We were awoken at 7:00AM and were given time to pack our belongings and have breakfast. We arrived at Ho Chi Minh airport and checked our luggage. Our plane was delayed by almost two hours, so we had a long and boring wait before we boarded. Eventually we boarded and arrived in Hoi An at 3:00pm. The difference between Ho Chi Minh and Hoi An is interesting. Hoi An is a smaller city that is more contained, and historically heavily influenced by the French, whereas Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam that is more developed and urbanised. Hoi An’s city centre is quite small, and although it is a portion of the size of Ho Chi Minh, has its own unique array of colours and culture.
After checking into our hotel we handed in our dirty clothes that were in need of a wash after working in the village. Then, we ventured out into Hoi An for the first time and explored the shopping district. The streets were busy and filled with vibrant glowing lanterns. The unique spread of shops and restaurants created a chilled vibe.
Our tour guide, Sunny, took us to a tailor and most of us got some clothes tailored for ourselves. Hoi An has a long history behind it, including having a number of various industries and cultures shaping it; namely tailoring. Having the tailoring done was a very unique experience. The measuring and the design of the item being designed was very thorough. All of us can’t wait for the results tomorrow. Finally, we then were able to go and get some dinner. We all went to different restaurants, the food was good for the most part, however some of us were not pleased with our meals, as we may have realised that like some Vietnamese food can be bad in western countries, western food can be not so great here. After dinner we all headed back to our hotel and got ready for our bike rides tomorrow.
Jack B, Lucia W and Hayley C
P.S I bought a $150 Bob the builder shirt and it doesn’t fit. (Jokes) Mum, I got you one chopstick. – Jack B
P.P.S I’m shopping way too much, Paris, you’re gonna love what I got ya.. also mummy I wanted to buy a brick so badly – Lucia W
P.P.P.S The Converse are officially not coming home – Hayley C