By: Matt and Jordan
Our day began with a four hour bus ride from Hue to Hoi An, including two major stops; one being a limestone mountain lookout, and the other a short mountain trek up to our awaiting lunch atop Marble Mountain. After finishing the picturesque ocean drive along the coast, we arrived in Hoi An, our destination for the next 3 nights. A brisk walk was undertaken in the markets after all our luggage was dropped at the hotel. The majority of the students in Vietnam Yellow went to a tailor shop and were fitted with custom-made outfits that they would be able to purchase cheaply. We were overwhelmed with the choices of materials and designs and felt very special with all the personalised attention. Afterwards, dinner was eaten at Lantern Town, an aptly named restaurant for the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. Another short shopping spree occurred directly after dinner where more banana-print bucket hats were purchased, followed by a relaxing stroll back to the hotel.
The French have had a massive impact in Vietnam, and this is obvious in Hoi An, especially through the colour and architecture demonstrated throughout the entirety of the area. The landscapes and infrastructures certainly stand out among the other cities we have visited and it’s no wonder it is a UNESCO world heritage town.
Although many of us are getting a bit home sick, we are thoroughly enjoying the opportunities we have to explore new towns and learn from a new culture. We are growing as individuals every day and are always looking forward to the new adventures that await us tomorrow!
