We had planned to spend three months in Hoi An, a lovely city in the middle of Vietnam but as our wish list grew of things we wanted to see, things kept getting stacked in before it; Cambodia, Angkor Wat, Saigon, Halong Bay, Sapa. In Danang we were loving the beach so much we debated about skipping Ho Ani all together, but reminded ourselves that seeing new things sometimes taking leaving things you love and we were glad we did.
Hoi An was a perfect end to our time in Vietnam. A little like Disney World, is a bit touristy but picture perfect and highlights that embraces the best of Vietnam. Colorful lanterns, quant old town full of bikes, wishing candles and a pleasant infusion of western treats like a good cappuccino and avocado toast that we had missed. We have become accustomed to no plans, and Vietnam made that easy with its friendly people paired with cheap and plentiful food and accommodations. We ended up staying in four different locations between the old town, beach and vegetable fields, with the final one on the beach being what Traverse thought was our most amazing accommodation of the year. We all were a little sad to leave. Somehow I thought three months would be a long time and I think back to when we first landed in Saigon, overwhelmed by the city, the noise, the chaos and how much has changed since that time.
Thank you Vietnam for showing us the meaning of resilience.
Thank you for welcoming us with open arms, changing the extraordinary into the ordinary.
We will be back.
Morning beauty