Well as Mick said last night on the beach was the perfect way to start our 12 hour bus journey to Hoi An. We took a sleeper bus overnight (save some dollars on accommodation). The bus journey itself was pretty uneventful, apart from the terrifying driving which made it hard for any of us to sleep. Drivers here really are insane. Overtaking on the inside of bends, going up a hill, in fifth gear. Basically, Size really matters out here!
So we arrived in Hoi An at 7:30 AM. Hoi An is a pretty small, tranquil place. Situated in central Vietnam, it is the gateway town for North and South Travellers alike. Hoi An is now a World Heritage site by UNESCO which basically means is a really cool place with lots deadly architecture. Inset is a picture of the Japanese bridge. No one is allowed to drive or cycle over this bridge. All the buildings have this East Asia influence. Without harping on, very very impressive.
Hoi An is a very popular location for suit making boasting over 160 tailor shops on the streets, every employee beckoning you in.
We knew we'd have our work cut out to find the right place. Having checked a number of Tailors for price, we decided to go with the recommended "Peace" shop. Tailored suits of High Quality cost us $125 each, including shirt and tie. Fitting was impressive, 4 ft girls trying to reach the top of Darragh's head. By the end of it we all had dates with middle aged, sisters/cousins and even the dog. Some even had a promise of Marriage and the prospect of opening a Tailor shop back in Ireland and bringing the entire family home. (In a year from now we will discover that this is never going to happen. IT Skills meet Suit Tailor. It'll never last!)
When we finished the fitting we stopped for some food and came up with the bright idea that we would each pick the design of another "Party Shirt". Drawing the names from the hat, see the results inset.
After the exhausting suit fitting a night on the town and a few cold ones was a must. The town is relatively quiet at the moment, so we decided to hit the local beach party/bonfire. Free bus there and back was enough to persuade us. Bonfire on the beach was class.
I spent the night challenging the locals to pool and losing miserably. The rest of the lads dominated the dance floor with moves that have never been seen this side of Irish Sea.
Back to the Tailors the next day to try on the suits and get a few adjustments and we're ready to head off again. Waiting for bus now at 7am (what's it with these early buses) to continue to Hue.
3 weeks almost down and the bodies are starting to get upset. We've definitely knocked a few miles off these (arguably) once well oiled machines.
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