It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, this town was under several metres of water. Apart from a few places still closed (downstairs at least) for repairs, it's business as usual.
I like Hoi An. Even though it is very touristy - the narrow streets with their colonial buildings are full of shops selling paintings and tailored clothes, and you get people trying to sell you things while you are eating in one of the many French-style cafes - there is something about the place that makes it very laid-back. And if you want to get away from it all, there is a wonderfully undeveloped beach that stretches as far as the eye can see in either direction, just a short bike ride away. Although it was a bit windy when we went. And cloudy! (The 2nd time was better, still windy but sunny. Or should that be "same same but sunny")?!
I tried my hand at Vietnamese cooking which was great fun - a quick tour around the local market, then hopped on a boat for a short cruise down the river to the cooking school. Our teacher was extremely funny and we got to try cooking several different dishes....which we then got to eat! Splendid!
Once again we hired some bikes and went out into the countryside - it still amazes me to see farmers doing everything by hand or using water buffalo to plough fields. Even without the help of 21st century machinery, Vietnam still manages to be the world's biggest exporter of rice!
The bike ride was great fun. We were treated like royalty (well by the the kids anyway) - enthusiastic cries of "hello" and doing high-fives to kids as we cycled past! Admittedly though, the adults just kind of looked at us with bemusement!!