Hội An Ward
January 1 in Vietnam ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C
Anthony Bourdain famously said travel isn't always pretty, it isn't always comfortable. He was so right, I think, as I am sitting in on a definitely pretty patio. But comfortable, not so much. A kings banquet of a buffet breakfast is ours for the taking, but my stomach still says no. Sigh. Maybe by later.
ABBAs Happy New Year wafts around with the breeze this am, and we heard ABBA from numerous bars last night as well. Hoi An appears firmly in my Gen X musical preferences. But it hits almost jarringly, this blend of familiar and foreign: the juxtaposition of Christmas trees with palm trees, Mr Bean as a night club icon.
We are taking the day today to be where we are. There are many interesting and exciting attractions near us, but we are consciously trying to let that "We want to see it all" mentality go. So a slow stroll through the old town, a cappacino and tea on a rooftop bar balcony. Enjoying pushbike drivers politely, firmly, calling out "Beep, beep" to be let through growing crowds.
Time to rent a scooter, and drive the 5 km to the beach. An afternoon reading in the sun and a bit of wave surfing seems to be all I needed for recovery, as I finally left with an appetite!
The drive back was harrowing, as google was unaware of a night market we were not exactly allowed to drive through. But we made it. Vietnamese appear to take everything in stride. Slow drivers, fast ones, erratic ones, all are given equal right to be where they feel they need to. I wonder if our traffic might actually run better this way? Take away the arrogance, the need to be first, who knows.
So I did have 2 minor moments of not taking crap anymore today. In the old town daytime visit, a vendor had a rack of canvas bags with prints. And the one on the front was that ridiculous fake Trump "assassination" pic. I said hell no, crossed the street, and mixed it behind others. Hilariously the others were Putin and Kim Jong Il, so I guess the store sorted by category.
The other was the evening stroll. Across the wooden Japanese bridge, suddenly a pit lamp flood light! Seems what I believe was an Instagrammer was taking over the scene for a private photo shoot. People were respecting their "boundaries". Me not quite as much. I got my shot, and I think ruined a couple of theirs. Cest la vie.
Its possible I'm not done relaxing yet😂Read more