As the train pulled out of the station, the scenery gave way to vast expanse
of padi fields and plantations.
of padi fields and plantations.
Big and small fields are peppered with grazing cows, cows ploughing the
fields, or simply cows soaking in their own mud pools.
Apart for the padi field scenery, the route took the Editor past some ridges
running along the sea coast and past some cloud-covered mountain ranges.
It was an intriguing sight to travel along the countryside. I truly enjoy
countryside train rides. You never know what you expect.
===
The train ride took a little past eight hours. But the hours were much more
passable, as the seat had more leg room and you could walk around, very much
unlike the bus.
The bus ticket is much more cheaper but does not necessarily mean it is
better. One would end the ride with a more sore bum and back that you wished
once is enough.
Therefore for my return trip to Ho Chi Minh, the thought of surviving a 20
odd hour train ride/ bus ride was definitely unthinkable. The next best
option and most arguable expensive option would be the plane trip.
===
So the train stopped, but in Danang. The train does not make a pit stop in
Hoi An, there is not a station there, Danang is but a short 45 minutes away
by a speeding vehicle.
By late afternoon, I was plonked into a pre-arranged hotel at Hoi An.
After what it seemed like a quick change, I went for my addiction -
caffeine.
The aroma of Viet coffee never fails to stimulate, and I am not talking
about the N-brand we have back home. One must have a good patience to endure
the dripping of the pure coffee taste.
It can be served hot or cold, with sugar or milk. An average cup can come in
the range of 7,000 to 10,000 VD (SGD 0.70 to 1.00)
---
Hoi An - is officially an UNESCO protected site. It is one of the few sites
in Vietnam that come under the umbrella cover of the UN and thus initial impressions have not gone to waste.
Most of the buildings were akin (in architecture) to what we USED to have in
Singapore. Most of the buildings were unaimously splashed with a coat of yellow some long time back and the whole ancient town is in DIRE need of
repair.
The houses were not left in a state of disrepair though. Most of them are
occupied by business and I seriously mean business.
Hoi An being an tourist attraction, its citizens naturally turn to one party
for livelihood - tourists.
Tailoring and cobblers - are naturally the town's two main industries. I am
a witness and can testify to that.
Tailors - big and small, have established themselves literally all over Hoi
An. There is literally no spot in the town where there are no tailors
around. All shops are stacked, with bales and bales of cloth, for men and
ladies.
An suit (jacket and pants) with good material costs only 70 USD. This is a
far cry from what Singapore and HK tailors could match.
Besides tailors, most shops either independently craft shoes out for a
living or they double up as tailors. Whatever you need, what G-brand or
L-brand Fall/ Winter 2006 collection interest you, they have the design.
You only need to put your FOOT down and pay the bill at the end of the day.
This is the Editor signing off from Hoi An.
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