If you are a fan of travel websites like I am, Hoi An is consistently voted as the place “I wish I spent more time” and now I understand why. It is beautiful there, and architecture that is a thousand years old. I read that both sides during he American war agreed to NOT bomb this place, so much history at risk. So today, we still visit the markets, temples, bridges and entire buildings built without nails as people have for hundreds of years in this ancient river city.

The best way to see things is (we know the answer). Jumped on the bikes and then boarded a local boat to the islands which comprise farming communities — no cars here, just scooters and bikes, small lanes and kids who run after you shouting “hello, hello, where are you from? ? ?” It was great, farmers tilling their rice fields or using the water buffalo to plow. We rode around the entire island and then left for China Beach. A popular R&R spot for American GI’s in the 60’s and 70’s, so much so, a TV series was made to dramatize their stories. Makes sense though, an area that no one bombs becomes a restful oasis. Today it is full of resorts, even though Dave and I are pedaling along doesn’t mean we don’t stop at a fine hotel for lunch.

Off for five days to an island off Nha Trang called Whale Island Resort), for some R&R and bring in the New Year.