First Impressions of Vietnam

We’ve been in Hoi An, Vietnam for three days and I’m just able to collect my thoughts on this exotic world we’ve entered. After hearing about the country for many years in terms of war and politics, I wasn’t sure what to expect of the culture and its people, and what they would think of us as Americans. We decided to visit Hoi An first after reading of its charm and history, and I’m so glad it’s been our first stop. It was untouched by the war, right on the water and small enough to bike throughout.

The old town has beautiful yellow French-style architecture, cobblestone roads and smiling old Vietnamese women on every corner. Rice paddies and farmland are just over the bridge and we’ve enjoyed exploring small streets and observing life in this foreign but friendly place. The family who runs our B&B invited us to join them for a home-cooked meal the first night. It was the first of many encounters with kind and welcoming Vietnamese. We are won over by this lovely place.