After the gruesome night bus we arrived in Hoi An. Our hostel allowed check in from 1pm onwards and we had arrived at 8am. This meant we had to find things to do to keep busy. We started by getting an egg coffee which was great. Then we found a bagel place and fueled up with loaded bagels.

A short walk later we found the leather shop. We wanted custom Birkenstocks. The lady measured our feet and then we got to choose a design and materials. I went for a dark green two strap sandal and robin the same but in light blue.

Next we went to the tailors. We got measured and customized clothes to be ready the next day. I got trousers, waistcoat, and a libel shirt. Robin got a co ordinating waist coat and trousers in dark green.

After a light lunch we found a lantern making workshop. We chose our lantern shape, mine was the garlic and robin’s the hot air balloon, and we chose our fabric. We then had to glue fabric panels to the bamboo frame and trim the excess. Running on 4 hours sleep I became very frustrated and Robin had to help me a lot with my lantern. The end result was worth it!

Finally we were able to check into our hostel. I had a nap whilst Robin had some snacks. The hostel was having a bloc party in the evening so we decided to go. There was a bbq and a bar with free flow drinks for 2 hours. This ended with us going out and spotting the Mr Bean themed bar (we have no idea why it’s here either).

The next day we pulled ourselves out of bed early to go back to the tailors. My outfit was perfect with no alternating needed. Robin needs a few and so we will go back the next day.

We wandered around old town visiting the Japanese bridge, jewelry shops, silk shops for my mum, food stalls, the River, and other cute walking streets.

Before long it was time to collect our Birkenstocks from yesterday. They fit both of us perfectly.

Early night to recover from both the bus and the bloc party.

-M