Hoi An...Hoi An!

We have arrived in yet another beautiful part of Vietnam. At first, we were a bit unsure of the town having come from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi. Hoi An seemed to us a bit sleepy and more touristy compared to Hanoi.

The first day was marked with a very long, hot, somewhat painful walk for about an hour! Peter insisted on walking as opposed to being dropped by the hotel shuttle right into the town center for free!! But alas, we found our oasis over time! We had seen an episode of Anthony Bourdain, No Reservations where he was in Hoi An and ate at this amazing seafood restaurant. We had the address and were beyond hungry when we arrived after the long journey. The seafood was incredible! We had fresh, still alive before we ate them, shrimp and crab!!!! But the seafood wasn't even the best thing that we discovered on this first day. A family owns and runs the restaurant and once again we tried our best to communicate with our Vietnamese, which they got a kick out of. And before we knew it, they had taken us under their wing as part of their family!! The wonderful friends we have met truly are the definition of generosity and hospitality. They have shared with us their city, their life, their dinner table, and many many laughs.

So, After dinner, we were invited to the beach to eat with the family. So of course, we said yes, and hopped on the back of the motorbikes and headed to the most beautiful beach. We were the only ones there other than the locals. And this is how it works...there are straw mats laid out on the sand which become make shift dinner tables. Families are welcome to bring their own foods and then vendors visit the mats bringing their wares...beer, sticky rice, steamed pork in banana leaves, and many other local delicacies. Our family, being owners of a seafood restaurant, had shrimp, squid, and other assorted fish. Peter tried the hottest pepper of his life, it was a great laugh for everyone!!! Sara tried a bite of steamed pork thinking it was sticky rice, which was a good laugh for Peter!
Little lanterns are brought out as the sun sets and the entire setting just seemed magical. Everyone shares with everyone and there is a real sense of community amongst all.

Afterwards, we were taken around old town Hoi An on the motorbikes!

The last couple of days, we have truly been treated to seeing an authentic side of Vietnamese life in Hoi An. We have eaten like kings and today, Sara even tried her first fish eye!!!! And we have really been welcomed into a family fold.

There is no way to describe how wonderful this country is and these people as well. Their life is just as beautiful as they are. We are so lucky to know this family and honored to call them all dear friends now!

Okay! We had a bit of time to update tonight because we think the fish eye may have caught up with Sara and we are currently unable to leave the room and nursing what feels like may be similar to labor pains!! OWEE!!!

See you soon!
Peace and love...p+s