Vietnam Day 3: Hoi An.

Today was was an early start as we had a 9AM flight to get to Hoi An.
This is a place with a quaint history. Hundreds of years ago, when ships were run by wind power, this became a place where Japanese and Chinese businessmen could meet, buy and sell and do all that good stuff. The name Hoi An means ‘ two streets.’ One called Chinese street, the other Japanese street

After a while, two things happened. Diplomatic relations between Japan and China got better, so they could deal directly with each other and they didn’t need neutral territory anymore. And the steam ships were invented. Hoi An’s harbour wasn’t big enough to accommodate them. The place fell into disuse.

In the 1980’s, before Vietnam opened to the world, a Polish guy saw Hoi An and realised that Vietnam had a goldmine here. He advised the government to slap heritage protection on the buildings and open it up for tourists.

Everyone who comes here is glad they listened. This place is a gem.

We wandered through in the late afternoon, had dinner here and then I went for a much-needed massage.

Here is Hoi An:

Taken from the balcony of Hoi An’s oldest house, built in 1790. The same family still lives there and sells embroidery. The pink building is the Japanese bridge.

It’s like a Little Venice.

Lanterns everywhere.

We saw many marigolds with red ribbons tied around them. This is done when you really want something to happen and you make a wish.

Remember last year when I was on the top of the mountain in Whistler, looking at the spectacular view and then this song came on?
How funny to be reminded of it in such a different place!

During the day, only pedestrians and cyclists can use the streets. Occasionally, you’ll see a motorbike, but that’s only permitted for the people who live here.

Argh! Here is where I left my heart…

It’s a shop where they produce art by embroidering silk threads. I saw a magnificent piece.

It’s the one on the easel. They want $2,700 for it, UNFRAMED.

Yikes.

When you’re walking and you hear someone saying “Beepbeepbeep,” behind you, get out of their way!

This place is stunning. I already know I’d come back here in a heartbeat.
The best tailors in Vietnam are here, so if you want clothes made, this is the place.
The massages aren’t bad, either. A full 1 hour body massage with hot stones and aromatherapy for twenty Australian dollars?

Amazing.

Dad Joke of the Day:

I wanted to make sure that my daughter would be good at catching butterflies and fish.

So I called her Anette.