Hoi An, two pair of trousers, two shorts, 9 shirts!

Hoi An was a very expensive city for us, not because there is a lot to do particularly, but due to the amazing tailors the city boasts. Sam had a whole new wardrobe made to measure and Garry had 2 shirts and 2 t-shirts made. All the latest Next catalogues were available and people were ordering suits galore. We are still in denial about ever having to go back to work so we passed that one. Not bad though - a Next suit (3 pieces) for $40.


Hoi An is an old city - relatively untouched by the war. It has some great architecture and pagodas and a lovely river running through it. We only took one trip: My Son was built somewhere between 1200 and 1500 AD by the Cham dynasty. It was a foretaste for Angkor Wat - in ruins now - bombed to hell, but still very visible.

We had a our first Vietnam beach experience here - rather stressful on the first day, but got easier. The trouble is that you sit down with a beer, your MP3 player and your book and start to relax when a small boy interupts you asking if you want to buy some post cards, then a lady comes along pulling at your toes asking if you want a massage, then a girl comes with cigarettes... it never ends. Tough life eh???


We got talking to a train worker the other day and he earnt $30 a month (about 17 pounds). He nearly fell over when we said we both earnt $3000 each. We are extremely rich here and it is clear to see why the Vietnamese view us as a walking bank.