I travelled from Hue to Hoi An by bus stopping at several touristy places. It took over 6 hours due to those stops when it normally takes about 4 even though it’s actually not that far. The traffic and the roads makes travel slow. The most interesting stop was at Marble mountain which is just outside Da Nang. It was used to quarry marble which was carved into statues but now the mountain is more valuable as a tourist attraction and the marble statues which are on display in large workshops around the mountain are carved from marble imported from China. While waiting for the bus to take off again I had probably one of the best meals so far in Vietnam – a noodle soup made by an old granny in a tent for the princely sum of £1. The guide on the bus also ate there and told me he had had 2 bowls – obviously the best place to eat at that location!
I had already booked a beautiful AirBnB called AN Retreat. It’s out in the suburbs overlooking a big rice paddy, so very quiet. It’s only been open for 2 1/2 months so everything is brand new and the owner has thought of every detail as far as the rooms and furnishings go. It’s very Scandi looking and they play soft jazz in the living room which has a small pool next to it. I’ve only been in the pool once so far as the weather isn’t exactly conducive to swimming.
I went to the rugby world cup semi final – England v NZ. where I met up with Nic the midwife from Hamilton, NZ. I’ve never been to a sports bar before so it was a new experience for me. They had about 20 large screens so no matter where you were standing or sitting you could see. It was fun – especially as England beat the Kiwis! I went out for dinner with Nic after that and cycled home late at night – that was a bit scary as it was the first time I did that in the dark but actually it’s fine even down our little lane.
Anna's Travels 