Shopping, Biking and Cooking in Hoi An

Hoi An is a small and picturesque town on the central coast which is famous for its quaint little streets and it's awesome tailors. The Japanese occupied the town for a while and left many influences, including the Japanese covered bridge. The shopping was fun and Erika found a nice shop where we each had dresses made (now we have birthday outfits!) and she had some red sandals made to fit her foot too.

The lantern-filled walking streets were very nice to walk around and it was certainly cooler here and will continue as we head farther north.

On our second day, we started off with an excellent bike ride through town and then to the neighboring fields where the locals were busy tending to their farms and gardens. We even had a chance to ride a water buffalo which was bumpy. It was a great bike ride!

That evening, eight of us walked to a lovely riverside restaurant for a cooking class! Many of y'all know I'm not a good cook (and never really try) but this was really fun! I started with the only cooking step I'm good at: opening the wine (one of the best Spanish wines Ive ever had... plan to find it while in Spain!). We each had a role as we learned how to prepare stuffed fish in banana leaves, lemongrass calamari, sweet and sour wontons and vegetable spring rolls! Yes, Erika also ate some seafood too! She thankfully didn't have to stuff the fish (that was my job!) but cut perfect slices of calamari which were delicious. As we gobbled down our food, we all agreed dinner was delicious so at least my assistance didn't ruin dinner for everyone! E and I will definitely be searching out for cooking classes and who knows, I may just be treating y'all to an Asian feast upon my return! Angi, you're definitely getting a feast cooked by E and I!

Now on to Hue, the old imperial capital, as we continue our journey north!