Fashion Queen

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Looking out the bus window from the South, I watched families in cone hats working the endless rice paddy fields and reflected on how Central Vietnam was once home to some of the most brutal and lengthy military attacks in modern history. I hope that our government has learned from our mistakes and acts wisely towards Iraq and compassionate towards its people.

Today, the paddy fields in Central Vietnam have grown over their war scars and the country seems like a thriving agricultural society. The towns are a bustle of tourist and local activity. We visited both Hoi An and Hue.

Hoi An is the tailoring capital of the country! Sewing machines clack away in the background, mounds of multicolored fabrics are stacked in every crevice, and tailors beckon out every few feet: 'I make you nice new pants!' 'You need a good-fitting shirt, I can tell.' The place was a godsend for a woman like me who spent 12 years in a school uniform and never gained a fashion sense beyond matching muted solids. I picked a couple of syles I liked and had pants and shirts made in different colors for my adult school uniform. :-) Even Jim got caught up in the fervor and stocked up. 'Excusez-moi, ou est l'office de FED EX?'

While I was caught up in fashion fever one day, Jim ventured out on his first motorcycle trip. He drove an hour out to China Beach (more than just a TV series). Instead of seeing reflecting on the history of the place, he was bombarded by locals on the beach selling, 'cold water for you!,' cigarettes, and other assorted 'yum yum.'