My Threesome With the Tobins vs. Dog Day in Hoi An

I bet you're just a wee bit curious about my title. . .

The Tobins are a couple from Gig Harbor, Rick and Jennifer. This afternoon during lunch we decided that we each needed a massage. After checking in with our hotel it was recommended that we go to their sister resort, about a ten minute taxi ride away (it actually took only three minutes). When we arrived at this beautiful resort we were ushered off to the spa. It was very luxurious, marble, teak wood, great Feng Shen. None of the employees spoke English and so it was with some pantomiming they were able to communicate to us to get into the back area. The three of us were then handed a tank top and satin shorts. While the three masseuse watched, we were instructed to take off our clothes! Awkward! Not only were they all watching but I have only know the Tobins for three days! Of course we turned our backs to one another and changed.

We all agreed afterward that it was one of the best massages ever, well actually it was Jennifer's first but Rick and I thought it was different than normal but exceptional. The masseuse actually gets up on to the table and practically stands on your back . . . all this excitement for $20 US!!!

Hui An is a beautiful resort town, much more tourist-like than Hue or even Hanoi. It is located on the river (wish I could tell you which one but I would have to run upstairs to get the itinerary) and has a real interesting Asian European feel. A million shops line the streets and sell everything, including custom made clothing and shoes. I had a coat, two dresses and a pair of shoes made and from choosing the fabric, pattern and measuring to delivery it took only six hours. I really like each piece and it was fun to have something custom made!

We walked through a huge market where row upon row was filled with every kind of fruit, vegetable, animal, noodle, and egg you could imagine. Along the narrow rows motorcycles and bicycles passed by along with people and their purchases. It was orchestrated chaos.

There are dogs everywhere. On any street corner or inside shops you'll find mostly small dogs - they look like Chihuahua. I got this great picture of a Chihuahua wearing a dress and pearls. The dogs are very friendly, they don't beg and they don't seem to bark. Actually they seem to be somewhat indifferent and although appearing well fed, they just walk around or sleep. I would like to be a dog in Hoi An!

It still is hot here, 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit and of course humid. Tomorrow we ride for 40 kilometers in the morning and then another 50 kilometers in the afternoon. Our accommodations for the arrival are supposed to be substandard but it is the only place to stay in town. I'll let you know my opinion about that tomorrow - or maybe the following day if there isn't Internet access.

And Jim, I will get pictures of the children. I am in love with Vietnamese children. They are not only physically beautiful, they are polite and seem so full of joy and wonder. I feel so blessed to be experiencing this wonderful vacation.