Sick of Vietnam Posts? Too Bad!

 We read some Trip Advisor reviews about a bicycle tour of Hoi An that was kid friendly so this was on our list for our stay here. While we were in town T stopped at a tour shop and booked the 4 of us in for a bicycle tour of the area for Thursday morning. We were all excited to see the country- beyond the touristy stuff- and get some exercise as a family. 

 Things started our a little rough. One look at the bikes told us that their safety was questionable but the friendly guide was ready to go, so we placed a child on the back of each bike and started down the road. Moments later C and I found ourselves laying on the road when, while pushing off to gain some momentum, my ankle rolled off the uneven road and the bike went down. Several motorbikes stopped to help, and a shopkeeper ran to our aid. They picked us up, dusted us off, and we tried again. This time, with success.
First thing was to navigate through Hoi An's busy streets to the river where a small boat awaited us. He took us (bikes and all) to a nearby village known for their wood carving and boat building.

The big net below is used to catch fish. The net is lowered into the water, the fish swim over top, and then the net is pulled up. There were many in the river, along with fishing boats.

There were men hard at work building and repairing fishing boats. The kids really enjoyed the explanation of how these men do their work, using some of the same methods they have used for centuries.

Then, back through Hoi An and out into the country.

A stop at the rice fields. I think these farmers are used to people stopping for a rice farming lesson. They showed us the plants, picked flowers for D, and gave me several striking poses for the camera. And then asked for a tip!

Organic vegetable farm. This was a highlight as D has been learning a lot about plants in school and they've planted their own vegetable garden.

On route from a fishing village (where I took no photos, apparently) to a pottery village I was so impressed with D on the back of that bike. Never complained- and that little platform could not have been comfortable.

Next stop was a pottery village. D is getting to be an expert at this pot throwing thing. She and the little girl at this shop made fast friends.

4+ hours later, we were back at the tour shop, exhausted, hungry, but wildly proud of ourselves for accomplishing and loving our morning's adventures. Time for lunch and ice cream.

After having such a positive experience having clothes made for T and myself, we decided to take D in for something special. We've heard about a father/daughter dance coming up next month so I took D in to have a gown made. She knew just what she wanted (she had even drawn a picture of it) so we took her to the tailor after lunch and watched as she and the ladies there worked their magic.

Fabric choices- satin and silk. And taking measurements.

We returned the next day for a fitting. Happy girl with her pink color, short sleeves, and poofy skirt.

D requested a satin headband and satin roses for the headband and the sash. At first the girl said they do not do hair accessories, but then gave in and was able to have them made.

Will be sure to blog about that event when it rolls around.