Hoi An

Arrived in Hoi An yesterday after a 12 hour sleeper bus north from Nah Trang. Only 6 bucks for the entire journey and took twice as long as the train but we're on a budget and trying to save a dollar here and there (put that handbag down Tash). Bad decision all in all, people sleeping everywhere including the floor and the damp patch near the toilet. Vietnamese pop music played at top volume from 5am onwards (not sure why, even the Vietnamese seemed to be unimpressed...there was definitely nobody singing along). Beautiful city though, probably one of our favourite so far, incredible french/european architecture in the old town which drops down to the river where a million red laterns light up the bridge, restaurants and the river banks. Had a romantic stroll down the river, a few beers and finally ended up back at the hotel which is set back from the old town about 10 minutes walk from the river.

Hired a scooter today and saw a bit more of the city, found a tailor and spent a small fortune (we're on a budget yeah) on tailored suits, shirts, skirts and playsuits. Will be ready tomorrow apparently so no doubt a whole family will be up late tonight making it all up. Tash also had her first scooter less today, almost ended up in the river but turned out ok...thinking the easy rider tour up to Hue might not be such a good idea afterall.

Another great meal last night...beef with lemongrass, garlic and cooked over a barbecue wrapped in a banana leaf. Amazing tastes. $15 with 4 beers

Just about to finish No Country for Old Men. Improved the more i got into it and now finding it to be a real page turner. May move onto DJs recommendation The Quiet American if i can find it (all the books for sale here are photocopies of the original...i just hope that the author sees some of the $2 i paid the street seller for No Country for Old Men)