Danang and Hoi An

A few technical issues today….. the gangway won’t go down. Waiting, waiting, waiting…. Problem solved , trucks,crane, lots of discussion and we are on the way. Be careful of the stampede as all those anxious tourists run to get the bus, leaving us sensible travellers to walk leisurely to our bus. Got your ticket and landing pass.

Danang appears to be a combination of modern and old buildings. Many of the old buildings are being renovated or redeveloped. I think they reflect the influence of both the French and earlier Chinese influences. What do you think?

Trivia for the day, there are 52 ethnic groups in Vietnam because of the different changes in dominance. The French settlers set up a museum and collected many forgotten artifacts. There was a danger the earliest settlers, the Cham people’s legacy being lost. See colonialism is not always bad! The Cham people came from Java in Indonesia. They initially embraced Hinduism but then Buddhism ,which is still the main religion and this is reflected in their statues.

 

Now unfortunately excursions in some countries are linked to you buying products. Having seen the statues of the Cham , we are off to a marble factory. Are you in the market for a smiling Buddha or perhaps some small stone statues? I liked the bird house but you wisely advised me that it was too big to pack.

 

To Hoi An, an example of a fishing port with traditional wooden villages. Watch out , the hawkers are coming with hats, sunglasses, fans and more. I feel overwhelmed. How about you? I think I need the local language for thanks but get lost.

Look at the Chinese temple. I love the gardens. There are lots of dragons for good luck.

Do you need cowboy boots? Every street is full of shops. What shall we buy ….. don’t forget to haggle.

 

Next stop is the oldest house in the village. It has been owned by the same family for 4 generations. They do amazing silk embroidery. The house has a kitchen and open rooms downstairs with an upper floor.It floods every year and family and the wooden furniture move upstairs..

 

Wow isn’t it hot and humid, I think we should check out the sights and then have lunch. I think we should check out a few more places and then find a shady spot until it is time to go. See the hawkers come to you …. You don’t need to move.

Aren’t you amazed at how much the can fit on either a bicycle or motorbike?

 

That cold shower was a lifesaver! Time to see the local theatre company perform. The costumes and music seem to be influenced by Chinese theatre but are amazing. Such precise movements and so well coordinated….quite a spectacular.