Friday 15th July 2011

Another 4 hour bus ride before we could arrive at Hoi An. We drove through very mountainous landscapes before arriving at the white beaches of Hoi An. We paused at the famous 'China Beach' before checking in at our hotel. The weather already seemed cooler, that sea breeze was present, and the pace seemed slower, calmer and more inviting.

Our hotel was a very French building with a dramatic staircase, mother of pearl encrusted ornate furniture and a very well sized swimming pool! Our room was divine, mosquito nets beautifully raped above the beds, which I may add were almost doubles!

The bus dropped us in the old quarter and our guide Bon lead us through the very French streets pointing out recommended tailors, shoe makers, jewelers, opticians and handbag makers. I was on a missing for my suit!

We visited a very interesting small temple which had hundreds of what initially appeared to be metal coils hanging from the ceiling. I soon realized there were huge incense burners. The locals buy them and attach their prayers and wishes, hoping they will be presented with them. The smell became very overwhelming and we moved on to view the famous Japanese Covered Bridge - which have an even more distinct smell of sewage! Swiftly moving on we parted having visited a couple more famous houses and sites. Donna and I made a B-line for AoBaBa Tailors - and the process began.

First I looked at materials, then pictures, then materials…. The we measured, discussed, looked at pictures and materials again. Tried on a few jackets already in the store, discussed more and more… then finally having all my measurements we left! Donna ordered 9 of her favorite shirts - so we were cardinally leaving them with a lot of work! Rather relaxed and pleased with ourselves we wondered through the streets back to our hotel for a swim before dinner.

Dinner was incredible - white Rose Dumplings and Spring Rolls, probably the best meal since I arrived! The dumplings were not what I anticipated, made of rice paper with a delicate centre of shrimp and meat…. All washed down with a local beer - heaven. Another swim before bed.

Saturday 16th July 2011

The morning began with a swim followed by a delicious breakfast, including croissants and other tasty baked goods.

Hoi An has to be one of my favorite places so far, the morning began with a bike ride through the country side.We saw areas where they were farming prawns and even a wedding in full swing!The calm, kind nature of the people really touched me as all the children came running to the road for a high five from the white people!One of the guys from my group had a close call with a river… toppling off the bike!But before we knew it we were back at the hotel, freshen' up.

We wondered into town for my first suit fitting - disaster.Things weren't looking good, and to make it even worse when I couldn't get in the skirt on the petite, pretty Vietnamese girl came in to the changing room declaring "let me help!".She tried to heike the skirt over my white, flabby, sticky ass - with no success.Another lady was called in and together then pulled and shifted - but no, as I said at the beginning my ass is just too big! Ahahha. What comedy!

More than a few tweaks and suggestions to the other items we moved onto a French restaurant and café we had picked out the previous day.I indulged in a camberg baguette - ohhh yes.Cheese and bread, what more could I want!Before long it was fitting number 2 - again painful.The dress was atrocious, I had no idea I had so very many lumps bumps and fat stores!The girls agreed that my "bottom" (not bum) and tummy were the problem areas!I really think the lunch added to the problem areas to say the least! There was also a very sly fanny rub and very obvious boob grab... all part of getting a fitted suit right?! Added to the giggles of the day.....!!!

A wonder and a mooch later, some glasses were purchased by other members in my group and after no luck hunting down the correct pants with a sufficiently low crotch I found myself in a jewelry shop…. Dreaming in the catalogs….

This very soon followed by a scrumptious cappuccino and Tiramisu (honoree birthday cake for Lucy) in our favorite French Café…. Before progressing onto the 3rd fitting…. Slightly better, but still not there.The dress - worth a few tears.We agreed to come back for the 4th fitting in an hour or so…. A few phone calls home…. Back for the 4th fitting… a few final adjustments to the superb suit jacket and trousers… 8.30pm for the 5th and final fitting and purchase!

Back at the hotel we indulged in another swim and dinner, a short cab ride back to the old quarter and I slipped my dress on…. A completely different item of clothing.Fitting beautifully around my 'problem areas'… accentuating curves rather than bulges!All items purchased we headed to the jewelry shop to collect our small purchase…

Donna and Nancy in the group had watched my longing over this Tiffany bracelet for a while, debating and changing my mind…. They both contributed to purchase as an early birthday present; I was blown away.So generous of them both and I now have something I truly wanted… it wasn't so long ago I was goggling them in Camden market!

Swim and a cocktail before beddie bies…. Early flight in the morning to Ho Chi Minh City.