Bike ride around Hoi An

Yesterday afternoon we had a wonderful ride around the rice patties that surround the town of Hoi An. It was hot at humid (as it always is) but it was relaxing and peaceful to be away from traffic and people. Bikes and motorbikes are the main modes of transport and it feels nice to be out in the world instead of in a car. And look! A water buffalo! Our thanks to Kristi and Jennifer for the experience.

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who gave us such nice honeymoon contributions for food on the road and snacks for our overnight train journeys! You have kept us well fed and quite content! Coffee, croissants, sticky rice, fresh fruit, soup, pork buns, sandwiches, beer, spring rolls, pancakes! Oh my goodness! I don't think I will fit in my wedding dress anymore!

Thank you Marissa S., Jan M., Molly M., Pat M., Judy B., Paul R., Kristi S., Mary L., Ali & Lars B., Kim N., Dalen T., Lindsey P., Gail J.!!!!!!!

Cooking class!

We spent this morning having a blast in Hoi An! We met a local woman/chef who led us through a local market explaining as she went. We learned all about various herbs and vegetables and how to know when they are at their peak ripeness. We made a few purchases, then followed her back to her kitchen where we made five different dishes.
1) sweet and sour chicken soup
2) green papaya salad
3) pork spring rolls
4) fish grilled in banana leaf
5) eggplant cooked in a clay pot

Everything was amazing - one of our best meals. Thanks to Michelle and Tim for contributing to this wonderful experience.

Hoi An!

For the next few days and nights we'll be in the town of Hoi An. It mostly escaped any major damage during the war and was recently named a World Heritage site. It has a lot of great old architecture, good restaurants, shops, and an energetic central market. We just had a fancy dinner (thanks Dalen!!) and strolled he through the quiet streets. It's tough capture in a picture how nice the walk was, but here is one anyway.

Dancing with pottery

Blogspot is blocked in certain regions

Did a little Googling and found out many blog services are blocked here. Oh well.

Heading out for date night dinner! Oooooooooh.....

And a photo of me with "tousled beach hair". Ha ha very difficult to achieve :)

Motorbike Video

Having a bit of trouble viewing our blog

We can post, but we can't see the posts after to see if they were successful. Was anyone able to watch the motorbike or dancing videos?

Motorbike tour of Nha Trang

Oh my we had fun today! Our motor bike drivers picked us up at nine. We went to an 800 year old Hindu temple and a newer Buddhist pagoda. We visited a weaving facility and then went for a mud bath! It was so wet and muddy that we had to leave cameras in a locker--sorry we don't have a photo for you. Just one in front of the sign. My skin feels great! Thanks Nick and Susannah!!!! We have another train trip overnight tonight. Headed to Danang and Hoi An. Nha Trang has been a joy. Less traffic, fewer tourists, lots of fun and sunshine!

Breakfast spot

Nothing special here, just a little video of where we had breakfast this morning. Mango pancakes and Vietnamese coffee, strong and sweet.