We arrived safely into Saigon after a long journey – the longest part being 15 hours from LAX to Guangzhou, China. Saigon is crazy, chaotic, 29 degrees and we love it!

We quickly showered and changed and hit the streets – always a lot to explore here. Interesting that we see the same hawkers, year after year - still trying to sell you postcards, books, trinkets of all sorts.

One of our little friends decides that Bill needs a ride on his scooter with him so Bill jumps on and away they go...it was a highlight for him. He has lots of stories.

Pictures are:

- a loaded bicycle

- off to market

- Saigon skyline

It was sad to leave Saigon, but we are now in Hoi An, an ancient city in the central part of Vietnam about an hour by plane from Saigon. Weather is cooler, only about 22 here but it is really beautiful. Our hotel this time around is right on the edge of the rice paddies, with a view of the mountains and Thu Bon River. Roosters are crowing to get us up early and the motor scooters are everywhere. They are carrying many kids, fruits and vegetables, chickens and pigs – yes live ones - and whatever else will fit.

We had a great dinner last night of Hoi An Pancakes and White Rose Dumplings, both famous to this region and very delicious. Hoi An is a beautiful ancient city, the city of lanterns - they are everywhere and more so now because they are getting ready for their Chinese New Year.

Today we are off for pedicures and haircuts, this should be an experience.

The picture is of the view of the rice paddies from our hotel window in Hoi An.

Hoi An January 12 - 17, 2015

We have had a wonderful time exploring Hoi An....really a beautiful part of Vietnam. We do enjoy the people - and the staff at the Essense Hotel are fantastic! Hoi An has the Thu Bon River on one side and the East China Sea on the other so there are lots of beautiful beachs as well as a lot of activity on the river. The main market in Hoi An is full of fruits and delicious vegetables and the activity keeps us busy people watching. There are bicycles everywhere - a highlight for Bill. He went riding around the ancient town and some of the villages around our hotel every morning.