The bus ride to Hoi-an was quick and painless. I found a place right away and was off to explore this small city...almost immediately, I found myself in a shoe shop buying some sandals, they outlined both my feet, I got to pick out the leather, I even got to modify the style a bit! My custom sandals cost $15! The shoe shop sent me down the road to their sister store, a tailor shop...these shops made up the rest of the city! It was like heaven! I got measured, fitted, and completely pampered in this city...I ended up with a bunch of shirts, and a grey wool suit with a deep purple silk lining! I even got a shirt copied!!! The tailors were great...especially Tony's!!!! I was very happy with their work!
The part of the city that I was in was not that modern at all, narrow alleys, ancient walkways...gorgeous bridges. There was some flooding, and the rain had followed me down too. The people were wonderful...very relaxed, but still doing the sales pitch...which what happened all the way through Vietnam.
There is a small cafe called Re-Treat where all the people wear my giveaways....pins that say Alaska!!!! I gave a little boy some Alaska wash-off tattoos...he had sold me the cutest clay whistles! I had even tattooed the front desk staff the day that I left!!!
My last day in Hoi-an I was determined to find the beach...I tried to rent a motorcycle and was DENIED! Because I was leaving that day...oh well, I ended up on a rickety bicycle with some crappy brakes. The ride was a bit longer than I thought it would be...2km? I don't think so. I raced down the pot-holed road, watching out for the cows!!! The beach looked like it would've been amazing in the sun...I was hypnotized by the waves crashing! I got the hard sell from a few ladies on the beach...in the harsh wind with a light rain, they were out there hawking fans and little stuff like that. Crazy. I had to get back to the hotel and I got to race with motos!!!!! It was hilarious!!!! I really didn't want to leave...next time I'll bring more money!!!!
