Friendly Faces From Afar

The excitement in the house was palpable today, as we awaited the arrival of Megan and Danny (dear Vermont friends on their own traveling adventure).

As I clicked off the last few minutes of my run this afternoon, a yellow taxi screeched to a halt on the road not far in front of me.  Taxis screech to a halt pretty much anywhere anytime here, so that in and of itself was not alarming.  When I saw the rear passenger door fling open, and a woman jump out, I had a moment of panic.  "This is it," I thought.  "This is where my abduction occurs - on some rinky-dink lane running along a rice paddy.  Just chop me up now and toss me in the muck."

Then I realized the woman was headed for me - ready for a big hug.  It was Megan!  Wacky and random as travel stories often are...our reunion occured unplanned on a back road of Hoi An.  Danny was the one who noticed me running and apparently figured it couldn't possibly be anyone else...ATPW on the run in Hoi An.  There just aren't that many of us out there.

Happily reunited, Danny and Meg checked into a hotel, rented bikes and came to the house to surprise the kids.  They heard Megan's voice and didn't even glance up...too used to the sound of their favorite babysitter arriving to spend the evening.  Once they realized who was there, it was hugs all around.  Faces from home make us all so happy!

So, it was off to Morning Glory and Cargo for a tasty dinner and dessert to welcome our friends to Hoi An.  The Ancient City was in its full glory for the first full moon after Tet - packed to the gills.  We gave Meg and Danny just a taste of the excitement of Hoi An and will let them explore for real tomorrow.  Welcome!

Lovin' it!