January 10, 2006 - page 2

chance to practice my negotiating skills and I think I did pretty well for a first-timer. As Dr. Wyatt put it, we witnessed capitalism at its best and it seems the people are not only transforming themselves into market economists, they are embracing capitalism.

From the Marble Mountains we traveled to Hoi An, a beautiful and charming colonial town on the Thu Bon River. It was disappointing that we could only spend one night there, as this city has become my favorite part of the trip, by far. Hoi An is exactly how I and many of my peers pictured a small

Vietnamese town, and this is perhaps why we like it so much. The peaceful charm of Hoi An was a welcome break from the bustling city life. Our hotel is equally quaint.

Once we settled in, we took a walking tour of the town, ending at Phung Hung House, a 200-year-old house that has been owned by the same family for 8 generations. Here we watched the women do silk embroidery and drank green tea as we toured the home. I bought my mom a tablecloth and napkin set with silk embroidered water lillies that I think she'll love.

From there we went our separate ways for the evening. My group enjoyed dinner outside along the river. I had delicious grilled shrimp served in a banana leaf. After dinner, we took advantage of Hoi An's famous silk industry and other shopping along Le Loi Street.

?I'm calling it an early night again, as I'm starting to feel much better and don't want to press my luck.