Chapter 5.3 - Trip to Hoi An

20.2.

8:00 am

My alarm clock rings. First, I'm heading to the buffet. No baguette today, but something like small pancakes instead. Everything else is the same as yesterday. Pho, fried egg, a bit of toast, and watermelon. I'll skip the jam this time. It tasted like gum and had the same consistency...

After breakfast, I go back to my room to do some work, prepare for the trip, and maybe take a nap. Before I head to Hoi An today, I'll try to book a bus to Phong Nha, my next destination, at the reception.

12:14 pm

I've booked my bus ride for tomorrow. Also got a room. Now I'm going to buy some water and then I'm off to Hoi An. It's about a 40-minute ride on the scooter. Let's go!

2:01 pm

The Easy Rider has arrived. It was almost a straight road.

I'm now sitting in the Old Town of Hoi An. I found a restaurant by the water and ordered grilled fish with mushroom sauce. After eating, I'll take a walk through the small town. Let's see what I discover. Having a Caffee Sua for now.

I'm already thinking about my cloud. If I had one wish right now, it would be here 😩

I have to admit that there are so many Europeans in Hoi An. It's kind of annoying. I'm curious to see how the city looks when the sun sets. I'm also considering watching a theater play.

Wow, the fish was really delicious. Another coffee for now. I still have 3 hours until sunset at 5:53 pm. Feeling happy and satisfied, I watch the bustling streets.

Many of the tourists are riding bicycles. And the Asian tourists are being driven in tricycles.

4:12 pm

I'm screwed. My motorcycle is gone. I parked it by the riverbank and didn't know that parking is not allowed after 3 pm. While searching for the bike, I talk to many people. I walk through the alleys. I imagine what will happen if I don't find it. Damn it. I hope I find it back before sunset...

5:16 pm

I've found the scooter again. A seller called a man who took me to the 'impound lot.' As a thank you, I gave him 40k. The fine is 100k. Lesson learned: Never park directly by the riverbank in Hoi An after 3 pm! I need a coffee first.

6:07 pm

The sun has set. I'm sitting by the riverbank in Hoi An, marveling at the lights of the thousand lanterns. It's getting really cozy. Soon I have to go back to Da Nang. I don't feel like the 40-minute ride, but I'm looking forward to the seafood restaurant. Tonight, I'll try the mussels.

The stress of searching for my scooter fades away. I just passed by the Lunar Theater. I don't think there is a show right now since it's pretty dark. I'll definitely go there next time.

8:10 pm

I'm back in Da Nang. Once again at the seafood restaurant. There are octopuses and mussels. No rice today ;) The 40-minute ride was windy and cold. Now I'm hungry.

9:30 pm

Back at the hotel. Wow, today was a day with ups and downs. It was quite exciting. I enjoyed my dinner. Three plates of the finest seafood for 256k. 10€... Funny, right? I'm going to take a shower now, and then the last day in the more expensive Da Nang will be over. Tomorrow morning, I'll have breakfast at the buffet again and then head to the bus station towards Phong Nha. I hope you're doing well

Kisses 😘