A'hoi An

Our return to Hanoi heralded some wet and windy times which saw the two of us staying close to porcelain. Was not exactly a highlight of the trip but luckily it didn't linger too long and we did make our day trip to Tam Coc and even managed some cycling. Was amazing scenery and we loved cycling and high fiving the little kids as we cruised through the village. Also did a boat ride through rice fields and some caves - became a slightly captive audience for our paddler who proceeded to open a grey box full of goodies that she was very keen for us to buy, not cool.

Caught an overnight train from Hanoi to Danang and both of our faces dropped as our compartment companions - a couple and a four month old baby joined us just as the train was pulling out. Have to say though it was a much easier travel companion than some of our Indian friends and there was not a problem. He was most fascinated with Colin, much to his fathers (a 60yr retired army officer) amusement, maybe this was the reason for him buying colin a beer at 8am in the morning!

Was beautiful scenery as we made our way down the country and we could start to see the calibre of beaches in store for us. Arrived Danang (home of China Beach - Janet I was thinking of you!) and caught a taxi to Hoi An.

Arrived at the Hai Au, in Hoi An to a very enthusiastic welcome from the reception team (Anna, Yemmi, Souw and Minh) who were amazing throughout our whole stay. Hoi An a very cute little town with a pedestrianised old town (well no cars - cycles, mopeds and motorbikes allowed)

Spent a couple of days cycling to and from the beach as we hadn't seen proper sunshine since India and had been having slight withdrawals. Beautiful white sand, lined with palm trees and clear blue water - just what the Doctor ordered.

Made the decision to get some clothes made as Hoi An is home to the majority of Vietnam's tailors (basically you can't move for Tailors shops). Colin got a suit and a jacket made and Anna decided that it was time for some clothes with a little extra give as the bump seems to have decided it is time to start growing. Really happy with the end result - Colin looked very dapper, now just needs a job in banking. Crazy how quickly they can get it all done - particularly as Anna ended up sending hers back a couple of times as she wasn't quite happy - think a hot day and raging pregnancy hormones probably didn't help.

Young Mr Redfearn celebrated another year on earth whilst in Hoi An and we decided to spend the day ar Redbridge Cooking School. Splashed out and decided to do the whole day course which ended up seeing us as the only students - private cooking class, what more could you ask for. We started with a trip to an organic herb/vegetable garden in the country and then a country market to get bits and pieces for our cooking. Made four traditional Vietnamese dishes - Pho (Beef noodle soup), Cha Ca (Fish Hot Pot), Shrimp, Lemongrass and Chili in Banana Leaf and Chicken Vietnamese Salad. We even learnt how to make our own rice noodles. Also got full use of the schools swimming pool, free bar (great for birthday boy), boat ride home, recipe book and apron and everything we made to eat! Was a great day and we can't wait to try out our new recipes and skills - any volunteers?

The birthday was topped off by the lovely ladies in reception who welcomed us back from our day out with a beautiful birthday cake for colin.