Rain at last

We have been around markets before but this time, Lynh, our chef for the day, accompanied us. She explained about how the market worked and which vegetables, meat and fish the locals used. She was quirky and fun with a lightning fast wit and sharp sense of humour. Her language was colourful too, and we soon learned which spices were “bloody hot” After her rampage through the stalls she took us by boat to the Red Bridge Restaurant where she works and where she delivered a 2 hour cookery class. Similar fun and similar choice language. Spring rolls, crispy rice pancakes and a Vietnamese chicken stew were demonstrated, copied and then eaten. Dave impressed with his tomato carving and Margie amused with her pancake flipping whilst Cathie tried her best. 

After a hearty lunch eating what we had cooked - and a bit extra, we headed back down the river and in to the city. It was raining so we hid in a variety of coffee and clothing shops before wandering back to our hotel. We carried with us a few bags of silk and linen clothing which had appeared as if by magic, and with Margie the proud owner of some silver earrings in the shape of Vietnamese conical straw hats.