, and before we knew it, we started the descent.

Then began another terrifying taxi ride which ended with our safe arrival at the luxurious Vinh Hung Riverside Resort.  Our room was HUGE with all mod cons and we were very close to the beautiful swimming pool.  We arrived just in time for the daily free food market on the lawns.  We had noodles, cold rolls and Vietnamese sweets.  We only had to pay for our drinks which were probably a little expensive by Vietnamese standards, but still mighty cheap by ours.

Enjoying delicious Vietnamese food at the Vinh Hung Riverside Resort

This is the life!

After a good feed, we walked across the nearby bridge into the town.  As is common in tourist areas, we were constantly pestered by people trying to sell us things.  We certainly can’t blame them as it’s obvious that we have a lot more money to throw around than they do, but it’s annoying nonetheless.  John described the town as “Hahndorf on steroids”.  We found it a bit like a huge theme park.  Walking around the streets, we found that tailor shops outnumber the cafes and restaurants.  I’m interested in buying some clothes, but will leave it until tomorrow when I’m not so overwhelmed.

View from the resort

Hoi An at night

Max from Kangaroo Café had recommended that we visit the café run by Miss Ly, an acquaintance of his.  We found the café and went in for a nice dessert and a chat with Miss Ly.

Tailor shops and tourists

We then made our way back to the hotel ready to drop after a long tiring day.  John has picked up a cold, so we won’t be exerting too much energy tomorrow.