A couture feeding frenzy

When a shark feeds, its eyes roll back into its head and an opaque second eye-lid closes for protection during the frenzy.

As Erin and I swam into the rich waters of Hoi An, the garment capital of Vietnam, we could feel our eyes instinctively rolling back as we prepared for ... a couture feeding frenzy.

Hoi An is located on the central coast of Vietnam, set back about 5km from the beach along a brackish river. Largely untouched during the American War, the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (yes, another one) with strict architectural guidelines for development. The result is a very walkable, quaint and vibrant town - full of tailor shops and cobblers. Rrrr.

Throughout town, there are literally hundreds of custom tailors plying their wares. Since it is the Christmas Season (not to mention, the Festival of Lights), our natural materialistic instincts are peaking. Chum these waters with thousands of bolts of colorful fabric and smiling Vietnamese women in silk gowns and you have the makings of a frenzy.

And frenzy we did. What seemed like an excessively generous budget on our way into town became a challenging constraint in the heat of the feed. Going on instinct alone (and Erin's impeccable fashion sense), we bought pants, jackets, pajamas (silk, randy), shirts, blouses (what's the difference anyway?), jeans, shoes and more.

And why not, every purchase saves money in the long run. We can't afford not to buy now. Or at least our rationalization goes.

As I write, I am sitting in the fourth tailor of the day, long since past the limits of my interest. Yet on we forge - finding new patterns, styles and bargains with each step.

Now six blocks from the hotel, I am regretting not bringing a flashlight and overnight bag, as I contemplate the dozens of clothing and shoe stores between us and our home base.

As I look at Erin, I can detect the second lid, still closed tightly over her (oh so pretty) eyes. But I trust she is approaching satiation, at least for today. It is said, however, a shark must feed every day.