Our Central Vietnam Experience
Trip Start
Jun 20, 2010
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55
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Trip End
Dec 23, 2010
Where I stayed
Hoi An, Vietnam
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The next day was tour day which included a river cruise along the perfume river taking in various tombs and Pagodas including Thien Mu Pagoda (one of the oldest and most iconic in Vietnam), Ming Mang tomb, Khai Dinh tomb and Tu Duc Tomb - by the end of the day we were all tombed out and decided on a western dinner for a change of scenery - Mmmmmmmmm pasta and pizza (you just have to love home comforts sometimes!!!)
Our stay in Hue was very short and due to the heavy rains all the trains were cancelled so we hooked up with some fellow travellers and rented a taxi to take us through to China Beach. China beach is where the US soldiers went for R & R during the vietnam war. Our accomodation was at Hoa's Place, a guesthouse on the beach and off the beaten track. Possibly not the best accomodation in the world however, Hoa's place has become a place where travellers congregate to share stories, drink beer, have good home cooked vietnamese food and generally just hang out. Hoa himself is a character that will have you laughing with his many stories, expletive phrases and his attempt at an australian accent.
With some much needed downtime under our belts, we headed to Hoi An - the 'Tailor' capital of Vietnam making made-to-measure clothes for a fraction of what they would cost at home, also known for it's art and crafts, shops, great restaurants and the famous Red Bridge Cooking School.
Unfortunatly being on a tight budget there were no purchases of clothes much to Kate's annoyance but having a half day cooking course at Red Bridge was a treat that made up for it. The course started off with a walk through the local market taking in all the herbs, veggies and meats that are used in vietnamese cooking. We then boarded a small boat and cruised through to the school where we were greated by a crazy chef that taught us for 3 hours and had us laughing at his one liner western jokes. Amoungst other things, we learnt how to make rice paper, fresh spring rolls, plate decorations and a veggie hot pot. When we get back to the UK we will happily cook for anyone (but will obviously charge a small fee;)).
After the course it was back to Hoi An city center where there was a total of 10 minutes sight seeing and it was then straight to the beer houses with some friends that we had met in China Beach. 14 Beers + 1 Mojito = £1.30 - it is actually cheaper to drink beer here than to drink bottled water - HAPPY DAYS!!! Needless to say after copious amounts of beers and mojitos, the bicyle ride home was interesting - we made it though - so don't stress there will be more blogs along the way as we know our blogs are keeping you on the edge of your seats and you can't wait to get them.
Next stop Southern Vietnam and perhaps a qualification or two???????
Comments
Such memories, of my travels through vietnam, Hue was my favourite we hired a moped and went through vilages etc! So much fun! Love to go back there!
ENJOY!
PS - when you get to Phnom Pen Cambodia ask to go to a restaurant called Friends. It is like the Jamie oliver of Cambodia, they take in homeless kids and they cook and serve you and run the restuarant etc. They even serve the Deep fried Tarantulas!!!
Fantastic read guys and all power to you both. Cooking school experience sounds awesome so put those recipes somewhere safe so that you can share them when you get home. Look after yourselves and take care.. Happy South Vietnam experience!
Hi guys .
all these cities , places , new foods new every thing makes me tired just thinking of the next place I take my hat to you both !!! I supose I did the same when I was 30 years younger Keep it up Have a Ball
Luv U