Hue to Hoi An

On the road again early, but at least we were in an air conditioned bus for most of the day. We travelled out of Hue city for about 45 minutes before stopping at the Duc Son Pagoda which is an orphanage run by Buddhist Thich Nu Minh Tu nuns. Many of the children in the orphanage has significant disabilities resulting from the use if agent orange during the war. Many of them were disengaged from what was happening around them even though the nuns and careers working with them were clearly very caring. The babies were absolutely beautiful, but sadly we couldn't bring them home with us.

Once we were able to drag ourselves away from the children we drove south toward the Hai Van Pass. After a lunch stop and time to paddle our feet in the South China Sea, we drove over the pass. There was another interesting moment when the bus passed a truck on a blind courier. The drivers seem to think that if they use their horns often enough the opposing traffic will get out of their way! Thankfully there was nothing coming the other way. The top of the pass was just as we remembered - full of very pushy hawkers. The sky was reasonably clear so we could see a reasonable distance.

We wound our way down the northern side of the mountain to Danang, along China Beach, which was a popular R and R spot for the Americans during the war. There has been huge development along the coast since we were here last and there are now a number of huge resorts. Hoi An is just as delightful. The climate is still hot, but with significantly lower humidity levels. Our hotel is on an island and only a few minutes walk to the old town.

There are ponds dotted throughout the gardens and they are full of water lilies and, as we discovered tonight, frogs.

Most of the girls went to arrange to have their formal dresses made by the local tailors. I ended up being in high demand to give advice, which was great fun. They have their first fittings on Friday morning and the dresses will be ready by that evening. Amazing.

For me it was fabric heaven!

The lanterns throughout the town were beautiful, especially as it got darker.

Along the river were women selling paper baskets with a candle in them. Ella and I bought one and sent it off to float down the river with thoughts for our much loved friend BG.