Our time in Hoi An has gone way too fast. Could easily do with an extra day here. We are getting a bus at 1pm to our next destination Hue. When I last left off we were about to do Kris Kringle which was a great laugh. We did the whole open a present or steal a present already opened. Unfortunately I was number 2 in opening a present and all my good ones kept getting stolen. The first present I opened was a lovely plate, it got stolen. I then stole Toni's present, a laquered vase. It then got stolen. I then stole some lovely chopsticks which then got stolen and I ended up with a very cheap touristy conical hat which no one wanted to steal. It has actually been left here in the hotel room, no room in my bags...which by now include an extra one.

After our thieving Secret Santa, we headed out to our cooking class. The food had mainly been prepared for us so it was really just a matter of throwing it in the frying pan and cooking it or putting it together. We did pancakes, spring rolls, fish in banana leaf and green mango salad. It was fine for me, some were disappointed there wasn't much more cooking and technique involved.

Yesterday we started off with a morning bike ride out and around the local countryside. It was really scenic and a lovely way to see the area. Lots of work going on in rice paddies and good to get some exercise in. At a certain point we put our bikes on a boat for the final leg home but just after we started out, the boat got stuck as it was very shallow. Thought we may have to sit there till the tide rose but the crew jumped in the water and finally got us moving. On our return to town I started going from shop to shop for fittings. I started off at Yaly for my first fitting of everything. The skirt was good but everything else needed adjustments here and there. The shirts were too tight across my arms and the dresses needed a bit of taking in and the pants too baggy across the bum and at the front. Sarah, the lady looking after me was lovely and also called the tailor up when she wasn't quite sure how to re-adjust. Due back at 4pm for my next fitting.

I headed next door to the shoe place and decided on 3 pairs of shoes to be made. All leather black sandals, white sandals and a pair of black ballet flats - all for $140.

I then wandered around the old town, taking everything in and people watching. I had a banana pancakes from a street vendor (whole $1) and it was so good I had another. Good lunch. Met Toni at our other tailor at 3pm but they weren't ready which was a bit of a pain so wandered back to Yaly for my 2nd fitting. A couple of my dresses were good but my other stuff still needed adjusting. Due back at 7pm.

Then back to town to the other tailor where both my items (skirt and dress) were all good but Toni needed some adjustments. My skirt just needed the embroidery on it, so ready for pick up tomorrow. Back to the hotel and on the way tried my shoes on. 2 were good but the ballet flats too tight and needed stretching. Fitted in a quick 30min back and shoulder massage too.

Arranged to meet the guys at a restaurant for dinner and headed back to Yaly for my 3rd fitting. Everything was good except for one silk blouse. The seams were a little puckered. I was saying it was OK but Sarah would have none of it and called up the tailor and had a great discussion with her about what was wrong with it. Back in the morning.

Met the others for dinner which was lovely - I'm doing very well with chopsticks now. On the way back to the hotel I picked up another bag which is much needed.

Today was collection day. We did the rounds. Shoes were all good but left them there to pick up on the way back to the hotel. Yaly clothes all good, one final fitting on the silk blouse and everything was packed away. Sarah arranged for it to be taken to the hotel for me. Gave her a $20 tip which she was very grateful for. On to our other tailors where we picked up our other clothes, embroidery was great. Some final shopping and we were done. I actually decided to get a cyclo back to the hotel. It had started raining and I wanted to fit another massage in (I know, I must be massaged out). The cyclo stopped at the shoe shop for me and then the hotel. Much quicker than walking.

Packed everything, dumped it downstairs and fitted my masssage in. Great days work!!