My strength is gradually returning. Until now, everything has been more exhausting than before, but I am no longer in “recovery” mode. Of course, I’m also interested in the markets in Hoi An, and I always wonder whether I’ll start taking pictures of the shop counters with my large-format camera again. But as soon as this thought occurs to me, I realize that I’m not fit enough yet.
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There are no floating market stalls here. Hoi An is a tourist hotspot, beautiful and protected by UNESCO since 1999. The shops are small, but unlike in the south, they have doors and mainly sell souvenirs. Numerous symbols, most of which are unfamiliar to us, refer to dynasties and history, both Japanese and Chinese.
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Of course, there are also some peculiarities here: this central part of the country is battered by autumn storms, including heavy rain. Some may remember that last year was particularly bad, with flood marks left in one of the historic houses.
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In preparation for the Lunar New Year Eve celebration, many young people dress up very chicly and take photos of each other, even staging themselves with professional photography equipment so they can show off the results on the big holiday. This celebration corresponds to New Year’s Day in our calendar and is celebrated over three days.
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We wanted to cycle from the city to the sea, but this didn’t work out because a private resort next to the construction site had also occupied the bridge that was supposed to take us to the next island. A detour would have been too far, so instead we got off our bikes in amazement to look at the stunning new architecture. The owner from Hanoi was there at the time and kindly invited us in. A private house with six bedrooms is being built here, all custom-made and beautiful! Here we were able to see the other side of prosperity, which was truly impressive.
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Today ends with work outside in a restaurant, starting with liquid Saigon :-). (Karin, as we often are…)
Wonderful atmosphere, nice music (maybe already on the third loop?), warmth…
Wonderful — warm regards to you all!
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