Halloween, 2012
DaNang, Hoi An Vietnam
Pouring Rain, Fierce Winds, Typhoon Like
So yesterday was our first day to explore Hoi An. But since I was on a mission to get clothes made I told my guide that visiting the top tailor in Hoi An is the priority. Wonderful Dhat, picked us up promptly at 10am on a sunny and hot day to whisk us to Hoi An.
He took us to Yaly, a long time tailor in Hoi An and made sure we got VIP service. 2 hrs later, I ended up ordering 2 dresses, 5 blouses and 3 skirts. Whew! But it was fun. I love their attention to detail and incredible fabric choices.
Then it was time to explore the town a bit, especially the galleries. Because it took us too long to order clothes, we agreed to have our walking tour the next day esp since we had to do our 2nd fittings.
The Japanese Bridge: Hoi An was one of the most important trading ports in the 15th century onwards. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage sight.
I was most interested in art so we stopped at many galleries but did not see anything I like. Seemed too mass produced. But then we found a unique gallery with an artist in residence. I LOVED his work. So I ended up buying two of his pieces at an incredibly good price. Both are big pieces so I hope I can carry it on to the plane cuz I'd hate to get it stolen!
My purchase No. 1 and the artist
My purchase No. 2
It was SO hot and humid that we were all dripping in sweat after intense shopping. But it was time for our cooking lesson. The meeting place was at the Red Bridge Cooking School restaurant in Hoi An. I was so hot and dripping in sweat that I immediately asked for sparking water to cool down. Sandra, being the Canadian, ordered the local beer which she loved.
An, one of the chefs met us to take us on a tour of the local market. He was Fab! He patiently explained to us the different ingredients used in Vietnamese cooking and answered all of our questions.
Marbled – quail eggs, White- duck eggs, Brown- chicken eggs
Since we were at the market in the late afternoon, most of the sellers who happened to be women where either chewing on betelnut or….
sleeping next to their produce or meat!
We also learned from An, how to buy good Vietnamese coffee. Good Vietnamese coffee is to smell like chocolate. And sure enough, when we did a test, he was right! He also took us to a store to show us basic Vietnamese cooking ingredients and tools: A good cleaver, spices and fish sauce. What I LOVED about the spices and fish sauce are that NO MSG is used. It has been interesting to learn that every restaurant I've been to so far in Vietnam make it clear they do not use MSG which is fabulous for me as I have developed an allergy for MSG.
After the market tour, it was time to get on a boat to the cooking school. So cool to take a ride down the main river in Hoi An. Although I question the water quality near the town, once we got away, we saw wildlife and lush vegetation and serene peacefulness which I have been sorely missing for the past few months.
The Beginning of the Boat Ride
View of the Market from the Boat Ride
Fishing Boats
Friendly boaters
Only had seconds to take a photo of this beautiful bird. Not a good picture but take my word for it.
What to do when on a boat ride in Hoi An and need to go to the bathroom. No worries, there is a port-a potty, where the waste goes directly into the river. Nope, I will not be swimming in the river anytime soon.
But as we got closer to the cooking school, we saw less contamination and more beauty and vegetation.
And then we arrived at the Red Bridge Cooking School!
Once we arrived, An took us on a tour of the herb garden which was another educational experience. When I go back to the States, I'm more determined than ever to start a garden.
"Fish Herb" stinky but good for adding tast in marinades
Then it was time for our cooking lesson with Fi, An's brother. He first demonstrated how to make a seafood salad served in a pineapple. That followed by us learning how to make fresh rice paper which was a bit challenging but fun. We made fresh Vietnamese spring rolls with our freshly made rice paper. But the highlight was learning how to make Hoi An pancakes which was alot of fun. Both Sandra and I ended up buying the special pan to make the pancakes!
Vietnamese Seafood Salad
Making rice paper. Have to move fast but "easy". Mine though weren't perfect circles
Fresh spring rolls
Hoi An savory pancakes. So much fun to make.
We also learned how to make decorative food. I failed with the zucchini but did OK with the tomato flower.
After the cooking lesson and feasting on our creations, it was time to go back to the town of Hoi An for our first fittings at Yany. I'm so glad we went back into town because the town was lit with lanterns that were so beautiful Vietnamese people believe hanging a couple of lanterns in the house will bring luck and happiness. Now that I have seen the lit lanterns, I am now a believer. Something to think about for my place in Tokyo.
Hoi An Street Sign
It was a very long day. I came back sweaty, hot and feeling gross. But thanks to the turn down service at the Intercontinental, I recovered. Especially, when they prepared a rose petal bath for me. Ahhh. Bliss. What a great way to end a fab day.