Bye Bye Hanoi…Hello Hoi An

Excited to move locations we allowed ourselves to sleep in and leisurely get ready. This meant we were awake at 5:30am, lol We laid in bed, Rach got to face time family at home. I finished writing last nights post. Thank You to all who commented and replied. Truly it feels like you are right here with us too, and we are thrilled to read the comments. 

Headed upstairs for our last breakfast in Hanoi by 7:15am. We got a corner table with a view to the surrounding neighborhood. It’s such polluted air that the foggy look in the morning view could be sliced with a knife. Really understanding all the masks and protection of what you breathe. My scrambled eggs were yummy. My most simple yet satisfying meal of the day. Rachel loves the fresh passion fruit, it’s so interesting- crunchy seeds with a green juicy color. So not for me, she loves it!! I go crazy for the mushy yet sweet mango. Splurged again on a croissant with laughing cow cheese. 

We are ready to conquer these streets one last time. We truly have mastered the crazy traffic and march like we own this place, ha ha. Rach stops at the ATM to collect more Dong, she is a millionaire, withdrawing $3 million. Such a bizarre concept of currency here. We are on our way to try the Cafe Giang, where Egg Coffee was invented. We grab hands every time we cross a major intersection to stick together like “ Sticky Rice” 😂 Again, taking in all the sights and smells. It’s crazy now that I’m not on such high alert avoiding getting run down I notice SO much more on these wild busy city streets of the Old Quarter. 

We arrive at Giang so easily as just in time to leave we truly have learned the lay of the land. When I say the chairs and tables at all these places are for kids, they could seriously fit in a doll house. I can’t imagine how an older person can bend down to sit and knees fit near the table?! So bizarre the size of furniture. Rachel sips down the thickness, we chose to try an Iced Egg Coffee this time, I’m still not a fan and chose to waste the $2 and opted to go across the street to our Cong Coffee place. Remember, the place with Jenny for the iced coconut cream coffee…. yummy and Ice Cream drink at 9 am. The second floor is one of those sit on the ground with pillow Asian style seating. We opted for a window view, they had fencing and rod iron…. was like a beautiful flowered jail cell 🙂 Best drink!!

Walked back to pack up, got to FaceTime my sweet little Whit, Jack too and My mom with other Rach. Arrived at Hanoi Airport to board domestic flight to Da Nang- the airport to get to next destination, Hoi An…..

We landed in Central Vietnam now, air is much cooler with a lovely breeze yet still humid. Driver await in a huge van for just us, 40 min drive and we have arrived at the freakin nicest resort on the river with a pool view room. I LOVE Asia for this reason alone, you can live like a PRINCESS for cheap!!! We are greeted by the nicest lady who goes over the town map. We are given cool wash cloths and a welcome drink. This place is heaven. We venture out as room is not ready. Rachel had wanted to get clothing made as tailored clothing is a big deal in this town. As we walk the remote quiet streets it is like a small village feel. Night and day difference from Hanoi. Colored lanterns line the streets. Spas are everywhere advertising cheaper than the next. As we cross the bridge to the Old Town area we are taken back by the extreme captivating of the architecture and beauty of the streets, shops, buildings, and color everywhere. This place is bright and a refreshing treat. We ended up having lunch at the Lantern Town  restaurant our hotel recommended. Yummy….. I had Vietnamese Spaghetti(rice noodles with mushrooms, sweet basil, cream sauce and baby shrimp) sooooo good! R had sea bass in banana leaf. I won with this order as hers had a strange spice. We loved this place! 

Next stop, tailor….. they knew her by name when she walked in as this was her main planned attraction.  Not what she expected…. an interesting experience as I watched so many others get fitted, pick out materials and order. Had envisioned a bit more of a Pretty Woman feel….while she had the experience I walked in/out of some stores. This place is a shoppers heaven. We ventured up and down the many streets, mostly pedestrian only and bikes. This place has many of the tuk tuk type bikes. After a little taster of exploration we made our way back to the hotel.

Welcome to true Paradise, our larger room is ready….I did my mini Audrey style of totally settling in, fully unpacked finally. Rach went down to pool while I got all set up.  I met her….its 5 pm and we are swimming in a beautiful pool, with a swim up bar, had 2 small drinks each as its happy hour, 2 for 1 🙂 Chatted away in the pool with each other and an Australian man from Melbourne. I took many photos of this pool area, will try to attach. 

We than got ready for a Friday night out, the Night Market is in full effect. Lit up colorful Lanterns are glowing and brightening everywhere you look. Pictures don’t do this justice. The river is filled with boats with flying lanterns attached to each, while ladies are selling candles in colored paper boxes….you make a wish and let your candle go down the river. This concept is dreamy and I cant wait to partake tomorrow night. We found a Pizza place for dinner. I know who eats Pizza in Vietnam?! It was a delish 4 Cheese Pizza. We walked up and down the shops….R did her first bargaining and bought a beautiful light blue silky scarf for $6. As we made our way back I had Oreo Vietnamese Rolled Ice Cream. You may be able to roll me home after todays eating…. oink oink. A foot massage at 9 pm and we are now laying in bed for hopefully a great night sleep. 

Until tomorrows packed day of touring in Hoi An 🙂

Sweet dreams , love you all

Love Laurie Sue