I did end up using my mosquito net in the middle of the night, more from being paranoid that I was going to get bitten though. I rose early and checked out of the hostel at 8am so I could see Hoi An by day. I was greeted to a beautiful, warm, blue sky today and the little town was just as sweet and quaint as I thought it would be after my last night's welcome.
It did seem quite a slow day which made sense as somebody reminded me that it was Sunday! Also, I learned from a local that last night was busy because it was the 15th of the month and this date is celebrated each calendar month with activity and lantern lighting on the river. Bonus!:)
Hoi An's local market was wonderful to wonder around. There was variety of every kind in terms of eggs, noodles, fruits, vegetables etc. (It was mainly a produce market). My "Lonely Planet" restaurant recommendations were positive as I found a wonderful little vegetarian joint they said was "worth trying to find" in the back alley streets. The owner spoke great English and I chatted with him as he loaded up my plate full of home made vegetarian foods with rice for lunch. By the way, somebody joked with me the other day that it was more like "Crowded Planet" and I agreed because it seems that everybody just goes off the book and I'd rather find my own way around....at least for food. I do enjoy the little write up in the beginning section of each country though.
I had a couple of hours to kill before my bus for Da Nang arrived so decided to hire a bike and bike to the beach about 5 km away. It was great to stretch the legs out too and see the ocean! There were not many people swimming, but the palm trees were swaying and people were having fun in the sun! Da Nang has about 1.1 million people and is certainly a fast growing city. I think the government see's this potential of growth and tourists with its beaches, nearly Marble Mountains, and close proximity to Hoi An and Hue. There is a massive sports complex in the middle of the city and also giant resorts and houses popping up by the beach front. Time will tell I guess but its looking good!
My new friends (from yesterday's bus ride) met me at the bus stop in Da Nang and it was such a delight to see them. Their apartment is very very modern on the top 4th floor with 2 balconies, a great kitchen, 2 bedrooms and a bathroom. They are so very kind to let me stay and Jeanette and I walked the Da Nang beach for about an hour in the afternoon. Lots of locals were having fun at the beach too and I agree with them that it was the best way to spend a Sunday afternoon. The temperature right now is just perfect!
I've met so many people already on my trip so I've decided that I would like to blog about certain individuals I have met on particular days. If I was really on it, I would like to take a photo of them too.
Anyway, so this morning at breakfast I started talking to two Norwegian girls whom were traveling throughout SE Asia and just finished Africa. They were both so nice and told me that I could stay with them anytime I was in Norway. One of the girls boyfriend's is native Kenyan too. So very cool!
Off to the 'big city' tomorrow ---- Ho Chi Minh City (8 million) ....I don't know what to expect. I will meet the Doty family in the afternoon too and am soooo excited!
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