Blogs from Hoi An, Quảng Nam, South Central Coast, Vietnam, Asia - page 7

The sleeper bus had one and only one drop off point in Hoi An, and it wasn't really "in" Hoi An. It was way out of town with only two transport options. Option 1 was to jump on the back of a scooter, option 2 was to walk. Option 2 was the only option for us. We were so far out of town even the map in the Lonely Planet didn't show where we were. We asked a security guard on the street which way to town (with out pointing in any direction, a lesson we learned in India, where locals were so keen to help they'd agree with you rather than correct you) in the slowest way possible. He gave us the right direction. Phew. We attempted hailing a few taxis but they were all ... read more

Our work in Hoi An October/November 2014 This is a blog past due! How wonderful it was to introduce Stoyan and his world-famous dimples to the workshop ladies. He was a hit! They can now feel settled that I have finally “found a man” and the endless questioning of “Why you no have husband” has ceased. This was a real concern for them over the past years. Although I should have known I was not off the hook. The next line of questioning continues with “Why you no have baby?” SIGH. But besides gobbling down all the amazing food and defending our childless world adventure, we had a much more serious mission in Vietnam. Stoyan and I agreed to donate our time 100% to Lifestart Foundation charity while we were in country, and boy were we ... read more

Hoi An is till now one of our favourite places in Vietnam, we enjoyed this UNESCO classified town a lot during our three night stay for its warm atmosphere. We loved walking through this charming town with his old quarters, houses, shops, street food, adorable temples and many coloured lanterns through the city streets. We liked a lot also Hoi An's market, which was our daily stop to savour a smoothie and at midday a nice pho soup at our usual little stand welcomed by a cute lady. Hoi An is also known as a shopping paradise that attracts tourist towards its wonderful souvenirs, handicrafts, antique pieces, silk materials and art paintings. We took the opportunity to let a dress and sandals be designed for us. Our hostel 'Mango Garden Homestay' gave us the possibility to ... read more

I’ve written numerous blogs about the real reason I love Hoi An - Lifestart Foundation, of course. However what is Hoi An without the delicious sweet and savory seductions? What fun it’s been to introduce Stoyan to all these wonderful treats. Now it’s time we give credit where credit is due! This One's For You Foodies! Top 5 Foods 1. Mì Quảng Breakfast Every morning we race our bikes to a secret little noodle stand. Here they serve only one thing – Mì Quảng. Originating from this area, the dish is served in a tasty golden broth that’s simmered with chicken bone, black pepper, shallot, garlic and lots of yummy herbs. A plate is placed next to your bowl, so you can add your own heaping amounts of fresh salad leaves, mint, and shredded banana flower. ... read more

We wake up to a drenched world. It has rained torrents overnight. This morning we are supposed to visit My Son, an ancient Cham religious site that was lost in the jungle for centuries before being rediscovered by the French. I was really looking forward to this excursion, but we find out after breakfast that the rains have caused flooding in that area and the site is basically under water. A disappointment, but travel itineraries are never guaranteed. Some of our group opt for for various alternative activities and tours, but Violet and I decide to spend the morning laying low, recuperating, and (for me) working on the accursed blog. About 11:00, we check out of our rooms and say goodbye to the resort, a most attractive location. We load everything on the bus and head ... read more