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Not my bike, someone else's. Lately I've been spending a fair bit of time riding around on the back of a motor bike.
After some not too subtle hints ("clothes are very cheap in Quang Ngai", "I will take you to meet my tailor friend, very good", "Mr Owen always dresses very well") I finally took the plunge and agreed to get a top made.
These things are not to be rushed though, two friends took me to breakfast at a local noodle shop at 8 o'clock. Then it was right across town to a favourite coffee shop for coffee, next over to a fabric shop near the central markets to choose fabric, (we went for a sort of ocean blue, which is a colour I like, so far so good), then back out to a tailor recommended by one of them. Unfortunately none of his catalogues had anything that appealed to me so it was down to sign language and gesticulation to get across that what I really wanted was a plain short sleeved shirt. I was persuaded to have a bit of a band across the back at the waist and a couple of little pleats at the sides. "People don't pay enough attention to the back. That's what other people see". She had a point there, but that was it.
A week later we headed off, with some trepidation on my part, to collect the finished garment. First for the obligatory coffee. A phone call to the shop discovered the tailor wasn't in yet, so it was off for another coffee with a couple of other friends - at another of those coffee shops down a narrow laneway and invisible from the street. Eventually, a phone call from the tailor to say he was in the shop now meant we could go and pick up the shirt. A bit of a surprise awaited me (I bet you're not in the least surprised) - "pleats" back and front, sliver buttons (I hadn't thought to stipulate buttons) and a satin finish on the sleeves. A bit tight under the arms, but that was soon rectified. Well made and I'll wear it, but not really "me". By the time we got back to the coffee shop (!) a couple more friends had appeared and it was decided we'd all go to lunch, so one of them was despatched to collect Owen at the end of his morning class.
Encouraged by all this, the co-conspirator friend has been inspired to get a dress made for me at her favourite tailor. There I at least found something I liked in the catalogue - but she's insisted she will go off and choose the fabric! Another surprise awaits.
Last week I was very pleased to be invited to an end of semester class excursion to My Khe (pronounced sort of Mee Care) beach. Getting there involved a half hour ride on the back of a motor bike, holding the back of the seat with one hand and clutching the afternoon tea in the other. The weather was perfect, we sat in one of the beachfront eateries, enjoyed fruit and nibbles, did a few quizzes, sang a few songs, then had a class tug-o-war on the sand. To finish off we chatted over a delicious meal of Banh Xeo - shrimp stuffed rice flour pancakes with salad and herbs, all rolled up in rice paper wrappers and dipped in chili sauce. Sort of like fresh spring rolls. Some students generously insisted on getting some take-away for me to take back for Owen, so that meant the journey home involved holding the back of the seat with one hand and clutching the take-away dinner in the other.
- comments
Zig Looking good Avenel! Sounds like you're having fun - all the morning teas.You must be getting used to travelling on a bike......next you'll be getting one of your own? Love all the photos.
Glenys Davies Very stylish!!
Rajni You will eventually get so much used to tailer-made especially stiched personalised clothing that you will not be able to pick the ready mades...good luck with the next lot. Just learn enough Viatnames for the tailor..By the way, the blue definitely suits you!
avenel Yes I like the colour. Unfortunately the front view is the most flattering. With the pleats all the way round, it gives a sort of tutu effect from side-on. Currently trendy for those 20 years younger and 20 kilos lighter :-(
Maree Love the colour! It looks good front on..You will have to sketch the outfit Avenel and they wont be able to add any trims!! It is so nice to be able to see the photos. we dont see any from Owen's emails. It must be our server!! We need to see photos of you on the back of the bike!!!