Happy New Year from Hoi An

Well, it's been a journey in many aspects to get here!

I ended up missing out on Ho Chi Minh entirely, when I was awakened in the middle of the night with an acute stomach bug. We were due to check out before our sleeper train to Hoi An that evening, but I was too weak to even think of doing anything. The hotel found us another tiny room I could stay in until time to leave for the train.

So Brad explored a little bit, brought me back some medications, and my day passed in a blur. The hotel called a GRAB for us and we slowly, cautiously crept through traffic to the train station. We had alloted a generous amount of time to get there early, but city traffic intervened. Edging a car through fleets of criss crossing motorcycles and random pedestrians, not to mention the frequency of other cars coming straight at you from any and all sides - is a process that takes time!

Once there, we jumped out, and inside the train station were directed to the "VIP" lounge. For about a dollar, you get a seat and a bottle of water and notification when your train is due. And there's no choice, the door to the platform is securely locked.

When Brad goes to pay the 20,000 dong charge: horror! His wallet has been left in the GRAB car! Nothing can be done, the train is loading for departure.

So we board our little compartment, which ends up being just us in it. And start trying to notify banks etc. I try emailing the hotel thinking they may have a record of the car. In a very short time, I receive a message from the hotel, the driver has returned the wallet to them! Faith in humanity restored, massive relief.

Im still listless, tired. Dehydration is no joke, and I sleep the majority of our 935 km, 16 hour journey.

So here we are in Hoi An, New Years Eve. The town is busy, vibrant, and more colorful in person than I can believe. The iconic lanterns decorate everything in all sizes, and are lit up, floating on boats down the river. I'm glad we have at least 3 days here. I'm not quite bounced back enough to do much, but I'm sure I'll start 2026 with new energy!Read more