Wednesday, 10 January 2007 - Hoi An

On the move again today.  We've had enough of cute.  We would now like some HOT water. The shower at Ancient House is only just lukewarm, and the bathroom is the size of a toilet, with the shower water going everywhere. There's nowhere to put your towel, PJs and toiletries without them getting wet.  It really is a lovely old place but for a short stay.  Had breakfast and chatted to a gentleman who has been working for UNICEF all over the world.

We then carried all our bags to the new hotel, the Thanh Binh III hotel, where they will store them for the day while we go to the cooking class at the Cargo Club.   On the way we had to get out of the way of a procession of some sort that was taking place in the streets.  Not sure what was happening but lots of fancy dress and one young lady was being transported in a palanquin. (a structure for transporting one person consisting of a box that is carried by four or six people by means of two long poles)

The cooking class with Miss Vy (Vee) was great.  First we went to the market where Miss Vy's assistant told us what lots of the stuff was - fruit, vegetables, fish, rice pancakes (we all tasted some). 

Then back to The Cargo Club restaurant where we sat at a long table upstairs (there were 10 of us) and listened to Miss Vy telling us about the culture of eating in Vietnam, the different herbs, etc. She then led us through the making of fried aubergine (they were white ones), chicken, fish in banana leaves, papaya salad and summer rolls. 

After making them, we all got to eat our creations and at the end of the session we ended up with a lacquerware recipe book each.

The afternoon was spent shopping. 

Checking out how our latern making was getting on and then trying on the clothes we'd been measured for yesterday - some items were better than others.  Jill's red and black top was great.  A dress for Catherine was also great.  Jill's red skirt probably not the right material for the style - but it might hang better once it's washed.  The shopkeeper was very pleased, particularly when we added items to the list - a bit of a worry. Jill ordered an additional pair of pants and a silk tiered skirt, and Alex got a dragon vest made.  

The shoes were good too.  Very light - not sure how long they'll last, but they're cute ($57US  for three pairs). But that's not all! Jill also bought some silk fabric (4 different colours), and Alex had a shirt made and also bought a cute gecko shirt.  We are now exhausted from both cooking and shopping.

A light dinner tonight.  Vegetable soup for Jill and pizza for the rest.