Posted by: Jonathan
From Hanoi we hopped on an overnight sleeper train south to Hue. Train travel is significantly more expensive than bus travel in Vietnam, but it can be much more comfortable if you get a bed. Our hotel offered to arrange our tickets for us, which sounded great, but I decided to walk down to the train station to see how honest the hotel was with their quoted prices. It didn't really surprise me to find out they were charging double the face value. No one spoke English at the ticket counter but I am a firm believer that being dominant in charades is equally as good as speaking the language.
From Hanoi we hopped on an overnight sleeper train south to Hue. Train travel is significantly more expensive than bus travel in Vietnam, but it can be much more comfortable if you get a bed. Our hotel offered to arrange our tickets for us, which sounded great, but I decided to walk down to the train station to see how honest the hotel was with their quoted prices. It didn't really surprise me to find out they were charging double the face value. No one spoke English at the ticket counter but I am a firm believer that being dominant in charades is equally as good as speaking the language.
From Hue's train station we loaded our two big bags, two small bags, and ourselves all precariously perched onto a one seated rickshaw and were peddled to the bus station. Where we negotiated two tickets to Hoi An.
Upon arrival we checked into a swanky hotel fully loaded with pool, meditation garden, patio restaurant, shuttle service (both van and motorcycle), bicycles, and daily fresh towels!
Upon arrival we checked into a swanky hotel fully loaded with pool, meditation garden, patio restaurant, shuttle service (both van and motorcycle), bicycles, and daily fresh towels!
The next morning (Christmas Eve - AKA My Birthday) we woke up and started the day with banana pancakes which were washed down with nothing other than banana shakes.
Then we pedaled to the beach on our complimentary bicycles. Some local fishermen entertained us as they headed out through the breakers. They skillfully maneuvered with alarming speed using only one paddle.
After we picked up our first ever sunburn on Christmas Eve, we grabbed a snack of Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) and spring rolls before going shopping. This was no ordinary shopping trip; Hoi An is known for its custom made tailor shops. Hundreds of stores line the streets, each filled floor to ceiling with fabric samples. Navigating through the store you will find yourself elbow to elbow with a sea of manikins sporting the latest fashion. Anything you want they can make. Either show them a photo or describe it and they will sketch it up and in a half day you will be wearing it out on the town.
Our timing of exploring this city was rather poor since we just picked up fresh clothes when we were back in the States and won't be going home to drop them off for some time, but we couldn't pass up this opportunity for custom tailored threads. So we chose an item we could wear on the trip instead of the typical $80 Armani suite or the $30 cocktail dress. I opted for a short sleeve button up shirt with two chest pockets, one with a flap and one without (had to customize it). Jenn was measured up for a jumper where she got creative adding trim and changing the straps and buttons.
Ten hours later we were sporting our new threads.
Normal shopping is hard on me, deciding you want a shirt and having to start with the fabric, then buttons, then accents etc... took its toll. I needed a good meal to recharge, and Ms. The Lee's kitchen was just the ticket. The best dinner I have had yet - probably because we helped cook it. We got a lesson on Vietnamese cooking (gave us the recipe for our dish) and were able to enjoy the finished product. Most notably was Ms. The Lee's only cooking utensil was a pair of chop sticks.
After dinner we grabbed an ice cold local draught beer and at 15 cents a pint you have to get a DD if your bar tab breaks a dollar.
Overall a spectacular birthday!
Christmas in Vietnam is weird because they play Christmas music, decorate trees, and the kids even dress in little Santa outfits, but nothing closes. Furthermore, the government makes Christmas day a manditory exam day to make sure all kids are in school instead of participating in the Western Holiday. We spent Christmas day watching movies, running errands, and eating fancy meals.
Christmas in Vietnam is weird because they play Christmas music, decorate trees, and the kids even dress in little Santa outfits, but nothing closes. Furthermore, the government makes Christmas day a manditory exam day to make sure all kids are in school instead of participating in the Western Holiday. We spent Christmas day watching movies, running errands, and eating fancy meals.
Also, it's the end of the month so the budget page has been updated!