March 19, 2024

After a short time in Da Nang, I decided to return to a Vietnam that I remember. Hoi An is only a 50-minute ride away by bus from Da Nang, but a world of difference away in culture.

Hoi An maintains many traditions that you do not see in the larger Vietnamese cities. Chongae is quick to point out that many of these traditions (tasks) are carried out by women. I have to agree that throughout southeast Asia it is women that partake in many of the elements of commerce. Artisans, street vendors, shop owners and restaurants are all served by women. Yet, there appeared to be many men sitting about talking, smoking and drinking while woman do the majority of the work. Often times, very hard work as the women shown below carrying fruit on her back to sell.

One exception I did note was that the wooden carvings are done by men. I was told that this tradition was passed down from generation to generation from the father to the son, not to the daughter. I would also like to make a recommendation. If you are travelling, try to bring home a locally made gift. All too often I see travelers running to the nearest souvenir shop to buy something to bring home as a gift. In my opinion, plastic replicas of The Statue of Liberty and The Eifel Tower have no place in any decor. (My apologies if you have one of these items in your home.)

Throughout the many villages in Vietnam, you will see many temples just as you find churches in most American towns. I am respectful of all religions but there are some traditions in Vietnam I do not understand, just as I’m sure many Vietnamese may not understand my Christian traditions. It is not uncommon to find food items left on the temple altar that your ancestors may have liked while alive. It seems that one of the ancestors must have had a craving for moon pies.

I did notice that the box remained unopened.

I assume the ancestor may not have had the munches during the middle of the night!

Thanks for travelling with us…