Our last day in Hoi An saw light rainfall most of the day, but temperatures were still pleasant. The map below shows our accommodation on the island (the blue dot in the lower left corner) with the 'Old Town' through the central right on the northern side of the river.
The 'obstacle' with signage in the photo below was wheeled into the middle of each of the access roads to the 'Old Town' for the periods when cars and scooters are banned. Made for a very pleasant experience.
Several times, we saw a wedding party being photographed in the picturesque parts of the town. Later, we heard that the photographs are taken before, sometimes days before, and great importance is placed on good photos.
One such 'photo place' was outside the restaurant we were at last night.
Flooding is common in the Old Town, especially along the foreshore, and the house below (visited courtesy of Kate's tourist tickets) has markers showing the heights of various floods. The houses we visited all had trapdoors in the roof of the lower floor so furniture and valuables could be winched to an upper floor as a flood rose.
That's the price you pay for a waterfront property.
The house shown below had lovely, red plastic stools but their beauty was impacted by the intricate stone and iron inlaid furniture behind.
Waiting outside the tailor while fittings occurred gave a chance for observing locals and tourists as they passed by.
The rickshaws still operated with waterproof coverings and most scooter riders seemed to have a purpose-made cover which fitted over the handlebars and over their shoulders with a hood for their heads.
The rain did not negatively impact on the coffee and the 'Larue' which still seemed quite palatable.
As the tide rose, inundation seemed very close.
The markets were still in full swing, although tourist numbers were down.
Every trader is certain they have exactly what you want or need. It makes for a lively walk through.
An old historic well marks one end of the markets.
Another temple or two!
For lunch we headed for 'Balewell', another masterpiece from Kate's research. They serve a set menu, again for a low cost, and the food was lovely. Their philosophy is 'Do one thing and do it well!' Forgot to take photos, so had to settle for the hand towel/table napkin.
Another temple or pagoda.
Then we headed for the airport. Kate and I headed for Hanoi while Alex flew back to Singapore to return to work.
Not a lot of space... well actually, no leg room so the Steward found two empty seats down the back so I could sit side-on.
Arrived in Hanoi with accommodation in 'Old Town' at the Helios Legends Hotel. Kate continued my education in Asian food, this time it was Pho Ga (chicken noodle soup).
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