Hue and Hoi An
Sat Nov 17
Picked up by another guide and driver for 4 1\2 hr drive to Ho Chi Min City(Saigon) for flight to Hue. On the way we stop at Co-Op Mart, the only chain grocery store in the Provence. I was so impressed. Everything is colorful from the pictures on the walls, the fake palm trees with bright flowers, to the signage. The shelves are well organized, clean with brightly wrapped goods. Six woman greeters in uniforn welcome you as you enter. Cash only. On the road see many students in their beautiful white school uniforms riding their bicylcles to school (picture 1).
Upon arrival in Hue, picked up by guide Khan, and driver Quan, and check into the elegant Imperial Hotel. Great room with view of the lake and city, great food and service. Spend evening at internet cafe.
Sun Nov 18
Walk to Dong Ba Market (picture 3) Very interesting. Wares, vegetables of every color and shape, live fish, pork insides everywhere. Then walk to Imperial City, and through the Citadel area to lunch at Yhao Garden Rest. Driver picked us up and drove to Minh Mang Tomb on peaceful, lush, beautiful lake where I meditate for a little while. Then onto the extra-ordinary Khaidinh Tomb which has all the walls decorated with unbelievable 3 dimestional mosaic tile pieces (picture 2).
Upon arrival in Hue, picked up by guide Khan, and driver Quan, and check into the elegant Imperial Hotel. Great room with view of the lake and city, great food and service. Spend evening at internet cafe.
Sun Nov 18
Walk to Dong Ba Market (picture 3) Very interesting. Wares, vegetables of every color and shape, live fish, pork insides everywhere. Then walk to Imperial City, and through the Citadel area to lunch at Yhao Garden Rest. Driver picked us up and drove to Minh Mang Tomb on peaceful, lush, beautiful lake where I meditate for a little while. Then onto the extra-ordinary Khaidinh Tomb which has all the walls decorated with unbelievable 3 dimestional mosaic tile pieces (picture 2).
Constantly raining hard on and off the whole time in Hue. Then walk to galleries with local art. Eat left over lunch and meet Karen and Rie (2 women I met on Mekon Delta Junk) to listen to music, but don't like it so we go to Imperial Hotel lobby for tea.
Mon Nov. 19
Mon Nov. 19
Up for 6 am swim and great breakfast. Drive to Hoi An, passing through Da Nang, with lots of construction including many 5 star resorts on China Beach, where American soldiers were stationed during the war. Drive Pass through mountains into clouds. Beautiful and lush, with waterfalls.
Hoi An has a 3000 year old history. It was a major port but due to geological changes it is now just a tourist destination.Parts of the town are still underwater due to the flooding. Walked the town with guide. Spent hours choosing fabric for bed covers and shams for Max, David, and Linda. Check into the Victoria Beach Resort. WOW! I am in a fantastic one story suite with walk to ocean. The olympic size outdoor swimming pool in 20 feet away. The weather is windy with rough seas. Spend another evening with the computer.
Tues Nov 20
After 6:30 swim, another sumptuous breakast, walk around herb and vegetable farm. Each person in the town gets a plot of land. Walk on beach, spend another few hours at fabric store to figure out measurments, great dinner at Tam Tam Cafe.
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