Helpless Addicts

Day 57: Hoi An (VN). “The only regrets you have in life are the things you don't do”, said Karen reciting our own life mantra. It was that philosophy that brought us on our travels in the first place but here we were, sat on a beach in tropical Vietnam, having gorged ourselves on fresh seafood, contemplating the possibilities for our next trip. The 'Road to Bangkok' was supposed to have been a one off; the fulfilment of our long-time travelling ambition. But just like the prawns, once we had acquired the taste, we just wanted more and more. We were helplessly addicted.

Wandering around the Hoi An was like walking through a living museum. A thriving sea port in the 17th Century, the town took its influence from the fusion of Japanese, Chinese, Indian and European cultures provided by the assembly of international merchants that prospered here so successfully. This, combined with the underlying French architecture, made the place feel much more like a sleepy Mediterranean fishing village than any other Vietnamese (or for that matter Asian) town that we had previously visited.

Down on the wharf, a constant stream of small boats came and went; unloading their bounty of fresh seafood from these plentiful waters. As fast as the catch could be brought ashore it was whisked away to serve the many beach bars and restaurants along this stunning coast. And Karen and I were not far behind! Seeking out some of the largest, freshest, tastiest, (and cheapest!) prawns we had ever tasted. Yummm!