If this is Sunday we must be in Hoi An

Sunday, February 22, 2015
Hoi An, Vietnam
Its very difficult to keep track of the days and where we are!

 Very early set off because we had to catch a flight before 8 am . Breakfast was a pack in a plastic bag, not up to the marvellous breakfast we are used to! The flight wasn't up to much, especially as we were next to the emergency exit, so there was no windows to see out of. But then, short flights like that never are much fun, are they.
Got to Danny, and then a coach transfer to Hoi An, which was a major US base in the war. There is still evidence of this, although there is a lot of new development going on. Apparently it's a major centre of telecoms and finance, vying with Singapore. Also, because the countryside is so attractive,it's a popular place for residents of the main Vietnamese cities to come for a holiday.
After checking into the hotel we went on a guided walk of the town. Mainly in the old town, so we saw a building from 1780, and the covered Japanese Bridge from 1593. Must admit I never realised just how linked the Vietnamese, Chinese and Japanese were in the past, although it's probably very obvious. During the tour we stopped off for a typical Vietnamese meal, very enjoyable and about £5 for 3 plates between us, and drinks. That's total, not each.
Also saw a silk factory, embroidering pictures, and various other activities.
Back to the hotel for a swim and relax before going out to supper. Which was a very pleasant evening for the 17 of us. Although the restaurant messed the orders up a bit, our main arrived about 10 seconds after the starter! And the bill was horrendous - about 3,800,000 dong. About £125 or £8 each. Then we all walked back along the riverside, saying no to the many street vendors, all trying to make a dong (or 20,000) We did buy a river lantern and put it in the water as we made a wish.
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