Learning How They Live Life in Hoi An

A few days ago we took a bike tour around Hoi An. Our guide was practicing her English. First, we took a ferry to an island. We rode around the corner to a place where they were making boats. I learned that the boats have eyes painted on them for three reasons: 1. to tell which side is the front, 2. the eyes watch out for danger and 3. to help the fisherman see the fish.

Next, we went to a little house where the mother and daughter were making straw mats. I got to try putting the straw on the loom and attaching it to the mat.

Then, we went to a family temple. I learned that there are five steps to climb up to the front because of the circle of life. The five steps stand for birth, aging, sickness, death, and rebirth.

Next, we went to a house that made rice paper and noodles. They grind the rice into milk and pour it onto a hot pan to make a pancake. Then the pancakes are cut into noodles. I got to help make rice noodles!

I learned a lot about what Vietnamese people do for jobs and got to see where they live. It was fun riding all over the island on a bicycle and now we like to visit that island to explore. We really like Hoi An!