The Road to Hoi An

There is so much to remember from the time that we left Hue and arrived in Hoi An that I feel overwhelmed in trying to recount it all. But let me begin with leaving the hotel:

There are two vans that we are transported in - 12 passenger, Mercedes Benz with the best feature of all, air conditioning. From the hotel we were transported out of town for about a 20 minute ride. Pulling off the highway we were greeted by our two mechanics, bikes all lined up - ready to go, our water bottles filled. I have to digress here a little and share the story our guide Ninh told us:

A grandfather and his grandson were visiting some friends and the young boy interrupted the conversation to tell his grandfather he needed to pee. At first the grandfather pretended not to hear him but the grandson was persistent. Finally the grandfather took him to the bathroom and explained to him that it was rude to make that type of request in front of other people and suggested that he instead say, "I need to sing." Some days later, late at night the boy woke up needing to pee. He went to his grandfather to tell him but the grandfather was deep in sleep. Finally the boy awoke his grandfather and said, "I need to sing." The grandfather said, "No, you can sing tomorrow." The boy persisted, "No Grandfather, I really, really need to sing." The grandfather explained that it would be too disruptive and would wake his parents who worked very hard. The boy said, "But Grandfather I must sing." Finally his grandfather said, "Okay, if you must but sing quietly in my ear."

Ninh used this story as a way to explain to us when we need to use the bathroom that sometimes we will have to sing by a 'happy bush or tree'!

After using the happy tree we were off through some of the most amazing countryside in the world (admittedly, I am not a world traveler but I must believe that this was extraordinary.) Along the way we were greeted by friendly adults and children yelling, "HELLO" and "What is your name?" The children like to line the roads, hold out their hand and give you 5. We were warned to be careful however, because sometimes they accidentally hold on!

The roads were fairly good, rutted in some areas but overall very rideable. Traffic was mostly scooters but an occasional truck or bus. All along you would get glimpses of the ocean, rice fields, pigs, cows, goats and my favorite, water buffalo!

It is very hot here and certainly humid. I swear everything I put on is immediately soaked through. Cycling is great because the air moving - instant air conditioning but stopping is tough. We could have cycled for 70 miles, 10 of miles were up a large pass with switch backs. Only four of the men optioned for that and two of them made it the entire way. The remained of us were transported to the summit where we rode down to panoramic views of the aquamarine ocean and white beaches . . . unbelievably beautiful.

Our hotel is in the center of the city. Small and quaint, it doesn't quiet compare to our other hotel but nevertheless, it is nice. Today we are taking a half day tour and then we can explore the city on our own. This is an excellent place to have clothing made and I might explore this possibility.

I am going to give a shout-out to Pedatours. You don't have to be Lance Armstrong to enjoy the riding. Our accommodations, equipment, and tour information has been excellent. Our guides are well informed and courteous. Although I have no other experience to compare them with I would say they're top notch!

I'm off to breakfast, until tomorrow. I miss you all, think often of you and include you in my prayers. Thank you for your comments, I feel a little less homesick when I see what you've written. I love you all!