Hoi An days...

Today is Wednesday, I think!!

Yesterday I had fantastic day at the Red Bridge Cooking School, recommended by my friend Ann Connell. As she did I booked for the full day 8 am to 3pm. I had an early breakfast and left the hotel about 7.30, I was in town by 7.45 to stroll up the river to the meeting point at Hai Cafe

After the welcome drink we were met by Tan, the head chef at Red Bridge. First he took us to an organic herb farm at a village just outside the town. 250 families live there with 3-4 generations working. The old people in Vietnam do not get a pension and are supported by the family. We met a very 94yr old man!

The farm was very well ordered and we identified and smelled all sorts of herbs used in Vietnamese cooking, and which we would be using later.

94 yrs old!!

Then we went to the market to buy a few supplies...

We also visited a professional chef equipment stall and most of us bought a few items which the chef recommended

Then we were off  in the minibus a short distance to the Red Bridge Cookery School, which also has a restaurant. It is located in a small village down river from Hoi An. 

The kitchen was 'outdoors' well shaded, and everything was set out for us.  We made four dishes consuming them in stages which was good. All the time we were amply supplied with drinks from water, fruit juices, beer and wine.

Making rice noodles

Shrimp in banana leave prep

My parcel!

Cooking fish in a clay pot

Eating!!!

Then we were treated to some dragon dancing which had been arranged for the group having lunch in the restaurant, as great extra! It was performed by boys age 12-13.

At the end of the session a boat came to pick us up, so we got river trip back to Hoi An and were lucky to see a fisherman on the way.

We eventually got back to town circa 3.40, I had a walk around and then met Michael and Amanda. M went for a fitting for his present, and then we found a riverside cafe/bar and sat down with a drink for almost an hour, while Amanda went shopping.   Andrew and Orlo arrived circa 6.0pm and we had dinner at the Morning Glory restaurant, which was very busy. The food was good apparently, needless to say I wasn't hungry and just had a taste.

We then saw Hoi An at night for the first time, a great atmosphere with lanterns everywhere.

 We got back to the room about 8.pm for a very welcome feet up!!!