Our next destination is the coastal town of Nha Trang, some 6 hours away.  We head down from the mountains on steep, narrow, windy roads.  Our driver decides to use the momentum to drive faster.  The road signs depict cars plummeting over the edge (positive reassurance).  Nha Trang turns out to be a Vietnamese tourist destination.  They flock to the beach to wade in the water.  They seem amazed when we actually swim.  As we build a sand castle, 15 Vietnamese gather around to watch us work.  Carrie is invited to join a young boy for a ride in his round wicker basket boat.  As she attempts to stand up, like the locals do, she gets scolded for her attempt at bravery.       The beach fun can only last so long.  We are off to the historic city of Hoi An.  We pass endless rows of checker-board rice paddies.  The tropical landscape and palm trees remind one of Hawaii.  I'm in awe at the beauty.  The 11 hour bus ride turns to 14 hours.  Hoi An is the most romantic and beautiful city we have visited.  The narrow, tree-lined streets are very quaint.  The old French influenced architeture is magnificent.  The town boasts Chinese and Japanese districts with pre-19th century buildings.  Wood carvings and oil paintings abound.  The morning fish market is overwhelming with the sights and smells of authentic Vietnam.  The rainy season hits us hard here.  Two days of heavy rain are rewarded when Carrie suggests we stay at the local beach resort...swimming pool, tennis courts, jacuzzi, breakfast buffet (I was happy when we had our own bathroom).  She doesn't have to twist my arm too much. We stay almost a week in Hoi An, losing ourselves in the many shops and alleys.      Another bus ride (we're getting used to these things), and we arrive in the ancient capital city of Hue.  The tombs of the past emperors of Vietnam are enshrined here.  The trouble is...so are thousands of Vietnamese and American soilders.  Battle fields litter the outskirts of town.  A short drive away is the DMZ.  I feel apprehension and  concern that there will be resentment toward my American blood.  The people of Vietnam, though, seem to have moved on from the war long ago.  The only lingering effects of the war are the massive bomb craters that inhabit the landscape.
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