Hoi Hoi Hoi An

We love Hoi An - how could you not? The old section is full of small cobblestone streets with wooden shop fronts - nothing over two stories - and a riverfront with great restaurants. There are a few Hoi An specialty foods that you can't get anywhere else, such as white rose, which are the closest thing we've found to Kyle's favorite chinese dumplings. Kate has had the local noodle dish, lau cao, at least once a day. And a flat 4 kilometer bike ride brings you to a lovely strip of beach with refreshingly cool water. The sun has reappeared after a nearly 2 week hiatus. We hear there are historical places to see. Things are good.

It should not be overlooked that Hoi An is also the tailoring center of Vietnam. There are about 150 shops dedicated to making custom tailored clothing of all types, particularly and inexplicably wool jackets. As our return to reality approaches, we recognized some glaring holes in our (well, Kyle's) domestic wardrobe. So Kyle got a 3 piece pinstripe suit with the idea that looking respectable will make her more employable. And being that we're in our 20s and its Spring, wedding season is upon us, so Kyle got a custom-made little silver number. Kate's obsession with outerwear led to the Great Jacket Hunt of 2009, which was completed in the sweaty 90 degree heat of mid-day mid-coast Vietnam. A dedicated shopper, the heat and language barrier could not deter Kate from finding exactly what she wants in a short wool coat. Additionally, being measured across the bust and around the hips by tiny Vietnamese women after 4+ months of sticky rice and curry is a humbling experience. Kate would like to reiterate that it was a really, really hot process but ultimately incredibly rewarding. Plus, they take credit cards.

Realizing the bulk that these garments will add to our packs, we shipped home a box of well-worn and superfluous travel clothes, which should arrive in Portland sometime in July. Thank you, seamail.