Denang: a cleaner, calmer Vietman.

We are in Danang on our second third day and what a day it was. Yesterday was our big beach day. It took an eternity to get to the beach and worth every step of the way. Though the beach was almost completely deserted in a somewhat disturbing way, it was what we needed. Fresh, salt air, under a palm frond umbrella, chairs and crashing waves….perfection.

Today we wanted to explore farther. We saw everything interesting in Danang and were able to walk everywhere. There is a famous 75 meter tall white Buddha perched on a hill overlooking the city and requires an expensive taxi drive or a motorbike. We wanted to avoided the motorbike simply due to the fear of riding in a country that appears to drive with no rules. Michael was very brave and with his limited experience on a motorbike took the driver seat and we went off into neverland. Unfortunately, we had to get gas for the bike (you would think it would be full?) The station was not far, but we got turned around and ended up getting lost. We were close to giving up, but persevered and got on the right track. It was worth the effort, got to the Buddha and what a view and an experience.

Another subject that needs to be mentioned is how our eating has become more daring since arriving in Danang. In many ways we have had no choice. For some odd reason finding food is more challenging than in Hanoi. Our breakfasts have become Vietnamese and that means Pho or a savory soup. Yesterday for lunch it was a so so tasting, but more concerning health risk lunch eating off the street. The dinner last night was a banana blossom salad with pork and shrimp and sautéed eel in lemongrass/chili complete with the head. Today, we sought out a local specialty called Mi Quang on a local side street. It was a bowl of wide noodles with all kinds of goodies (boiled egg, chicken, pork, shrimp, gelatinous something, vegetables and fresh herbs) It came with some mystery pressed meat wrapped in banana leaf and a crispy thin flat bread. We loved it and would have it again. Some would say it was attractive, others frightening.

Danang has some wonderful markets. We explored several of them and though it is the typical repeat of offerings, we did find some things. As you can imagine, we get a lot of attention (more than the already excessive attention) and in a tight space, it can be a bit much. It is the best place to find good deals.

Tomorrow we are off to Hoi An, just to the south of Danang.