![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
I left HCMC on the 17th and planned to stay in Hoi An for 3 nights at the most. But this place is so amazing and chilled out that I am now planning to leave on Sunday. I haven't got the photos resized yet, so will be posting them soon, but here's a rundown of what's happened so far.
Train from HCMC to Hoi An
Leaving the hostel in HCMC, I was suggested that a motorcycle taxi would be OK to get taken to the train station on. I was dubious as I had to carry my big rucksack, on the back of the motorbike...anyway,I decided it would be OK for a small journey. Was I wrong? Yes, I was. Every time the guy accelerated, I had to hold on tighter to him while I would find myself trying not to fall off the back. It's not as bad as it sounds...I'm making a big deal of it a bit.
On the train, I was pleased to be sharing a cabin with a guy called Iain from Scotland...we got on well, and he was also heading to Hoi An, so we decided that we would hang out for the 24 hours that ghe would be there. I also chose to stay at his hotel...at least for 1 day.
The night's sleep was great, I woke early on the train, just before sunrise and was rewarded by some beautiful scenery. I took some photos and spent the rest of the morning watching scenery and sleeping in equal measures. We arrived in Danang Train Station just after lunch and Iain and I headed to Hoi An by taxi.
I'll post more on the following things I've done in the next day or two.
The Ancient HoiAn Town Walking Tour (with Iain from Scotland)
We started following a walking route through the town, stopping to see some interesting temples and buildings as well as gardens. We walked through the Central Market which was an experience...I stayed away from the sellers who had caged chickens and birds. It was funny to see people cycling / scootering along carrying all sorts of things...ladders, tonnes of bananans, even a pane of glass. But the best was standing on the main bridge on the river in town and watching life on the water. It was impressive to see people living on small boats, washing, cooking, sleeping...and the boat is probably 12 foot by 8 foot. And they're happy, not wanting for more.
Little boats going up and down the river - fishing, selling, taxi-ing...life as I have never seen it. It was an enjoyable eperience...watching life on the river.
The Japanese Covered Bridge
During a trip to Pennsylvania, USA, in 2003, I first came across covered bridges. They are quite a sight...I thought they were a Pennsylvania thing, but since then Ihave seen one in Innsbruck and now one in Hoi An. Nice little oddity really....influenced by the Japanese. Picture up soon.
Treat's Cafe Bar
This has been a great place to hang out and meet new people. On my first day here, I went to Treats for some dinner after which I had a drink and read a bit of my book. I was then asked by 2 girls from New Zealand to join them, which I graciously accepted. Jo and Nikki were good fun, and we enjoyed a couple of good evenings out,a few drinks, as well as some closely fought games of pool...another couple of guys (Jono, Dan) helped make up the teams on each of the nights. I think Nikki and Jo have a competitive streak against each other. I was partnered with Nikki and Jo partnered with Jono/Dan. In the end, it was close...I expect Jo and partner probably beat us...though we were evenly matched in the end. A great couple of nights out...lot of laughs. And hopefully be catching up with J&N when I am in Auckland.
Oh...and Treats does good food and drink too...
Jenny's Cafe Bar
This has been a nice little eatery for breakfast, and Jenny who is from Australia tells me about the local town as well as introduces me to the orphanage which I decide to visit...on my own (with no tour group). I write about that below.
Oh...and on the rare occasion that I amable to, I have an english breakfast at Jenny's. Reminds me of home.
My Son Temple Ruins
The My Son temple ruins are hindu temples in Vietnam...built in the 6th century, or so I believe, they were severely damaged during the bombing in 1969 during what the Vietnamese call the American War. The ruins are a serene, peaceful place...and are situated in the jungle...which was an experience, walking through them. I meet Dan on this trip (he who played pool and joined J&N for a night out).
The Boat Trip along the River
At the end of the temple ruins visit, we are taken on a boat cruise on the river...we have a light lunch - not so impressive - and see life on the river, similar to what I have described above. We stop at a wood carving village and see some wood carving in action...very impressive...but I don't buy anything, though I did like these noodle bowls made out of wood. Woodle bowls...huh?
The trip to the Marble Mountains
This didn't happen as the monsoon rains poured down today. So I couldn't go. So I read a book...what else do you do when there's a tropical storm outside? Maybe net time...
The trip to the Orphanage
I'm still digesting this trip I made to the orphanage. I'll write more on this soon...'cos it has affected me a bit. Suffice to say, for now, that a child's smile is one of those things that can really affect you. It's the reason why I am not going to talk about it today. Maybe later...
