Hoi An - Ho Chi Minh City

Now we have traveled for 2/3 of the time we have allocated - it feels like much longer with all the impressions and experiences we have already gathered in our backpacks.

On our last evening in the fantastic Hoi An, we went into the old town - it has to be experienced with lights and lanterns on the water, as we have read. And I was supposed to have my final fitting with the tailor. There were many - I mean a lot - who had the exact same idea 🙈 We almost had to push our way through the crowds to get down to the river, where we had agreed to take a boat ride. However, it was easy to find someone willing to sell tickets - they were very persistent.

But the boat trip was quite lovely with magical lights in lanterns on the water. Afterwards, we embarked on the hunt for a dinner, but again - wow, there were so many people!! In the end, we looked at each other, turned around, and found a taxi. So we ended up once again at 'our' restaurant on the beach and had their fantastic fried fish, etc.

On the last morning, Allan and I woke up early and went down for a morning swim. Earlier, we had spoken with a Canadian staying at the same hotel, who mentioned something about activities on the beach in the morning, which we didn't quite understand. Therefore, we were somewhat surprised to see far more people on the beach at 5 in the morning than in the afternoon.

The locals were already there, fully engaged in morning exercises, swimming, and playing soccer. Many jogged along the beach, and some just sat quietly meditating. Everyone seemed to know each other and greeted each other with good morning - even to us, the only foreigners in sight. One man was setting up a frame for a tarp, and shortly after, one of the coconut boats came in with a catch. Everyone helped to drag the boat ashore.

After 1-1.5 hours, everything was over - everyone went their separate ways to go to work. A lovely experience that we will never forget.

We had packed the backpack and prepared for an 18-hour train journey to Saigon. We had booked a cabin with four bunk beds so we could get a night's sleep on the way. It was a bit melancholic to sit and wait for the taxi, as we know that it is very unlikely that we will come to Hoi An again.

The train arrived on time, and the compartment turned out to be a bit higher than we had expected. Not much space, but clean and neat. Even the restrooms were nicer than those in the carriages with soft seats.

We passed through very varied nature as we moved further south. But everywhere there was a lushness that obviously comes with so much water. Water in abundance everywhere - in rivers, ponds, and rice fields.

There was no dining car with the train this time, but dinner was sold from a cart that rolled through the train - rice, chicken, and steamed cabbage sprinkled with peanuts. Chicken skewers were also an option. Along with that, water, beer, or soda. Not a gastronomic masterpiece, but we got full.

We surprisingly slept well, except for Allan, who went on adventures in the train several times during the night. He also woke me up at 5, where we walked through several sleeping carriages to a soft-seat carriage, where we sat and watched the light break - a fantastic experience! It is truly a beautiful country!!

In several places, we passed by large wind farms - now we understand better why one of the first locals we talked to in Hanoi said windmills when we told him where we come from. There are really many, but they don't seem to generate much energy in the still heat. On the other hand, the gigantic solar power plants make a lot of sense, even though they are one of my favorite aversions. So grim, so ugly in the landscape - both here and back home !!

Suddenly, we were nearing the end of the road. The city slowly appeared outside the train windows, and the train arrived on time, almost to the minute. Kind of thought-provoking when you think about all the modern equipment that the railway network has, and yet it doesn't run optimally. Yes, I know there are more departures, etc., but it's fun to compare 😁😜😘