Bob and Ann in Vietnam 2005-2006 Eldertreks Tour

China Beach


Japanese Bridge

Up early to depart Hue at 7:30AM. Stops at China Sea Resort to stretch our legs, China Beach for views from the bus, and DaNang where we visited the Museum of Cham with displays of sculpture/artifacts representing early Chinese influence in Vietnam back to the 3rd century.

Light rain had cleared up by the time we arrived in Hoi An where we were dropped at Ms Ly’s restaurant for lunch-one of several establishments we visited in Hoi An run by women entreprenuers whom Thuy has discovered. Tour of Hoi An through Buddhist Temple, Old home, and Japanese Bridge ended at our Hoi An Hotel where we had a large, tastefully decorated corner room on first floor with the large swimming pool view on one side and a mini tiki bar on the other. Minor drawback was the regular ringing of the bar phone, though it was not open most of the rather rainy day. With windows closed and plantation fan humming above our bed (where a decoratively draped mosquito netting also hung unused) we were happy.

One of the highlights of this trip was when our group joined Roger and Thuy who delivered a wheel chair to a delighted disabled child. This worthy project scouted by Thu Thuy, arranged by Thuy and Roger and financed by Eldertrek made us reflect on how much we have and how little it takes to make a child happy. We are grateful to all who made this possible.

Dinner combined with a cooking demonstration at Mrs Vy’s Restaurant was fun and delicious. Recipes for wonderful eggplant pancakes and pomelo salad are included in our take home cookbook. Guys appreciated having beer on tap.

Checked out Ms Thu Thuy’s tailor shop with handy free Internet stations. Many of our ET group were fitted for custom outfits. Ann eventually had a light weight suit made and delivered to our hotel in 24 hours! Thuy arranged for a 9PM Music and Folk Dance performance for us at the Cultural Art Center, intimate and charming. Ready to drop by the time we walked back to Hotel at 10:30.

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