We did not leave the hotel until 8:45 - most days we are on the bus by 8:00 am. We traveled by boat to gorgeous private beach where we spent the morning relaxing on lounge chairs, getting $5 manicures and/or massages and eating lunch. The weather cooperated and we had a lovely time. On the way to the island we got off the boat to ride in native "basket boats" that are about six feet wide and shaped like a big round basket.
We returned to our hotel mid afternoon, showered, and then went exploring. Bruce and I enjoyed a gallery that sells silk on silk embroidered art and found a piece that we both like. The gallery took the frame apart, folded up the silk art work and packed the frame pieces in a separate box. Bruce is confident we will be able to manage carrying it all on the plane.
Our guide spent an hour with the group this afternoon candidly answering our questions about what we have seen and heard and learned about Vietnam. Bruce and I are fascinated by this country that has come so far since the war, the complicated relationship between the communist government and the need for free trade, the beauty and uniqueness of the culture, the delicous food, the country's relationship with China and it's other neighbors and the challenges that remain in the future.
We had dinner tonight on our own at a restaurant where we were the only westerners. We had spring rolls, fish baked in a clay pot and fresh seafood and vegetables that we cooked in a fish broth. More food than we could eat and it cost less than $15 in total.
We head to Dalat tomorrow morning, which is in then mountains and we will visit another small village and have another home visit. I'll do my best to add photos to my various posts as time and internet allow.
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