In Hoi An I decided to stay somewhere a little nicer. I chose the Salute Hotel & Villa. I paid $8 a night for a shared 2 person room, but most of the time I had the room to myself. The hotel was very nice and comfortable. It was nice to relax and have some space for a change. Traveling for months and living in dorm rooms can get old and tiring.
Quoc (the bell hop) took me out to a local restaurant for dinner, beer, and dessert one night. He then showed me the night market. He spoke very little english, but was super nice. Quoc offered to drive me to the bus station the day I left and made the other guests walk haha. I ended up forgetting my passport at the hotel that day (you have to leave it with reception when you check into places). I was on the bus for 20 minutes when I see Quoc speeding past the bus on his motorbike and pulling over at the next bus stop. He took my passport out of his pocket and qucikly handed it to me through the door as the bus was about to take off. I was in complete shock. First, I couldn’t believe I forgot my passport and second, I couldn’t believe he drove like a maniac after the bus to make sure I got my passport back. The staff at the hotel were amazing and I am so thankful! It was great meeting you guys!
I went for a bike ride to the beach and around town.
Stopped for a fried banana donut. it was delicious!
I met Fletcher (not his real name of course) and he took me to an island where I got to see how the locals made boats, mats and rice noodles. He also drove me around the city and introduced me to some new foods. He spoke very good english. He gives free tours for a local tour company.
The boats have eyes because they believe it protects them in the sea
I learned how to make mats. They are used mostly to sleep on.
I also learned how to make rice noodles
The city of Hoi An is magical at night. It is an old looking town and has lanterns lit up everywhere downtown.
