Thursday 13th October 2016.
Those of you who have sat in the front of a Blackpool (UK) guest house on the sea front, while it pours with rain and it's impossible to see the beach, even though it is only 50 metres away, will
understand the weather today in Hoa An---except in my case, make it the rice paddy---- so hard is it
pouring. Notwithstanding that the rain in these parts is sweet and warm, not the cold penetrating British variety---memories of my England and Wales walk in 2010.
Friday 14th October 2016.
Not fair---the people of the Vietnam coast were promised another day of heavy rain and stormy weather. The weather forecast man failed to deliver and instead sent a nice calm and sunny day---go figure! Arising this morning in a much better mood, quickly reconstructed my day. Off into the town of Hoa An on my hotel complementary bike, good and
early before the tourist masses arrive. I know that these types don't wake too early and tend to linger over their cornflakes and toast. Having now actually experienced the Vietnam road chaos as a driver, albeit of a humble bike, can now better appreciated the traffic "system", the give and take, the flow that ensures that everyone arrives at their destination as fast as possible having never once stopped for anything or anyone.
Secured a safe parking spot for hotel bike, applied wheel lock and off I went. My greatest fear was the prospect of being unable to find said bike again later, as all the push bikes in the city are one brand, one colour and come with identical accoutrements such as front pannier.
My objective today was to spend a couple of hours on serious street photography. My
precise target was old and older people---those with beautiful lined faced--some call it faces of experience! Easier said than done to find these folks---the streets being filled with young people and mid career working types. The streets are a hive of activity, with 'events' happening before your camera eye at a dizzying pace. Of one thing a photographer can be sure----miss that shot and 10 seconds later another even better opportunity will present itself.
The 'old city' of Hoa An is home to many tailor shops, in front of which barkers try their utter-most to engage the tide of passing westerners. Not sure the quality or style would be for me, but as a guy with one carry-on bag for an entire three months on the road, luggage space is at a premium.
Treated myself to a better (and bigger) than average lunch today, at a lovely restaurant on one of the main streets of the motorized traffic free streets of the 'old quarter'. Really superb, but
so regret that my lovely wife is not accompanying me here in Hoi An.
Rested and fortified from the fine repast, I was ready to tackle the ride back. After 2.30 pm, the already high temperature seems to soar and today was no exception. Achieved my three kilometres return trip safely, but decided to keep going on along the same main road for a couple more to the beach, past a plethora of hotels, resorts & restaurants.
The ocean (the South China Sea) was in ferment after yesterday's storm and massive rollers were hitting the protective beach anti-erosion fortifications. Large red "no swimming" advisories prominently displayed.
Moving on south again tomorrow to Nha Trang. Depressingly there is only one bus a day from Hoi An and it leaves at 5.30 pm with pick-up at my hotel . It is an over-night "sleeper bus" ie: you travel lying on your back with feet in a box---problem is that the box was designed or shorter Asian people, not tall Europeans, We are scheduled to arrive Nha Trang at 6 am. Given my experience so far with Vietnamese bus schedule accuracy, I am guessing actual arrival time will be more likely 3.30 am. Exciting prospect to see Nha Trang up close & personal at such an early hour! But complain NOT, it saves one nights hotel bill!
Those of you who have sat in the front of a Blackpool (UK) guest house on the sea front, while it pours with rain and it's impossible to see the beach, even though it is only 50 metres away, will
 |
| Ear cleaning lady.... |
Friday 14th October 2016.
Not fair---the people of the Vietnam coast were promised another day of heavy rain and stormy weather. The weather forecast man failed to deliver and instead sent a nice calm and sunny day---go figure! Arising this morning in a much better mood, quickly reconstructed my day. Off into the town of Hoa An on my hotel complementary bike, good and
 |
| Good enough to eat.... |
Secured a safe parking spot for hotel bike, applied wheel lock and off I went. My greatest fear was the prospect of being unable to find said bike again later, as all the push bikes in the city are one brand, one colour and come with identical accoutrements such as front pannier.
My objective today was to spend a couple of hours on serious street photography. My
 |
| Restaurant waitress checking for customers..... |
The 'old city' of Hoa An is home to many tailor shops, in front of which barkers try their utter-most to engage the tide of passing westerners. Not sure the quality or style would be for me, but as a guy with one carry-on bag for an entire three months on the road, luggage space is at a premium.
Treated myself to a better (and bigger) than average lunch today, at a lovely restaurant on one of the main streets of the motorized traffic free streets of the 'old quarter'. Really superb, but
 |
| All seeing, all knowing.... |
Rested and fortified from the fine repast, I was ready to tackle the ride back. After 2.30 pm, the already high temperature seems to soar and today was no exception. Achieved my three kilometres return trip safely, but decided to keep going on along the same main road for a couple more to the beach, past a plethora of hotels, resorts & restaurants.
The ocean (the South China Sea) was in ferment after yesterday's storm and massive rollers were hitting the protective beach anti-erosion fortifications. Large red "no swimming" advisories prominently displayed.
Moving on south again tomorrow to Nha Trang. Depressingly there is only one bus a day from Hoi An and it leaves at 5.30 pm with pick-up at my hotel . It is an over-night "sleeper bus" ie: you travel lying on your back with feet in a box---problem is that the box was designed or shorter Asian people, not tall Europeans, We are scheduled to arrive Nha Trang at 6 am. Given my experience so far with Vietnamese bus schedule accuracy, I am guessing actual arrival time will be more likely 3.30 am. Exciting prospect to see Nha Trang up close & personal at such an early hour! But complain NOT, it saves one nights hotel bill!
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