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Beach Dudes, Golf and Shopping!
After Hue we travelled on a very wet day to Da Nang and the old centre of the American Army's R and R. Here we see the bits of how the new tourism in Vietnam is developing. Massive hotels, apartment complexes, whole beachfronts bought up and, oh yes, golf courses. Greg Norman has one as does some guy called Montgomerie. A round of golf including shoes, cart and clubs is 2.5 million Dong or about £80. No time now to try it out but maybe next time…?
With the rain and cloud we thought we might not get to climb Marble Mountain but, dauntlessly we took it on. The mountain is one of the outcrops of rock that seem to occur quite frequently in Vietnam. At one time it seems to have been a religious site but during the war it was used by the Vietcong to hide troops who could attack the South Vietnamese army and its allies. The hilltop gave them a lot of scope, well if it wasn't raining or misty that is! It was hardly a steep climb but awkward because the stone steps were very uneven and of variable hight. Also with the rain they were slippery but we all survived the occasion. The views from the top of the coast and China Beach were pretty good as well!
Anyway after this we had lunch on or near China Beach. In the war China Beach was the place GI's came to rest, recover and spread American good will to the locals. I am not entirely sure what that means but they certainly seem to have left their mark on the area, and people. Lunch was fascinating and was taken at Hoa's place. He is'was a surfer 'dude' who settled here many years ago and is now a sort after stop for travellers looking for a few days beach fun at a cheap price. Lunch consisted of self-filled and made spring rolls full of fresh vegetables and fish. They were wonderful because the place had an ambience all of its own. Casual, relaxed and simple the food was delightful and far from the Sun Spa style of over attendance to all of our needs. And the rich are forcing him out so they can have the beach front… and build even more apartments etc to satisfy the rich. Great shame. This reminds me of that delightful entrepreneur from the USA called Trump and his activities in Scotland.
Later we got to Hoi An, the town of clothes so we have gone out and bought some shirts etc and today we go for our fittings!! Of course, this will be in the rain as it has poured all night, courtesy of the tale of the pacific typhoon Megi that has now headed into China.
And did it rain!! It absolutely chucked it down over night and flooded parts of the hotel. However into town we went and investigated the bargains to be had. It is a very pleasant town, built by the French in the 19th century. There are many clothes shops and these were exploited to the full. We have the shopper to follow!!
Actually it's not us as we were very restrained but Linnaid is something different. She is about 37, a trained chef and has never been abroad before let alone on a trip without her mother. She is having a ball!! Every where she goes she spends and buys. Where we might buy one or two items she buys 10!! And here in Hoi An she buys clothes like she has none and she is enjoying all of the attention she is getting. Its fantastic fun with her. Today I carried one of her bags home as she had so many!
Tonight we are going for a cookery lesson in town; how to cook Vietnamese food so hopefully Meryl will be an expert when we get home!! We also hope to have some recipes so you will need to prepare for the shock!
- comments
Jenny I loved Hoi An it was where I had the massage, threading, pedicuree etc in the depth of the local market. It was very hot then and I enjoyed the cycling to the beach. Interesting to hear that the hotels have been completed as all was at a stand still last year. Cold improving and cough does not seem to worsening. Lots seem to be happening in last week, so need to shop this weekend. Have just been asked to give an English lesson to some guys, but have yet to make the decision. Hot here with late afternoon downpour. Enjoy, J