Hoi An

Reid is off picking up the last of our custom made clothes--we already brought home two big bags on the motorbike we rented (and, really, riding a motorbike laden down with packages is a cultural experience). We are in a bit of a rush, because we need to get it all packaged and in the mail this evening because we are leaving on the train at 10:00 am tomorrow morning for Nha Trang.

We didn't end up doing much here in Hoi An other than shopping, which was a result of Reid only feeling about 50% for the past couple days (cold or flu bug we think) and our constant fittings (our own fault for not ordering more up front). So, we don't have many pictures. Which is sad, because I have had to jump on the back of a motorbike (or, yesterday an electric bike) to go to the tailor factory to show the guys actually making my suit the problem (the bust has been a bit of a challenge) several times. The shopping has been fun and we did make it to the beach one afternoon and our hotel has a pool which we've enjoyed several times.

But, we are pretty excited about our haul. Reid got four new suits and a pair of grey slacks and a brown sport coat as well as 12 work shirts and 5 more casual shirts. I got three suits (including slacks and a skirt), two skirts, a casual dress, two formal dresses, three work dresses, and ten shirts. It's definitely weird to be spending so much money in one fell swoop when we've been on a travel budget, but I'm sure once we're back at work, we'll only regret not getting more. And, it'll be fun to remember the experience each time we wear one of our pieces to work and to share the story whenever we get complimented on our suit/dress/ shirt (good interview material for Reid, maybe).

In other news, we need to re-route our ticket in the next couple of days, so be on the look out for an update on where we'll be going. Teaser: last check, Africa was out and Sumatra is in.