Hi from Hoi An

We have been here for a couple of days now, and I have been crook for pretty much most of that time - seem to have gone from tummy rumbles to chest infection... ah the pollution or some other atmospheric borne bacteria / pathogen... From Nha Trang we flew to Danang then visited a Marble Mountains marble factory - the marble doesn't come from the near by Marble Mountains - they are the symbolic centre of Vietnam never to be mined or altered otherwise the country will be lost to China!

Any hoo... Hoi An is the place to get clothing made if you want some, sorry but didn't have the energy to do so, but I did go on the orientation tour around the old city centre which is a UNESCO site and cars are banned, though motorbikes can access until 2pm apprarently...

The centre is nice, but reminds me very much of parts of China we visited last year, such as Yangshuo. The Japanese covered bridge is the symbol of Hoi An and it joins the former Japanese quarter with the old town.

The orientation tour was the only included activity here, but optional yesterday was a cycle ride out into the country to Cai Dau (have to check the spelling there but China Beach anyway), and then there was a cooking class last night. Cathy got a traditional outfit made up - oops am I giving away a surprise there??? And Andrew got a shirt made as well. Here you show the tailors a pattern and they will make it up for you almost over night, with a fitting or two thrown in for good measure so to speak. I slept all day yesterday while they were out playing.

Today was an optional visit to the My Son ruins, another UNESCO site, devasted by the American's during the war, with a boat ride return down the Perfume River. Those that went are on their way back now on the boat trip - I again wasn't up to it - got to get those antibiotics into me.

Tomorrow morning we leave at 8.30 for our bus ride to Hue, about three hours north, along the coast and the Van Hie Pass - supposedly one of the best stretches of coastal road in the world - we will see how it compares to Grand Pacific Drive!!!