Today as most of us decided to stay behind at the hotel this morning while the others went to “My Son”, we took the shuttle into Hôi An and had free time to wander around, which was fantastic as we could shop and look around without being rushed.
We all met up at noon for a nice Vietnamese lunch at Ngoc Tuyet at 41 Tran Hung Dao. The language is very difficult due to the multiple tones. However, a few expression are memorable and are likely to live on – Sin Chaw (greeting as in hello), Hoy Choy Yoy – OMG – Oh my God – constantly repeated by the guide LUC, another thing LUC called the toilet the “Happy Room”. It is also amusing that in shops, mainly the women run my stomach and say “Happy Buddha”! The firs time it happened I was quite surprised! The men say “Happy Buddha” and may tap. Most people in the country are slim and those of us that are not……. Being a Buddhist country and the effigies of the Happy Buddha show an obese person. So who knows whether I should be offended or pleased, just live with it and enjoy!
Anyway, after lunch we all walked to the river and boarded two boats to take the Da Vong River cruise for 1 1/2 hours to our hotel. It was amazing and the pictures incredible – fishing boats, the gorgeous scenery and an idilic warm day made it a fabulous experience. Hope the photos will attest to the trip. Although pictures, taken by Tachy of Judy and Roger will be attached, Tachy was also there but the sun was behind her so taking a picture would show a black hole.
Enjoy……
Roger & Anne Travels 