Monthly Archive for December, 2006

The past few days we splurged a bit in Hoi An and got clothes, shoes and bags made. It's a very surreal experience! We found one tailor on recommendations, Yaly Couture, who treated us well and made some excellent clothes!

Last night, we had one of the more surreal experiences of the trip! We were back at the store for another fitting, and were invited by the boss to come to their Christmas party! We were treated to free beer, food and even got up to sing (badly) some Christmas songs.

It was funnily enough, lots of fun! We met the cutest kid there, too:

Today, we flew into Saigon, where we'll be for the next 2 or 3 days. After that, who knows!

The last couple of days in Luang Prabang were amazing.

I loved the architecture, the temperature was just right and there was amazing food everywhere!

We ate most nights at the Hmong night market (just around the corner from where we were staying – Seng Phet Guesthouse, highly recommended), where we encountered "boring" dishes like noodles, chilli fish, pork & chicken buns and spring rolls. There were also more interesting dishes, like pig's brain, buffalo and chicken heads, which Rich was game enough to try:

For a pittance, we always managed to have a feast:

I was in heaven! Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and we had to say bye to our new-found friends (2 Aussies and a random Swede). Although we only spent 8 days together, it feels like we've known each other a lifetime! I'm going to miss you Richard, Mara and Mathias!

We flew to Hanoi yesterday. Laos is desolate in comparison to the throngs of scooters, cars and people in the streets of Hanoi.

Being able to eat Pho on the side of the street (for less than US$1) has been great, though:

I'm looking forward to exploring more of Hanoi and the rest of Vietnam over the next week!