Viet Nam Revisited 2008Day 7
After a lazy breakfast, we were soon aboard our coach and on our way to Tan Son Nhut Domestic Air Terminal, now so very different to previous visits. It was with heavy hearts and sadness, for we were saying goodbye to friends and guides in Garry Adams and Mr Hiep. They had both made the southern part of the tour so unforgettable. There was however a sense of excitement, in that we were looking forward to the next part of our tour. After bidding them both a fond farewell, we headed inside for the hour flight to Danang.
Here we would start the central section of our Vietnam tour. From Danang Airport we boarded our coach for the trip down to beautiful Hoi An on the Thu Bon river. Driving through and around Danang, the first thing that is evident, is the cleanliness and progress being made here also, wide streets lined with nice buildings and apartments. I thought of Mike my Marine mate, who had served here, and how different Danang is now. I hope he gets the chance to come back and see it for himself.
It was about now, that the ‘no rain’ wish made in Saigon started to run out, for a light drizzle had begun. We booked into the lovely Hoi An Hotel, all the while noticing how ominous the sky looked. I’m thinking now, that we should have lit two coils and wished for an extension to our week of no rain.
After lunch we headed off to tour the narrow streets and alleys, with their very picturesque, ancient houses. The rain is becoming heavier now, and the river is lapping against waterfront buildings. The riverside restaurant that was planned for that night would be cancelled. Treading carefully we made our way to the 400 year old Japanese bridge, for photos. Even with the rain it is very beautiful. We visited other old houses and galleries, noting the patience with which the owners moved artefacts of importance to higher positions. The water was by now encroaching further inside.
Off then to the Silk shop at 41 Le Loi Street. Here the girls bought lovely quality blouses and oufits etc. We watched the procedure from the silkworms eating leaves, to the extraction of the silk threads, and finally to the weaving loom. A truly fascinating process. Carefully we made our way back to the hotel, to shower and change in readiness for the short ride to our second choice restaurant. Oh did I mention the heavy rain!
Photos soon!