Hoi An and the fun train trip

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Headed up to Hoi An via Danang by train. A nice 11 hour trip that Michael said would be fine by soft seats as it left at midnight. A crowded Vietnamese train is not my idea of fun.  Then a woman had a nightmare and her screaming woke up the whole train and the guards had to settle her down. The Vietnamese guy behind started laughing maniacally as if it were a scene from Flying High and he was waiting for the passengers to line up and slap her. Michael just said she had a nightmare and went back to sleep and next thing the guards are back looking for something in her area with a torch.  Needless to say I didn’t get any sleep that night.

The trip continued and then at 4:00 am the train stopped and a septuagenarian woman came through the train selling coffee and fried chicken. She took a shine to Michael asking if he was married and he pointed to me. She then turned around and said that she was lonely and that Michael should come with her and be her husband.  Michael was tempted by the fried chicken, the whole carriage thought it was hilarious and I was not impressed.

Taxi to our Hotel Vinh Hung 3 Hoi An from Danang. It also has a pool on the roof that the locals talk about. The city is lovely and was settled by the Chinese centuries ago and they have keep the place as original as possible. The streets and architecture are nice to walk around and the vendors are not so determined as the other cities. Most people cycle here, so walking around is much nicer. At night they close the streets off to traffic which adds to the enjoyment of the town. Another Chinese festival is coming up and children are on every street corner practicing their dragon dances with drums and dragon costumes that we see at Chinese New Year.

Tim, we again solved a developing world problem with a first world solution and had tea at Streets Restaurant, an organisation to help street kids get work. Had a very nice meal and friendly staff.

Michael went of diving to Cham Island as it was the last day of the diving season as a tropical depression was moving through. He said the dive was ok, but affected by the overcast day and current, plus the water was a bit cold at 27c.

 

Headed off to My Son today, a Cham Temple similar to Angkor Wat, but on a much smaller scale. The rain was really coming down, but cleared when we got on the bus. Interesting site and can see where the cross influences of the Khmer style come in. The guide kindly told us (numerous times) a lot of sites were destroyed by the US in the American War on Vietnam in 1968. 

Will spend tomorrow relaxing and exploring Hoi An.  Then we will watch Hawthorn win the Grand Final on Saturday and then onto Hanoi.

Lindsay, in regards to your comments, Michael says that Dave O’Neil suggested they both go to Vietnam and would be treated as gods. So this is part of the mystery for them.

Thank you Melinda for your note, we were not sure if the game had finished at the time you sent it.