Hoi An/Da Nang

                    We have discovered that it is always a good day when you hire a private tour.


Always better, we find, to take a day away from the always offered bus tour. We met up with Tang, our guide for the day. He was waiting for us, holding a sign with "Miss Susan" in big bold black block letters. His perfect English blended French with Australian accents. Our Crystal friends Arlene and John from Toronto accompanied us. It took almost two hours to reach Hoi An ... over the mountain (to see the beautiful scenery) and through Da Nang going, and two hours back through a long 8 mile tunnel (much quicker). Rice fields, mountains, the ocean, fishermen on boats, farmers in the fields, mopeds in a city of high rises... old and new blending together was the constant view from our Mercedes van. When we got near the top of the mountain fog settled over us with big grey clouds and a bit of rain. It all disappeared once we were off the mountain when we then had full sunshine and blue skies ...two different weather systems. Vietnam. On the way to Hoi An:

 







These fishing boats made from bamboo were everywhere.

 

Our first stop was to visit Tra Que Village. Although a touristy place, we were the only people from our ship there. It did not feel touristy. It almost felt like we could be in France with a glass of wine... Only about 20 other people were visiting during the time we were there. It was quiet and so peaceful. We toured the organic gardens, had lunch and then had a foot massage. They put all kinds of spices from their garden in the foot massage water. Perfect :).

Lunch was mainly fresh pickings from the garden. We had a refreshing drink made from Lemon Basil seeds, smashed ginger, lemon grass, water and sugar. The seeds looked like fish eggs when I first saw it so I was a bit leery at first. I loved it. David thought it tasted like soap..... Delicious. We had a pancake that we rolled in a thin rice paper to start lunch off. Shredded papaya & carrots with rice crackers, a tiny shrimp rolled with mint leaves, a sweet/sour fish, rice, and watermelon for desert. Vietnamese beer was the perfect accompaniement. I thought of family back home and wished everyone could be here because I knew they would enjoy it. It was sunny, hot, with a cool breeze coming from the ocean. The air had a wonderful fragrant smell from the garden.

 These are very similar to what I find in Meghan'g garden :).

 

 A perfect spot for lunch ..... overlooking the garden.

 

 Good thing I paid in advance or I would have to wash the dishes too!

 

I could stay here indefinitely!

 The peaceful organic garden.
 

 Hoi An is a quaint village decorated with colorful silk lanterns Once upon a time, beginning in the 15th century merchants from the Middle East, Europe and Asia traveled here to trade for gold and sandalwood. We enjoyed walking through this little village and imagining what it must have been like way back when. Now it is filled with touristy shops, little markets, and sidewalk cafe's. We stopped
and tried some delicious fresh fruit.

 
 Bought some local coconut candy....


We enjoyed a walk through Hoi An Village:

  




   

Lovely day!