Hoi An Day 1 and 2

Hello everybody,

I’m writing to you from a coffee shop across from my hostel in Hoi An. I’m going to try to give a brief summary of my life recently, but I am finding my thoughts a bit jumbled… so bear with me.

I flew into Da Nang Friday night and took a grab (the Asia version of Uber) about 45 minutes south to Hoi An. My hostel is incredible. A local family runs it. The woman, Hoi, at the check-in desk gave me a free beer (ya, I kinda started drinking beer here) and sat down with a map to run through all the things to do! So thoughtful. It’s a very homey, non-party hostel. They made a family dinner last night, and we played cards.

I’m finding that this hostel has a somewhat “older” dynamic, which I like. I had a public criminal defense lawyer from New Zealand in my room; talking to her was fascinating. Her name is also Lola, which I think is such a cute name.

Here is my new little friend group. At the table: Dutch, Italian, Spanish, Welsh (which I was excited about!! The first person from Wales I’ve met… also I spelled it Welch is the first version of my post but I was quickly corrected by Greig ), German, U.K., and Australian.

Okay, what have I done so far… let me think. Well, I got another pedicure with Lola. NEON ORANGE. Then I walked around the old town, which features historic architecture and many tailor shops. Hoi An is a trendy place to have clothing custom made. There are hundreds of tailor shops lining the road. Most people I’ve met have gotten something tailored. As for me, I think I’d rather save my money for experiences. But the dress suits do look pretty swanky.

When the day’s heat hit, I walked to the Réhan Gallery. Réhan, a French photographer, worked to capture portraits of all 54 different ethnic groups in their traditional costumes across Vietnam. For many groups, only one or two elders still know how to make the garments. Anyway, you guys will have to go because that’s the only way to really experience it. Anyone who wants to learn more can look up “Precious Heritage Project.” Highly recommend!

In the evening, I found myself down by the river at a nice little cocktail bar. I just sat there sippin’ a gin and tonic and reading my book. What a time!! It’s so great 😄😄

On the Grab app, you can request a motorbike instead of a car. I did that on the way home, hehe. Here’s me looking silly but safe… I mean, as much as you can be driving in Vietnam 😳.

Today, I woke up early to go to a cooking class! We began by going to the local market to buy ingredients. Our guide was amazing. She took the time to explain the significance of each herb. Personally, the meat section was my favorite. Rows and rows of slabs of raw meat, liver, brain, and tongue. Honestly, you all missed out!

We then had a side quest to ride on basket boats (see picture below). After researching why the boats are circular, I found that the exact origin isn’t known. The lore and widely accepted answer is that they were created out of necessity during the French colonial era. The French levied taxes on boats in Vietnam, and the fishermen couldn’t afford to pay. To get around it, they designed woven baskets that just so happened to function as boats. I think that’s pretty genius.

Now, they are used in Hoi An as a tourist attraction. We had a nice, mellow, and calming ride until we reached the “show” area. Here, men spin around in baskets really fast to Gangnam Style. Imagine being on a river, trapped, and hearing six different speakers blasting Gangnam Style at slightly different times over and over. Yeah, I thought I was going crazy!

After that adventure, we fished for blue crabs using bamboo rods. I almost caught one, but the little guy was too smart. He knew how to eat the bait while staying firmly planted to the base of a tree.

I also tried to row the boat, which, let me tell you, is not easy. The lady rowing us was fricking strong!

Next, it was time for the cooking! We started by learning how to make rice milk, which we then turned into homemade rice paper. I also learned how to make a yummy peanut dipping sauce.

Next was a rice pancake, a specialty in Hoi An. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was tasty.

Then, it was time for a beef noodle salad. I learned how to flambé the meat like a PRO!

Last was some Pho—no explanation needed.

So here’s the thing… if you want a fire Vietnamese dinner, hit me up. Chef Mahala is in for business!

I didn’t finish the blog earlier, so I’m adding my activities from tonight!

I took a lantern boat on the river with some Australians I met in the cooking class. This part of town is psycho-tourist at night. If you’re on land, you are herded into weird Mr. Bean bars (no, but see below; I’m serious), and people try to sell you Spider-Man toys that shoot guns—idk man.

The boat is a nice reprieve! It makes you feel like you’re in a movie—think Tangled.

Okay… I’m going to bed. Tomorrow at 9 a.m., I’m taking a lantern-making class and then heading back to the airport.

See you in Ho Chi Minh City,

Mahala

Also, I got a massage today, and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. It was so relaxing! I want to stay here forever😊.