I'll be back...
Train from HCMC to Hoi An
Leaving the hostel in HCMC, I was suggested that a motorcycle taxi would be OK to get taken to the train station on. I was dubious as I had to carry my big rucksack, on the back of the motorbike...anyway,I decided it would be OK for a small journey. Was I wrong? Yes, I was. Every time the guy accelerated, I had to hold on tighter to him while I would find myself trying not to fall off the back. It's not as bad as it sounds...I'm making a big deal of it a bit.
On the train, I was pleased to be sharing a cabin with a guy called Iain from Scotland...we got on well, and he was also heading to Hoi An, so we decided that we would hang out for the 24 hours that ghe would be there. I also chose to stay at his hotel...at least for 1 day.
The night's sleep was great, I woke early on the train, just before sunrise and was rewarded by some beautiful scenery. I took some photos and spent the rest of the morning watching scenery and sleeping in equal measures. We arrived in Danang Train Station just after lunch and Iain and I headed to Hoi An by taxi.
I'll post more on the following things I've done in the next day or two.
The Ancient HoiAn Town Walking Tour (with Iain from Scotland)
We started following a walking route through the town, stopping to see some interesting temples and buildings as well as gardens. We walked through the Central Market which was an experience...I stayed away from the sellers who had caged chickens and birds. It was funny to see people cycling / scootering along carrying all sorts of things...ladders, tonnes of bananans, even a pane of glass. But the best was standing on the main bridge on the river in town and watching life on the water. It was impressive to see people living on small boats, washing, cooking, sleeping...and the boat is probably 12 foot by 8 foot. And they're happy, not wanting for more.
Little boats going up and down the river - fishing, selling, taxi-ing...life as I have never seen it. It was an enjoyable eperience...watching life on the river.
The Japanese Covered Bridge
During a trip to Pennsylvania, USA, in 2003, I first came across covered bridges. They are quite a sight...I thought they were a Pennsylvania thing, but since then Ihave seen one in Innsbruck and now one in Hoi An. Nice little oddity really....influenced by the Japanese. Picture up soon.
Treat's Cafe Bar
This has been a great place to hang out and meet new people. On my first day here, I went to Treats for some dinner after which I had a drink and read a bit of my book. I was then asked by 2 girls from New Zealand to join them, which I graciously accepted. Jo and Nikki were good fun, and we enjoyed a couple of good evenings out,a few drinks, as well as some closely fought games of pool...another couple of guys (Jono, Dan) helped make up the teams on each of the nights. I think Nikki and Jo have a competitive streak against each other. I was partnered with Nikki and Jo partnered with Jono/Dan. In the end, it was close...I expect Jo and partner probably beat us...though we were evenly matched in the end. A great couple of nights out...lot of laughs. And hopefully be catching up with J&N when I am in Auckland.
Oh...and Treats does good food and drink too...
Jenny's Cafe Bar
This has been a nice little eatery for breakfast, and Jenny who is from Australia tells me about the local town as well as introduces me to the orphanage which I decide to visit...on my own (with no tour group). I write about that below.
Oh...and on the rare occasion that I amable to, I have an english breakfast at Jenny's. Reminds me of home.
My Son Temple Ruins
The My Son temple ruins are hindu temples in Vietnam...built in the 6th century, or so I believe, they were severely damaged during the bombing in 1969 during what the Vietnamese call the American War. The ruins are a serene, peaceful place...and are situated in the jungle...which was an experience, walking through them. I meet Dan on this trip (he who played pool and joined J&N for a night out).
The Boat Trip along the River
At the end of the temple ruins visit, we are taken on a boat cruise on the river...we have a light lunch - not so impressive - and see life on the river, similar to what I have described above. We stop at a wood carving village and see some wood carving in action...very impressive...but I don't buy anything, though I did like these noodle bowls made out of wood. Woodle bowls...huh?
The trip to the Marble Mountains
This didn't happen as the monsoon rains poured down today. So I couldn't go. So I read a book...what else do you do when there's a tropical storm outside? Maybe net time...
The trip to the Orphanage
I'm still digesting this trip I made to the orphanage. I'll write more on this soon...'cos it has affected me a bit. Suffice to say, for now, that a child's smile is one of those things that can really affect you. It's the reason why I am not going to talk about it today. Maybe later...
I'll be back...
- Hoi An, Veitnam
- Kaiser Chiefs - I Predict A Riot
-
happy
