Hoi An Memories

In 2009/10, I went on a trip to Vietnam with friends. We spent New Year 2010 travelling around the southern part of the country, stopping off in Ho Chi Min City, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne. It was just a fabulous trip, with beautiful weather, friendly people, and tasty food!

Our favourite part of the trip was our short 4 day stay in Hoi An, the most enticing little place stacked to the gunnels with buzz and bikes and tailor shops! In fact, I fully agree with the Lonely Planet’s description of it,

“Graceful, historic Hoi An is Vietnam’s most atmospheric and delightful town”.

As bustling, chaotic and overpowering as Hoi An could be, it was great to take in the special atmosphere. On one of the days we decided to spend a day at the beach, to unwind and relax. We decided to hire bikes (the cute ones with the basket on the front!) and join the thousands of others, haphazardly manoeuvring  their way along crowded roads, with seemingly no regard for logic or safety!

We made it, and I have to say I found it rather exhilarating!

We found ourselves a nice quiet spot on the quiet beach, and settled in the sun.  It was glorious, just looking out at the expanse of calm. Before long, my friends headed down to the water, and me being reticent when it comes to powerful waves, decided to hang back and take some photos.

Of the photos I took on the trip, this one was my favourite, as it just represents a lovely moment in time.

A few years later, my friends got married, and I decided to paint this photo and give it to them as a wedding gift, as it was full of lovely memories of a marvelous trip together.

The painting turned out well, and I’m delighted that 6 years on, it has been hanging in their old house and recently made its way to their new house too! I do love seeing it when I visit them as it’s always a nice reminder of our trip to Vietnam.