Yesterday afternoon we arrived in Hoi An - which is currently a bit flooded. We're here after much of the water has gone away, but there's parts of the town that are still inaccessible. When we got here, the street to our hotel was ankle deep with water, but it was chest deep in the morning. The streets have really high curbs because of the flooding that happens every year. The flooding this year is the worst they've seen in something like 10 or 15 years. What's truly amazing is the locals seem to make the best of it. They put most of their stuff up on the second floor when the rains come, so less gets damaged. Now they're working on washing the icky mud out of their brick/cement homes - and are still smiling. The photo below shows some of the flooded streets. These houses shoudl be about a block and a half from the river. Lucily the flooding hasn't stopped us from shopping! Hoi An is known for its tailors so last night a few of us went to one of them and ordered up some clothes to be made. I'm getting a wool jacket (like one to wear with jeans or trousers) - a copy of one from J Crew, a top, and a skirt. If they don't turn out well, I can always not purchase them. But I hope it works out! There are so many shops here and the buildings are really interesting - so we've all fallen in love with Hoi An. Throughout Vietnam you can see the large Chinese influence in the style of the buildings and the temples. It's a bit different than Cambodia and Thailand. 
Oh - and the coffee in SE Asia - sensational!! I have to limit myself so I'm not buzzing around everywhere. The coffee is a bit strong and has this beautiful smooth, rich flavor to it. I've purchased some beans to bring back and hopefully it tastes as good at home as it does here.
I've gotta run - off for my first fitting with the tailor!
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